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Havasu Shao-Lin Kempo

5 ★★★★★ 24 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Part of Kenpo / Kempo Karate

Karate dojo Free trial Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Weapons / kobudo

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
  • 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
  • Women's classes dedicated women's Karate classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
  • 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
  • Weapons / kobudo traditional weapons (kobudo) classes — kata with the bo, sai, and nunchaku, taught with control and discipline
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule shao-linkempo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (928) 680-4121

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 3–8 PM
Wednesday 9 AM–12 PM, 3–8 PM
Thursday 10 AM–12 PM, 3–8 PM
Friday 10 AM–12 PM, 3–8 PM
Saturday 9 AM–1 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 Havasu Shao-Lin Kempo, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 6 mentions

“Our kids love this dojo - and as a family, we really appreciate the foundation they are helping us build!”

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🥊 Kumite / Sparring

“I get to part take in private lessons, group classes, sparring and tai chi.”

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👤 Private Lessons 2 mentions

“I get to part take in private lessons, group classes, sparring and tai chi.”

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⚔️ Weapons (Kobudo)

All dojos that run weapons (kobudo) →

Other martial arts here

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

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 24 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 5 mentions

“Great School, Great Instructor, I learn a priceless skill while having fun and getting into the best physical shape.”

🧒 strong kids program 4 mentions

“Our kids love this dojo - and as a family, we really appreciate the foundation they are helping us build!”

traditional style & affiliation 3 mentions

“Two and a half years ago I joined Havasu Shao-Lin Kempo at the age of 49 having no previous katate experience.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 5 mentions

“The dojo had changed my life and I can't say enough positive about Sensei Jacob and Sensei Jeremiah.”

From the reviews

Two and a half years ago I joined Havasu Shao-Lin Kempo at the age of 49 having no previous katate experience. Today, I am 52 and a green belt climbing the ladder to become an assistant instructor. The dojo had changed my life and I can't say enough positive about Sensei Jacob and Sensei Jeremiah.

★★★★★ — Christa, Nov 2023

I couldn't ask for a better place for my kids to learn martial arts, respect and self discipline. They have come a long way in such a short time. Thank you to all the instructors for all your help & efforts!

★★★★★ — Havasu, Jun 2017

My daughter, London loves to go to Havasu Shao-Lin Kempo! Not only has she learned so much physically but also mentally. The sensei instructors are the best.

★★★★★ — Julie, Jan 2024

I've been a student for a couple years now and have learned so much, not just in the arts, but in ways of seeing the world too (there's always more to see and learn, of course) They have helped me come out of my shell and over come so many obstacles in my life.

★★★★★ — Erica, Jun 2017

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 24 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Havasu Shao-Lin Kempo

Havasu Shao-Lin Kempo comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. 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 Havasu Shao-Lin 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 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 Havasu Shao-Lin Kempo

2127 McCulloch Blvd N, Lake Havasu City, AZ86403

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.