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RI Self-Defense Center- Kenpo Kobudo Karate
5 ★★★★★ 29 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Johnston, Rhode Island
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 (ages 4–70) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's Karate classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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 riselfdefense.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 401-949-5600
Hours
| Monday | 4:20–9 pm |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 4:20–9 pm |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 10 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Ever since my kids have been going here since they've been small they've had a wonderful experience and they are well disciplined and have grown so much”
“They work in groups and one on one as each child needs.”
“Prior to enrolling my son at RI Self Defense, I conducted extensive research, including numerous phone calls and visits to other martial arts schools.”
Other martial arts here
“Prior to enrolling my son at RI Self Defense, I conducted extensive research, including numerous phone calls and visits to other martial arts schools.”
What students say
“The teaching staff is knowledgeable and friendly, being intimately familiar with the martial arts they teach.”
“Ever since my kids have been going here since they've been small they've had a wonderful experience and they are well disciplined and have grown so much”
From the reviews
I can't brag enough about RI Self Defense Center! I began taking self defense classes a few months ago and absolutely love it! The classes are direct and focused on learning the strategies/moves needed to defend myself in various situations.
Excellent instructors. They take their time and make sure your child is ready to move on. No hyper focus on "next belt" but rather a focus on mastery of the skill. They work in groups and one on one as each child needs. Mike always makes it fun for the kids in varying ways and has a fantastic animated personality.
My daughter has been going to karate class for about a month. She loves it! I feel it has increased her confidence in herself. The class is structured and fun at the same time. The students work in small groups and are able to get individualized instruction. Mike is awesome!
RI Self Defense Center is an amazing place tucked into the crossroads of several communities. The teaching staff is knowledgeable and friendly, being intimately familiar with the martial arts they teach.
New to Karate? Start at RI Self-Defense Center- Kenpo Kobudo Karate
RI Self-Defense Center- Kenpo Kobudo Karate 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 RI Self-Defense Center- Kenpo Kobudo Karate
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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