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North Bay Kenpo

5 ★★★★★ 12 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Novato, California

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 northbaykempo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 415-444-0872

Hours

Monday 12–8 pm
Tuesday 12–8 pm
Wednesday 12–8 pm
Thursday 12–8 pm
Friday 12–8 pm
Saturday 9 am–3 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 North Bay Kenpo, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 8 mentions

“I have been a part of Sensei Jordan's dojo since I first brought my son, almost 10 years ago, to train with his friends.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“I was on the hunt for a martial arts studio that could teach me practical self defense and at North Bay Kenpo I get that and soooooo much more!”

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 North Bay Kenpo — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“I was on the hunt for a martial arts studio that could teach me practical self defense and at North Bay Kenpo I get that and soooooo much more!”

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 12 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 2 mentions

“Highly recommended, great senseis.”

friendly, respectful dojo 8 mentions

“Working with Sensei Jordan Penman, and the entire dojo family, has kept me focused on health and training in the face of job demands and other life pressures.”

traditional style & affiliation 5 mentions

“North Bay Kenpo has been amazing for my family!”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 3 mentions

“Working with Sensei Jordan Penman, and the entire dojo family, has kept me focused on health and training in the face of job demands and other life pressures.”

From the reviews

North Bay Kenpo has been amazing for my family! I was on the hunt for a martial arts studio that could teach me practical self defense and at North Bay Kenpo I get that and soooooo much more! Being a woman whom has been in some shady situations (not by choice), I have wanted to learn self defense for a long time.

★★★★★ — Marie, Apr 2026

I have been a part of Sensei Jordan's dojo since I first brought my son, almost 10 years ago, to train with his friends. Two years later, on a Father's Day special, I joined myself and haven't looked back.

★★★★★ — Nicholas, Oct 2025

Amazing sensei. Jordan has created something that has been such a huge influence on our lives. My kid has been working with this dojo for about 18 months. She’s gained so much confidence and sense of belonging. The entire group works with students of all ages, abilities and skills.

★★★★★ — Lorri, Jun 2026

I have been a part of this amazing community and family for 2 years now, and I have 0 complaints. Every instructor is friendly and will instantly make you feel at home. The other students are also very welcoming, and the new students get comfortable very quickly.

★★★★★ — Beckett, May 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 12 reviews →

Your first Karate class at North Bay Kenpo

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 North Bay Kenpo

7320 Redwood Blvd #C, Novato, CA94945

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.