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Riederer's Kenpo Self-Defense Studio

4.9 ★★★★★ 58 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Tonawanda, New York

Part of Kenpo / Kempo Karate

Karate dojo Free trial 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

  • 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
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — 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
  • 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 kenpodefense.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 716-694-1600

Hours

Monday 5–9 pm
Tuesday 11 am–1 pm, 4–9 pm
Wednesday 5–9 pm
Thursday 11 am–1 pm, 4–9 pm
Friday 5–9 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 Riederer's Kenpo Self-Defense Studio, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 29 mentions

“I highly recommend this owner run and operated facility and their staff and thank them for their consistent dedication to our kids and community.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

Teens

“Our teen daughter enjoys coming and learning the techniques and skills that will benefit her we hope for a lifetime ,but in addition to that the people here are amazing!”

All dojos that run teens →

👤 Private Lessons

“The one-on-one attention they give to make sure he understands the correct posture and movements is outstanding.”

All dojos that run private lessons →

🛡️ Self-Defense 21 mentions

“When I enrolled my daughter at Riederer's Kenpo Self-Defense Studio I was so impressed by Chris and his staff I found myself joining as well.”

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 Riederer's Kenpo Self-Defense Studio — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 20 mentions

“When I enrolled my daughter at Riederer's Kenpo Self-Defense Studio I was so impressed by Chris and his staff I found myself joining as well.”

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 58 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 5 mentions

“If you're looking for a welcoming, supportive, and highly effective martial arts learning environment, you've found the right place.”

friendly, respectful dojo 17 mentions

“And if I needed help or someone to talk to people are there willing to help and listen any way possible Once you walk in the door you are apart of the Kenpo family.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 5 mentions

“Our teen daughter enjoys coming and learning the techniques and skills that will benefit her we hope for a lifetime ,but in addition to that the people here are amazing!”

🧒 strong kids program 6 mentions

“Our son is a sweet and very shy boy. The discipline and self confidence he has gained is remarkable.”

traditional style & affiliation 12 mentions

“And if I needed help or someone to talk to people are there willing to help and listen any way possible Once you walk in the door you are apart of the Kenpo family.”

💵 good value / fair pricing 3 mentions

“That alone would be worth it, but what is all the more impressive is how he can tailor his system to adults as well.”

From the reviews

My son has a disability and I had been looking for some time for a place for him to do some form of a martial art. I had hoped the exercises and skills would help his disability but I had been unable to find a place where he "fit in". Then I crossed paths with Riederer's Kenpo.

★★★★★ — Diane, Nov 2018

When I enrolled my daughter at Riederer's Kenpo Self-Defense Studio I was so impressed by Chris and his staff I found myself joining as well. We both enjoyed the non-intimidating and friendly atmosphere of the group classes. We've learned invaluable self-defense skills for real life situations.

★★★★★ — Dominic, Aug 2018

There is no commission or compensation for the following review. I am the Mother of a special needs child who has worked with various OT, PT, and SLP therapists from 2015 forward. This program combined with these therapies has given consistent and impressive life long gains.

★★★★★ — Amanda, Dec 2023

Our son is a sweet and very shy boy. The discipline and self confidence he has gained is remarkable. Sifu Chris is amazing. The way he is able to reach children is just incredible. That alone would be worth it, but what is all the more impressive is how he can tailor his system to adults as well.

★★★★★ — Christopher, May 2015

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 58 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Riederer's Kenpo Self-Defense Studio

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 Riederer's Kenpo Self-Defense Studio

2468 Niagara Falls Blvd, Tonawanda, NY14150

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.