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Bryan Hawkins Kenpo Karate

5 ★★★★★ 30 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Los Angeles, California

Part of Kenpo / Kempo Karate

Karate dojo Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens

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
  • 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 bryanhawkinskenpo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 310-313-3883

Hours

Monday 12–1 pm, 3–9 pm
Tuesday 3–9 pm
Wednesday 12–1 pm, 3–9 pm
Thursday 3–9 pm
Friday 12–1 pm, 3–9 pm
Saturday 9 am–3 pm
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, belt tests, and seminars — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Karate classes on the schedule at Bryan Hawkins Kenpo Karate, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 12 mentions

“The kids program starts at age four and will help your child gain confidence, poise, and perseverance, which translates seamlessly into other parts of their lives.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🌱 Beginners 4 mentions

“Grandmaster Bryan Hawkins is one of the best technical teachers of ANY martial arts for all levels, and THE BEST children's teacher I have ever seen.”

All dojos that run beginners →

🌀 Kata (Forms) 2 mentions

“The training blends practical self-defense techniques, traditional katas, and freestyle sparring in a way that feels both challenging and empowering.”

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🥊 Kumite / Sparring 2 mentions

“The training blends practical self-defense techniques, traditional katas, and freestyle sparring in a way that feels both challenging and empowering.”

All dojos that run kumite / sparring →

🛡️ Self-Defense 10 mentions

“Bryan Hawkins provides a nurturing environment for children and adults to learn effective ways of self defense with an emphasis on Environmental Awareness.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Bryan Hawkins Kenpo Karate — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 10 mentions

“Bryan Hawkins provides a nurturing environment for children and adults to learn effective ways of self defense with an emphasis on Environmental Awareness.”

Other dojos that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what students have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, or kickboxing alongside your Karate, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 30 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 6 mentions

“The knowledgeable instructors and dedicated students form a fun and supportive environment, as students of all ages learn self-defense and grappling.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 7 mentions

“Grandmaster Bryan Hawkins is one of the best technical teachers of ANY martial arts for all levels, and THE BEST children's teacher I have ever seen.”

friendly, respectful dojo 16 mentions

“In today's world, with rising crime and uncertainty, the study of martial provides a stronger environmental awareness to protect oneself, one's family and one's country.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 6 mentions

“The training blends practical self-defense techniques, traditional katas, and freestyle sparring in a way that feels both challenging and empowering.”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“The kids program starts at age four and will help your child gain confidence, poise, and perseverance, which translates seamlessly into other parts of their lives.”

traditional style & affiliation 24 mentions

“Bryan Hawkins Kenpo Karate is the best martial arts dojo to learn original Kenpo Karate that was developed by Grand Master Ed Parker.”

From the reviews

I have posted a review on yelp and have been training there nonstop since the 90s. Why? I learned as much about dedication freindship and family as I did about Kenpo and self defense. At every level instruction is available from white belt to advanced black belt. You never stop learning.

★★★★★ — Jesse, Jan 2024

Bryan Hawkins Kenpo Karate offers the complete martial arts experience. Preserving a direct lineage from Senior Grand Master Ed Parker, this comprehensive self-defense system leaves nothing out, including expert training in stand-up and ground fighting.

★★★★★ — Ross, Jan 2024

As a beginner at a late age, I had a great time today at my first class. The workout pushed me to go just beyond what I thought I could do and the instructor, Bryan Hawkins, as well as the other students were all very supportive while simultaneously pushing me to work hard mentally and physically.

★★★★★ — Karl, Feb 2019

Ive trained and studied at BHKK for over 25 years. Amazing, knowledgeable and caring instructors. Bryan Hawkins provides a nurturing environment for children and adults to learn effective ways of self defense with an emphasis on Environmental Awareness.

★★★★★ — Catherine, Jan 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 30 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Bryan Hawkins Kenpo Karate

Bryan Hawkins Kenpo Karate 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first Karate class at Bryan Hawkins Kenpo Karate

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.

Karate is a contact sport. Ease in, train within your limits, listen to your instructors, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Bryan Hawkins Kenpo Karate

12243 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA90066

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this dojo? Claim your listing — it's free.