HomeUtahSandy › Draper Kenpo Karate and Self Defense

Draper Kenpo Karate and Self Defense

5 ★★★★★ 35 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Sandy, Utah

Part of Kenpo / Kempo Karate

Karate dojo Affiliated Kids & teens Private lessons

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
  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule draperkenpo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (801) 810-5772

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 6–10 PM
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 6–10 PM
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 Draper Kenpo Karate and Self Defense, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 19 mentions

“The atmosphere is serious in that Gator respects everyone’s chance to learn but relaxed in that it’s still a place to joke around and have fun and Gator is amazing with the kids!”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🌀 Kata (Forms)

“One day we might focus on kata and sparring, and the next we’re refining techniques, practicing kicks, or working with bags and mitts.”

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🥊 Kumite / Sparring

“One day we might focus on kata and sparring, and the next we’re refining techniques, practicing kicks, or working with bags and mitts.”

All dojos that run kumite / sparring →

👤 Private Lessons

“I’ve been taking classes and private lessons at Draper Kenpo for the past year and a half, and I absolutely love it!”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

“You'll not only gain practical self-defense skills but also a sense of confidence and empowerment that filters into your daily life.”

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 Draper Kenpo Karate and Self Defense — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense

“You'll not only gain practical self-defense skills but also a sense of confidence and empowerment that filters into your daily life.”

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 35 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 10 mentions

“Gator is an incredible instructor, highly knowledgeable, patient, and always willing to accommodate your schedule.”

friendly, respectful dojo 6 mentions

“Gator is an amazing instructor and has become like part of our family.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 3 mentions

“He takes the time to walk through each combination/technique with you as many times as needed, and he’ll even stay after class to help if there's something you're struggling with.”

traditional style & affiliation 15 mentions

“I’ve been taking classes and private lessons at Draper Kenpo for the past year and a half, and I absolutely love it!”

💵 good value / fair pricing 3 mentions

“He is very structured, has an outstanding program and is very affordable considering the level of attention he provides each and every student.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 6 mentions

“The atmosphere is serious in that Gator respects everyone’s chance to learn but relaxed in that it’s still a place to joke around and have fun and Gator is amazing with the kids!”

From the reviews

Gator, the owner, Vance, Jim, and Cory teach the various styles of martial Arts. The dojo trains Kenpo, Jujitsu and Systema. I started going here 4 months ago, after completing school, looking for something active to do with my son.

★★★★★ — Carter, Oct 2018

All I have to say is if you’re going to do Kenpo when you’re in Utah! I feel especially if you’re in Draper! Gator Conley is one of the greatest Kenpo instructors around, and I totally believe in what he does! I know he loves kids, he helps them, and he makes everything better!

★★★★★ — Tyron, Mar 2019

Gator is great! I got my black belt under him. Most karate studios will have one low ranking black belt as an instructor. This is not the case at Draper Kenpo. It is not uncommon to add up all the stripes of the instructors and have over 20 degrees spread among 5 or more black belts totaling over 100 years of combined…

★★★★★ — John, Feb 2020

My husband and I drive all the way from Clearfield just to go to this school! The atmosphere is serious in that Gator respects everyone’s chance to learn but relaxed in that it’s still a place to joke around and have fun and Gator is amazing with the kids!

★★★★★ — Nova, Dec 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 35 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Draper Kenpo Karate and Self Defense

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 Draper Kenpo Karate and Self Defense

720 E 10600 S #4, Sandy, UT84094

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.