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Shaolin Kempo Arts
4.8 ★★★★★ 19 Google reviews · Karate dojo in San Diego, California
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
- 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 carmelvalleykarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 858-335-1730
Hours
| Monday | 12–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 12–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12–8 pm |
| Thursday | 12–8 pm |
| Friday | 1–5:30 pm |
| Saturday | 11 am–3 pm |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
The classes they run
“We started with kickboxing for one adult and ended up with both adults and two kids taking lessons from Sensei Joey.”
“I took a women’s self defense class in March right before the pandemic/quarantine started.”
“Their twin teenager boys are junior counselors and sensei's assistants, and all the kids absolutely love them (I do too!”
“They will assist with private lessons if needed as well as postitive reinforcement from all of their knowledagable and more importantly friendly Sensei's.”
“I took a women’s self defense class in March right before the pandemic/quarantine started.”
Other martial arts here
“We started with kickboxing for one adult and ended up with both adults and two kids taking lessons from Sensei Joey.”
“My son has been taking lessons, both private and group classes, at Shaolin Kempo Arts, since May-2021.”
“I took a women’s self defense class in March right before the pandemic/quarantine started.”
What students say
“Sensei Joey (co-owner and headmaster) is an amazing instructor.”
“Respect, patience, compassion, humbleness, bravery, leadership, situational awareness in social encounters, genuine achievents from HARD work.”
“Most importantly, you learn how to use your voice and how to display a strong energy through your stance and walk.”
“My son has been taking lessons, both private and group classes, at Shaolin Kempo Arts, since May-2021.”
“Respect, patience, compassion, humbleness, bravery, leadership, situational awareness in social encounters, genuine achievents from HARD work.”
From the reviews
We have attended a birthday party here for 5 years old kid. It was so much fun and my kid enjoyed it. They are offering different activities during the birthday like jumping, swings, ball fights, and one of them engaged the parents which was fun.
My son has been taking lessons, both private and group classes, at Shaolin Kempo Arts, since May-2021. Sensei Joey (co-owner and headmaster) is an amazing instructor. His kind demeanor and joyful personality make the most shy littlest one feel at ease.
This place has changed my little girl for the better. Over the last two years she has developed strong atripubets that I know will help her later in life. Not just the Kempo, that’s a plus to this, her understanding of other life skills.
I took a women’s self defense class in March right before the pandemic/quarantine started. It was the perfect time bc as a result of gyms closing, I had to walk/run outside a lot, sometimes in empty trails when it’s dark. The class and training I received was truly life-changing!!!
Your first Karate class at Shaolin Kempo Arts
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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