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Desert Mountain Kenpo

5 ★★★★★ 29 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Tucson, Arizona

Part of Kenpo / Kempo Karate

Karate dojo Affiliated Kids & teens Competition team

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
  • Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule desertmountainkenpo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (520) 572-0996

Hours

Monday 3–8 PM
Tuesday 3–8 PM
Wednesday 3–8 PM
Thursday 3–8 PM
Friday 3–8 PM
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 Desert Mountain Kenpo, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 17 mentions

“We wish more kid activities would incorporate in valuable interaction and lessons along with the skill work like how Mr.”

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🐉 Little Dragons

“My little girl (4) has been a student for 3 months in the Little Dragons classes and I (34) have been a student in the adult classes for a month.”

All dojos that run little dragons →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“The self defense is only the the beginning.”

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 Mountain Kenpo — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense

“The self defense is only the the beginning.”

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 29 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 2 mentions

“K) is a great teacher for all ages, and we plan on being a part of the dojo family for a long time.”

friendly, respectful dojo 5 mentions

“K) is a great teacher for all ages, and we plan on being a part of the dojo family for a long time.”

active competition / tournament team 4 mentions

“He just had his first tournament and he did not receive a medal.”

traditional style & affiliation 4 mentions

“Desert Mountain Kenpo has been an ideal way for my grandson to learn to focus, get some exercise and learn martial arts.”

💵 good value / fair pricing 3 mentions

“K will teach you the art of Kenpo, self discipline, respect for others, all at a great rate.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 23 mentions

“Keschinger communicates in a caring manner with the younger students and teaches them honesty , courtesy, respect and discipline while maintaining a fun learning environment.”

From the reviews

Desert Mountain Kenpo is incredible! Mr. K is an excellent, knowledgeable, engaging and hilarious teacher. He finds the perfect balance of pushing his students towards excellence and making it fun in the process. Our son has been taking classes for a couple of years and still loves going every week. Mr.

★★★★★ — Devin, Jul 2024

Chase has learned so much in the first month he has been part of Akka Karate USA. Not only is he learning the moves, but he is learning life skills and I’m already seeing him use them in his interactions with his sister and us. He just had his first tournament and he did not receive a medal.

★★★★★ — Ashley, Mar 2021

My daughter and myself have joined Mr K class about 3 months ago. The best decision I have ever made!!!! My daughter has come out of her shell and is doing better with being social. I myself have always wanted to learn Karate sense I was a a little girl!

★★★★★ — Jennifer, Sep 2021

Both my children have been students here for years and they couldn't be happier! The self defense is only the the beginning. My autistic daughter couldn't stand still and focus when she started and now she is a blue belt, performing complicated techniques, competing in tournaments and smiling the whole time!

★★★★★ — Michelle, Jan 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 29 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Desert Mountain Kenpo

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 Mountain Kenpo

9725 N Thornydale Rd #149, Tucson, AZ85742

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.