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Desert Dragons Kenpo Karate

4.9 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Peoria, Arizona

Part of Kenpo / Kempo Karate

Karate dojo Affiliated 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

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule desertdragonsaz.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 623-670-7979

Hours

Monday 4–8 pm
Tuesday 4–8 pm
Wednesday 4–8 pm
Thursday 4–8 pm
Friday 4:30–6 pm
Saturday 8:30 am–2 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 Desert Dragons Kenpo Karate, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 14 mentions

“My 3 kids are all very different and he is able to find ways to inspire, challenge and excite them in different ways.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“A friend of mine went there for self defense classes.”

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 Desert Dragons Kenpo Karate — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense

“A friend of mine went there for self defense classes.”

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 16 Google reviews — in their own words.

friendly, respectful dojo 6 mentions

“We've been a Desert Dragons family for seven years now, and haven't regretted it at all.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“Both my children have loved their instructors and classes and have thrived here.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 4 mentions

“Important life values, stro ng empowerment principles, practical everday application and Most of all lead by a strong highly respected great leader in the Kenpo community.”

From the reviews

One of the best decisions we ever made for our child. Mr G. Is way more than an instructor. He is a role model .he practices what he preaches..He leads by example.... He turns kids with low self esteem into strong confident children who can defend themselves in any situation.

★★★★★ — Bobby, Oct 2022

My son spent 8 years studying with Mr. G. who is an incredible trainer and man. He is a great communicator with kids and adults, making the arts fun, yet disciplined. Without question, this is the best karate studio in the state.

★★★★★ — Vincent, Jul 2020

My children and I recently started studying with Desert Dragons studio. Mr G and his instructors are friendly and competent and excellent with children. I am continually impressed by the love for the art shown by the staff and the quiet dedication to lifelong learning that karate mastery requires.

★★★★★ — Nate, Jul 2019

Me. G is an amazing instructor and mentor. My 3 kids are all very different and he is able to find ways to inspire, challenge and excite them in different ways. My 2 girls know how to defend themselves and protect others!

★★★★★ — Amy, Nov 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 16 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Desert Dragons 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 Desert Dragons Kenpo Karate

9836 W Yearling Rd F-1360, Peoria, AZ85383

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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.