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Kiyoshi Lim Kenpo Karate & BJJ
4.7 ★★★★★ 28 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Lakeside, California
Part of Kenpo / Kempo Karate
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
- 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
- Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule kiyoshikenpo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 619-558-4700
Hours
| Monday | 5–7 am, 4–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 5–7 am, 4–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 5–7 am, 4–8 pm |
| Thursday | 5–7 am, 4–8 pm |
| Friday | 5–7 am, 4–8 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Alex has a natural gift for working with children, balancing discipline with a genuine sense of mentorship.”
“The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and genuinely care about your progress, whether you’re a complete beginner or have experience.”
“Kiyoshi Kenpo and BJJ teaches not only great self defense techniques, they also teach self discipline which is invaluable for young kids to learn.”
Other martial arts here
“Kiyoshi Kenpo and BJJ teaches not only great self defense techniques, they also teach self discipline which is invaluable for young kids to learn.”
“Kiyoshi Kenpo and BJJ teaches not only great self defense techniques, they also teach self discipline which is invaluable for young kids to learn.”
What students say
“Great instructor (alex) .”
“This gym is very welcoming, the people are kind and all about education without the macho insecurities.”
“They offer a safe and clean environment to learn, and the friends we have all made over the years have become family.”
“Mikey or Alex never hesitates to answer any question I have, and I never leave frustrated that I didn't quite understand the technique because the instructor was too occupied.”
“We've witnessed a truly transformative journey at Kiyoshi Lim Kenpo Karate, where our son has blossomed over three incredible years.”
“We've witnessed a truly transformative journey at Kiyoshi Lim Kenpo Karate, where our son has blossomed over three incredible years.”
From the reviews
I couldn't be any more inpressed and enthralled with my girls' growth under mikey and the Lim Family dojo. I feel so much more at ease with my girls growing up in this crazy world. Mikey and his team don't get enough credit and exposure for their exceptional expertise.
I can’t communicate into words how amazing this dojo is. From the moment I walked in, the environment was welcoming, professional, and motivating. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and genuinely care about your progress, whether you’re a complete beginner or have experience.
Short version: awesome dojo! Come check it out if you’re interested. My family has been training here for a few years. As a hobbyist BJJ practitioner myself it’s been wonderful for my physical and mental fitness. Everyone is friendly and the competitive environment is wholesome and safe.
What an amazing place. I only attend the BJJ program and Chief Mikey is amazing. My ability, cardio and love for the game has grown so much so fast it’s crazy! This gym is very welcoming, the people are kind and all about education without the macho insecurities. I trust them with myself or my kid.
New to Karate? Start at Kiyoshi Lim Kenpo Karate & BJJ
Kiyoshi Lim Kenpo Karate & BJJ 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.
Your first Karate class at Kiyoshi Lim Kenpo Karate & BJJ
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.
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