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Kempo Karate of Darien

5 ★★★★★ 29 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Darien, Connecticut

Part of Kenpo / Kempo Karate

Karate dojo Free trial 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

  • 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
  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule darienkaratefitness.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 203-309-5045

Hours

Monday 8:30 am–8 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am–8 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am–8 pm
Thursday 8:30 am–8 pm
Friday 8:30 am–8 pm
Saturday 10 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 Kempo Karate of Darien, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 31 mentions

“We’ve seen huge results in both of our kids across sports and extracurriculars — they are more patient and willing to embrace and learn from their mistakes.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Kempo Karate of Darien — 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 29 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 5 mentions

“Aside from his obvious martial arts talent, Sensei Nahan is incredibly patient and kind, while commanding respect and discipline from his students.”

friendly, respectful dojo 6 mentions

“Sensei Nahan teaches the kids to be respectful and kind while learning a new skill.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“I mean we are both complete, her technique with The Children is super good”

great workout & fitness 2 mentions
🧒 strong kids program 4 mentions

“My son has learned discipline in a great environment while building friendships and learning to push his body to the next level.”

traditional style & affiliation 18 mentions

“Kempo Academy really knows how to communicate with all ages to motivate and inspire at every skill level!”

From the reviews

My daughter has been a part of the Kempo Darien family since 2011. She used to watch Sensei Nahan teach his classes and one day he approached us and asked if she's interested. Long story short, she's now a Junior Black Belt!

★★★★★ — Cecilia, Oct 2016

They have helped my son with self-esteem. He's not afraid to speak up, and he loves who he is. He's taught discipline, and how to treat others, and to keep his hands to himself,also to find an adult of something escalates out of his control.

★★★★★ — Irma, Oct 2016

Senssei Nahan is a remarkably talented martial artist and instructor. He is intelligent, patient and has a wonderful sense of humor. His teaching reflects that he loves what he is doing.

★★★★★ — Denise, Aug 2020

Kempo Academy of Darien rocks! The kids love the training and direction they receive from the incredibly qualified instructors. The studio space itself is gorgeous...lots of windows, soothing colors, tasteful decor and a newly built-out bathroom with shower is really helpful for families on the go.

★★★★★ — Elizabeth, Jan 2017

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 29 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Kempo Karate of Darien

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 Kempo Karate of Darien

537 Post Rd, Darien, CT06820

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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.