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Shaolin Kempo Studios

4.9 ★★★★★ 7 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Rockford, Illinois

Part of Kenpo / Kempo Karate

Karate dojo Affiliated Kids & teens

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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule shaolinstudio.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 815-847-0855

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 5:30–7:30 pm
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 5:30–7:30 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 10 am–12 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 Shaolin Kempo Studios, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 2 mentions

“Great place for learning martial arts and for kids.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Being in this art has lead me to complete my goals, fitness, self defense, discipline, etc.”

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 Shaolin Kempo Studios — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🏟️ MMA

“A bit more about Kempo, this is an original version of Mixed Martial Arts which includes the submission of Jujitsu, the explosive power of Karate do, and the Soft moves of Kung Fu.”

Other dojos that also teach mma →

🐉 Kung Fu

“A bit more about Kempo, this is an original version of Mixed Martial Arts which includes the submission of Jujitsu, the explosive power of Karate do, and the Soft moves of Kung Fu.”

Other dojos that also teach kung fu →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Being in this art has lead me to complete my goals, fitness, self defense, discipline, etc.”

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 7 Google reviews — in their own words.

friendly, respectful dojo 3 mentions

“Been in the studio for over 3 years, Hard work, Family oriented, really friendly staff who cares about you, your goals and your progress.”

From the reviews

Been in the studio for over 3 years, Hard work, Family oriented, really friendly staff who cares about you, your goals and your progress. Being in this art has lead me to complete my goals, fitness, self defense, discipline, etc.

★★★★★ — Ezri, Oct 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 7 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Shaolin Kempo Studios

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 Shaolin Kempo Studios

110 N 1st St, Rockford, IL61107

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.