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MadCity Kenpo Self-Defense L.L.C.

5 ★★★★★ 30 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Madison, Alabama

Part of Kenpo / Kempo Karate

Karate dojo 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

  • 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 8–13) — 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
  • Weapons / kobudo traditional weapons (kobudo) classes — kata with the bo, sai, and nunchaku, taught with control and discipline
  • 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 madcityselfdefense.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (256) 600-0311

Hours

Monday 10 AM–9 PM
Tuesday 10 AM–9 PM
Wednesday 10 AM–9 PM
Thursday 10 AM–9 PM
Friday 10 AM–9 PM
Saturday 10 AM–6 PM
Sunday 10 AM–2 PM

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 MadCity Kenpo Self-Defense L.L.C., confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 5 mentions

“They offer a variety of amazing programs for adults, children, tailored to men and women of all age groups.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“My husband and I started at MadCity Kenpo a few months ago, not quite sure what to expect being first timer’s, and we have absolutely loved it!”

All dojos that run beginners →

🥊 Kumite / Sparring

“Once you get to join in on sparring its an extra layer of fun as well, and skill-building.”

All dojos that run kumite / sparring →

👤 Private Lessons 4 mentions

“I love private lessons because I have more scheduling flexibility and I can learn at my own pace.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 16 mentions

“I highly recommend Mad City Kenpo to anyone interested in learning martial arts, whether it’s for self defense, exercise, or philosophical reasons.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

⚔️ Weapons (Kobudo)

All dojos that run weapons (kobudo) →

🥋 Adult Karate

“They offer a variety of amazing programs for adults, children, tailored to men and women of all age groups.”

All dojos that run adult karate →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at MadCity Kenpo Self-Defense L.L.C. — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 15 mentions

“I highly recommend Mad City Kenpo to anyone interested in learning martial arts, whether it’s for self defense, exercise, or philosophical reasons.”

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 30 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 2 mentions

“Isaac and Gracie are both incredible instructors and the instruction is customized to you so that you are the most effective at self defense.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 5 mentions

“My husband and I started at MadCity Kenpo a few months ago, not quite sure what to expect being first timer’s, and we have absolutely loved it!”

friendly, respectful dojo 7 mentions

“It is a great family environment as well as a safe environment which is a plus for me since my wife and son attend there too.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 6 mentions

“Kenpo is by far the best form of self defense I've ever seen and the instructors here are easily some of the best I've come across.”

traditional style & affiliation 18 mentions

“My husband and I started at MadCity Kenpo a few months ago, not quite sure what to expect being first timer’s, and we have absolutely loved it!”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 4 mentions

“The training has not only been fun and engaging but has also given me more confidence in my ability to defend myself.”

From the reviews

MadCity is fantastic!!!! Myself, my wife, and one of our sons all go here. Isaac and Gracie are both incredible instructors and the instruction is customized to you so that you are the most effective at self defense. For myself, a 50 year old guy….thats important since I don’t move like I did in my twenties.

★★★★★ — Clint, Jan 2025

My husband and I started at MadCity Kenpo a few months ago, not quite sure what to expect being first timer’s, and we have absolutely loved it! The atmosphere is welcoming, and the instruction from both Issac and Grace is outstanding. They are professional, patient, and truly great at what they do.

★★★★★ — Roxanne, Feb 2025

My journey has landed me here; 600 miles from home. I have been searching a long time for my teacher. Issac has great patience and is helping me to discover - "The Warrior's Path". I respect all Marital Arts but I have found my "Way" in Kenpo. I look forward to each and every class.

★★★★★ — Michael, Feb 2024

I have so much fun learning new things. I am very confident after every practice, and I am learning more and more ways to protect myself in many situations. The instructors are very intelligent they not only teach you the moves but they teach you very well on why that move is effective.

★★★★★ — Ruby, Aug 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 30 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at MadCity Kenpo Self-Defense L.L.C.

MadCity Kenpo Self-Defense L.L.C. 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 MadCity Kenpo Self-Defense L.L.C.

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 MadCity Kenpo Self-Defense L.L.C.

30175 US-72 Bldg B, Madison, AL35756

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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.