HomeCaliforniaSanta Clara › Santa Clara Kenpo Academy

Santa Clara Kenpo Academy

5 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Santa Clara, 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 santaclarakenpoacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 408-505-1067

Hours

Monday 6–9 pm
Tuesday 6–8 pm
Wednesday 6–7 pm
Thursday 6–9 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 9–11 am
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 Santa Clara Kenpo Academy, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 5 mentions

“Recommend for children/women/men of all ages, of any fitness level, regardless of having prior experience in martial arts or none whatsoever.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

👤 Private Lessons

“I felt like I got a personal training Muay Thai session.”

All dojos that run private lessons →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“The American kenpo system is the most well thought through method of learning self defense.”

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 Santa Clara Kenpo Academy — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥊 Kickboxing 2 mentions

“Had my first kickboxing there.”

Other dojos that also teach kickboxing →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“The American kenpo system is the most well thought through method of learning self defense.”

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 18 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 3 mentions

“Every instructor in this dojo is incredibly knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to both Kenpo Karate and just striking in general.”

friendly, respectful dojo 7 mentions

“It is a very family friendly environment that caters towards all abilities and ages .”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“My son loves taking classes here.”

traditional style & affiliation 8 mentions

“Every instructor in this dojo is incredibly knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to both Kenpo Karate and just striking in general.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 3 mentions

“She has been nothing but professional, and respectful to my boys.”

From the reviews

Trained here all of 2022. Every instructor in this dojo is incredibly knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to both Kenpo Karate and just striking in general. Making this probably one of the best karate schools in the state if not the country based on the instructor cadre alone. What they teach here works.

★★★★★ — Albert, Jun 2023

Have been attending classes in the evening for almost 2 years now to learn self-defense and I could not think of any activity I would enjoy nearly as much that helps students develop discipline, critical thinking, understanding body mechanics, and respect for self and others.

★★★★★ — Veronica, Aug 2025

My boys have been training with ms.Dee since the academy opened. She has been nothing but professional, and respectful to my boys. They started out as children and have now become young adults through her guidance and toudalige. My boys started out at 6 & 7 years old and started out as beginners and are now blue belts.

★★★★★ — Greg, Jan 2018

Santa Clara kenpo academy is a very traditional school with excellent teachers . It is a very family friendly environment that caters towards all abilities and ages . Come down and give it a shot during the week early evenings . I am sure you will be very intrigued with the dynamic array of instructors on staff .

★★★★★ — Pwince, Dec 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 18 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Santa Clara Kenpo Academy

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 Santa Clara Kenpo Academy

2000 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, CA95050

Get directions

More Karate dojos near Santa Clara

Shotokan West Karate

5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews

1840 Benton St, Santa Clara, CA

Karate dojo Beginners welcome Affiliated

under a mile away

Okaigan Karate

4.5 ★★★★★ 21 reviews

19664 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA

Karate dojo Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team Affiliated expert instruction from a great senseistrong kids programbuilds confidence, discipline & respect

3.5 miles away

Shotokan Karate of America, San Jose Dojo

5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews

110 Jackson St, San Jose, CA

Karate dojo Kids & teens Affiliated

3.5 miles away

All Karate dojos in Santa Clara, CA →

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.