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Kenpo Self Defense Studio, Inc.

4.9 ★★★★★ 17 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Oak Forest, Illinois

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 kenposchools.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 708-385-8800

Hours

Monday 4–9 pm
Tuesday 4–9 pm
Wednesday 4–9 pm
Thursday 4–7 pm
Friday 9 am–5 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 Kenpo Self Defense Studio, Inc., confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

👤 Private Lessons 2 mentions

“Every student is offered a 1 on 1 private lesson, and they work at the student's pace.”

All dojos that run private lessons →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“It is a great place to learn self-defense.”

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 Kenpo Self Defense Studio, Inc. — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense

“It is a great place to learn self-defense.”

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 17 Google reviews — in their own words.

friendly, respectful dojo 5 mentions

“Friendly , Knowledgeable and Family oriented.”

From the reviews

It is a great place to learn self-defense. The instructors are very understanding of any physical handicaps one may have and will work around them. Every student is offered a 1 on 1 private lesson, and they work at the student's pace. Every is treated with respect.

★★★★★ — Mike, Jul 2023

Me and my sons go to this schools love this place they have the best instructer and they work with you too they anyone looking to get back into martial arts should look in this schools you will not be sorry love this schools and the people they like a 2nd family

★★★★★ — Biggy, Oct 2020

After being out of the martial arts for 25 years I would drive past this place. Then one day I went into introductory classes and I never looked back. I have been there 7 months now and it has been the best decision. They are so patient and take the time to teach you and help you along.

★★★★☆ — Brian, Dec 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 17 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Kenpo Self Defense Studio, Inc.

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 Kenpo Self Defense Studio, Inc.

15546 S Cicero Ave, Oak Forest, IL60452

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.