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Shaolin Kempo Academy
4.8 ★★★★★ 45 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Branford, Connecticut
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 3–16) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- 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 learnkempo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 203-468-7287
Hours
| Monday | 8–9 am, 3–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 8–9 am, 3–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 8–9 am, 3–8 pm |
| Thursday | 8–9 am, 3–8 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 8 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son started training at Shaolin Kempo Academy and as in little as 1 month I see amazing transformation in my son's self-esteem, self confidence, and respect for others.”
“My sons confidence both emotionally and physically has noticeably increased since joining Master Ross’ Tiny Tigers class almost 2 years ago.”
“He’s always there for his students, whether to improve their Kata or offer advice about school or work.”
“After almost a year here I can say it is the first time that I don't have to talk myself into going to classes!”
Other martial arts here
“Both of my children took Kempo classes at Shaolin years ago and have returned to Shaolin as adults for both kickboxing and karate classes.”
“My son started training at Shaolin Kempo Academy and as in little as 1 month I see amazing transformation in my son's self-esteem, self confidence, and respect for others.”
What students say
“Master Ross is patient and funny, but he will make sure that everyone knows their place and is following three simple rules : respect , self control and self discipline.”
“The atmosphere is very welcoming and even if you are a newbie you are quickly comfortable as everyone is so nice and helpful including the other members.”
“The atmosphere is very welcoming and even if you are a newbie you are quickly comfortable as everyone is so nice and helpful including the other members.”
“Master Ross is an excellent teacher who has a fair but firm approach in teaching the techniques needed to master skills.”
“My son started training at Shaolin Kempo Academy and as in little as 1 month I see amazing transformation in my son's self-esteem, self confidence, and respect for others.”
“My son started training at Shaolin Kempo Academy and as in little as 1 month I see amazing transformation in my son's self-esteem, self confidence, and respect for others.”
From the reviews
There’s so many great things to say about Master Ross’ Shaolin Kempo Academy. My husband and I decided to join with our son since Master Ross makes it super convenient and has the kid and adult classes at the same time, since you’re learning the same material.
We’re happy we chose Shaolin Kempo Academy. Our daughter likes that she can learn at her own pace and not feeling like she is behind . Very lovely community for any age with lots of fun activities for parents and friends as well.
After almost a year here I can say it is the first time that I don't have to talk myself into going to classes! Taking the kickboxing classes here has been such a such a good experience, the workouts are always different and challenging. Master Ross is really knowledgeable and offers great instruction during classes.
I have been a student at Shaolin Kempo Academy for more than a year and a half now. I joined with my son and my wife joined a few days later. I can honestly say that I've never had a bad time in class since I started. Its an incredible workout and an amazing learning opportunity!
New to Karate? Start at Shaolin Kempo Academy
Shaolin Kempo Academy 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 Shaolin Kempo 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.
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