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Champaign-Urbana Kempo

5 ★★★★★ 3 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Champaign, Illinois

Part of Kenpo / Kempo Karate

Karate dojo Free trial Affiliated

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

  • Free trial / intro class most dojos welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule cukempo.com — book classes and see the live schedule

Hours

Monday 6:30–8:30 PM
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 6:30–8:30 PM
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
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 Champaign-Urbana Kempo, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🛡️ Self-Defense

“I highly recommend coming here to lean self-defense.”

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 Champaign-Urbana Kempo — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense

“I highly recommend coming here to lean self-defense.”

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 3 Google reviews — in their own words.

great workout & fitness 2 mentions

“The instruction here is for a person that wants to defend themselves and their family, while getting some great exercise while increasing their flexibility, and mobility.”

From the reviews

Alan Creech @ CU Kempo. Is a very soft spoken patient person, who truly loves and understands his art. His attitude reflects the confidence he has in his martial arts ability.

★★★★★ — Ray, Apr 2023

Alan is a great and patient instructor. Chris is also great. I highly recommend coming here to lean self-defense.

★★★★★ — Sara, Oct 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 3 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Champaign-Urbana Kempo

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. 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 Champaign-Urbana Kempo

2212 N Market St, Champaign, IL61822

Get directions

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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.