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Potomac Kempo - Kingstowne

4.9 ★★★★★ 61 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Alexandria, Virginia

Part of Kenpo / Kempo Karate

Karate dojo Affiliated Kids & teens Private lessons Competition team

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

  • Membership memberships around $200/mo — many dojos also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-student rates
  • 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
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule potomackempo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 703-206-8064

Hours

Monday 12–9 pm
Tuesday 3–9 pm
Wednesday 12–9 pm
Thursday 12–9 pm
Friday 9–11:30 am, 3–7 pm
Saturday 9 am–2 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 Potomac Kempo - Kingstowne, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 35 mentions

“My son has been taking martial arts classes at this Dojo for over 6 years and he simply loves it there and looks forward to every class.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

👤 Private Lessons 2 mentions

“I was fortunate today to have a one on one private session with Sensei Gary and it was very productive.”

All dojos that run private lessons →

Other martial arts here

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

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 61 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 5 mentions

“Our son is making great progress with Sensei Gary. He's the best!”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and supportive, and they create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that makes me feel at home.”

friendly, respectful dojo 18 mentions

“Senpai Fred graciously showed us around the dojo, and from that first visit, I knew this was exactly what my son needed—and what our whole family needed too.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“This journey is not merely about mastering techniques; it is about becoming a better version of myself.”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“Sensei Gary and Potomac Kempo have been instrumental in developing my son’s confidence and leadership skills for years.”

active competition / tournament team 2 mentions

“There are plenty of extra opportunities such as a tournament, specialty seminars, and even an amazing summer camp focused on learning about different cultures.”

From the reviews

I recently joined at this martial arts academy and I couldn't be happier with my experience. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and supportive, and they create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that makes me feel at home.

★★★★★ — Laura, Apr 2023

Sensei Gary and Potomac Kempo have been instrumental in developing my son’s confidence and leadership skills for years. We relocated to Fairfax and still drive every week to give our son this experience. We’ve always found that there was complete transparency on pricing and expectations of what is needed.

★★★★★ — Jaison, Sep 2024

Potomac kempo was recommended by the mother of a friend of my daughter, as a place where children learn karate and also where kids are also being prepared to be resilient and determined in life. The staff are welcoming and friendly , they get to know each child , their strength and also areas that can be developed .

★★★★★ — Gisela, Sep 2024

The best kempo dojo. Gary and his staff have helped raise three of our children into respectable successful young adults, ready to face any of life's challenges and humbly enjoy life’s brightest moments.

★★★★★ — Christian, Sep 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 61 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Potomac Kempo - Kingstowne

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 Potomac Kempo - Kingstowne

5958 Kingstowne Towne Ctr Ste 110, Alexandria, VA22315

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.