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KenZen-Do Martial Arts

4.9 ★★★★★ 58 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Chevy Chase, Maryland

Beginners welcome Kids & teens

Plan your first class

  • 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 (ages 5–13) — 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 kenzendo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (202) 369-9910

Hours

Monday 12–8 PM
Tuesday 12–8 PM
Wednesday 12–8 PM
Thursday 12–8 PM
Friday 12–6 PM
Saturday 9:30 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 KenZen-Do Martial Arts, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 30 mentions

“My children have been students at KenZen Do for the past 10 years, and it has been one of the most positive and enriching experiences of their lives.”

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🥋 Adult Karate 2 mentions

“I highly recommend this program to any family looking to support their child’s physical, emotional, and personal development—and it’s equally rewarding for adults as well.”

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🌱 Beginners 3 mentions

“Great place, my son has participated for 4+ years and it is a great place to learn, grow, thrive and also listen (the first time).”

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🥊 Kumite / Sparring

“I've been learning to be strong, to be fast, but most importantly, to control myself during many occasions, especially at sparring.”

All dojos that run kumite / sparring →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at KenZen-Do Martial Arts — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🦵 Taekwondo

“We previously tried Tae Kwon Do at another studio and they hated it.”

Other dojos that also teach taekwondo →

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 58 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 4 mentions

“His innate ability to talk to kids at their level makes him the best teacher I’ve ever met.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“Great place, my son has participated for 4+ years and it is a great place to learn, grow, thrive and also listen (the first time).”

friendly, respectful dojo 5 mentions

“I highly recommend this program to any family looking to support their child’s physical, emotional, and personal development—and it’s equally rewarding for adults as well.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 3 mentions

“I was and I'm still able to work on harder techniques, day after day, things I wasn't even supposed to learn, all because of our fantastic instructor, Mr.”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“My sons are learning confidence, discipline, character (as well as karate) and are having a lot of fun doing so.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 21 mentions

“He and his staff consistently promote values like kindness, respect, and integrity, helping students grow not just as martial artists, but as compassionate, confident individuals.”

From the reviews

This is a Great place to lear Martial Arts in a safe and friendly environment, Mr Ricky the owner is great with the kids regarding the age or level he teaches with care and discipline!

★★★★★ — Daniel, Mar 2025

If you want your child to learn respect, discipline and confidence, look no further than KenZen Do. The facilities are top notch and especially safe during the pandemic. But what makes this place special, is Mr. Ricky. His ability to teach and connect is second to none.

★★★★★ — Holly, Sep 2020

Master Moji is excellent. I first signed up my two kids 5 and 6 years old. He has so much patience and so good with kids that I was very impressed. The studio is flawless. It was finished after COVID started so they implemented all the proper ventilation systems and made the place very safe.

★★★★★ — Ali, Sep 2020

Ricky is the BEST teacher I've ever seen, in any activity. His enthusiasm is infectious. He is encouraging and motivational, and the kids learn so much from him. And the studio is so beautiful. Ricky is the best in the business, hands-down. 100% recommend.

★★★★★ — Victoria, Feb 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 58 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at KenZen-Do Martial Arts

KenZen-Do Martial Arts 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first Karate class at KenZen-Do Martial Arts

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 KenZen-Do Martial Arts

5550 Friendship Blvd Ste T-80, Chevy Chase, MD20815

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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.