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Bob White's Kenpo Karate Studio
5 ★★★★★ 53 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Costa Mesa, California
Part of Kenpo / Kempo Karate
Affiliated dojo — reviews and the dojo's own info point to a recognized Karate style organization or franchise (think Shotokan/JKA, Kyokushin, Goju-Ryu, Isshinryu, Tiger Schulmann's or Villari's). If lineage matters to you, ask which style and organization the dojo belongs to, and under whom the head sensei earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's Karate classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Private lessons private, one-on-one instruction available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule bwkenpo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 714-381-8688
Hours
| Monday | 3–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 12–1 pm, 3–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 3–8 pm |
| Thursday | 12–1 pm, 5–8 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 8:30 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The variety of classes is outstanding--kids-only, adults of all levels, women's self-defense, private training, and even guest speakers.”
“The variety of classes is outstanding--kids-only, adults of all levels, women's self-defense, private training, and even guest speakers.”
“With knowledgeable instructors and students who are highly accomplished not only in self-defense, sparring, basics, and forms, but also in competitive martial arts.”
“The variety of classes is outstanding--kids-only, adults of all levels, women's self-defense, private training, and even guest speakers.”
“The variety of classes is outstanding--kids-only, adults of all levels, women's self-defense, private training, and even guest speakers.”
“With knowledgeable instructors and students who are highly accomplished not only in self-defense, sparring, basics, and forms, but also in competitive martial arts.”
Other martial arts here
“With knowledgeable instructors and students who are highly accomplished not only in self-defense, sparring, basics, and forms, but also in competitive martial arts.”
What students say
“Not only did I practice every facet of Kenpo, but I learned from a plethora of credible, welcoming, and patient instructors - some of which I still consider mentors to this day.”
“Not only did I practice every facet of Kenpo, but I learned from a plethora of credible, welcoming, and patient instructors - some of which I still consider mentors to this day.”
“Not only did I practice every facet of Kenpo, but I learned from a plethora of credible, welcoming, and patient instructors - some of which I still consider mentors to this day.”
“With knowledgeable instructors and students who are highly accomplished not only in self-defense, sparring, basics, and forms, but also in competitive martial arts.”
“Not only did I practice every facet of Kenpo, but I learned from a plethora of credible, welcoming, and patient instructors - some of which I still consider mentors to this day.”
“My favorite part is how they make students feel encouraged and supported, while still emphasizing discipline and good values.”
From the reviews
As a third-degree black belt who trained under Bob White for decades, I can confidently say that this studio is so much more than a place to learn martial arts — it’s a second home. Words truly can’t capture the depth of training, support, and community you’ll find here. The level of instruction is world-class.
Bob White Karate Studio is an exceptional place for learning martial arts. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the welcoming and positive energy. The instructors are not only incredibly skilled but also patient, encouraging, and passionate about teaching.
We have a sign on the wall of my dojo - EARN THE RIGHT TO BE PROUD AND CONFIDENT. That would be a mighty apt motto for BWKS - it is a place of challenge and respect. Theirs is a community that asks more of each student than they want give, to lead them to being the person they dream of being.
I've been at this studio since 2016 and I'm so thankful this is the studio where I started. I had no idea about the caliber of instructors and the integrity of the people at this studio. There is a culture of coaching at this school and it's contagious.
New to Karate? Start at Bob White's Kenpo Karate Studio
Bob White's Kenpo Karate Studio comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and students’ reviews. If you've never thrown a punch or set foot in a dojo, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and the sensei scales the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable dojos build fundamentals (stances, blocks, punches, and kicks) for weeks, and kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, with pads and control. Third, all levels and ages really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first Karate class at Bob White's Kenpo Karate Studio
Nervous about walking into a Karate dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and a good sensei expects beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic stances, blocks, punches, and kicks — not hard sparring. Step to the side whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot. What to bring: water, and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi and the belt your dojo awards you. Kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site