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South Salem Shao-Lin Kempo
4.2 ★★★★☆ 12 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Salem, Oregon
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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Weapons / kobudo traditional weapons (kobudo) classes — kata with the bo, sai, and nunchaku, taught with control and discipline
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule shao-linkempo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (503) 589-1214
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 3–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 3–8 PM |
| Thursday | 3–8 PM |
| Friday | 9–11 AM, 3–8 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I really want to watch my kids test but I can't, there's no room to watch!”
“The perfect blend of discipline, self awareness and character building all combined with learning life long self defense skills.”
Other martial arts here
“The perfect blend of discipline, self awareness and character building all combined with learning life long self defense skills.”
What students say
“The perfect blend of discipline, self awareness and character building all combined with learning life long self defense skills.”
From the reviews
My son loves working with Mr. Ryan! He is knowledgeable and challenges the kids to be their best with just the right amount of fun. The perfect blend of discipline, self awareness and character building all combined with learning life long self defense skills.
Mr. Mike is a former marine and Oregon State police officer who really cares for his community. The lessons he teaches are on-point and practical for today's world. He is great at helping people lose weight, build self-confidence, and learn a skill that lasts a lifetime. You got to swing by and see what Mr.
Great school, great teachers, great skills! However, I wish they wouldn't do belt tests here. I really want to watch my kids test but I can't, there's no room to watch! I feel like I'm missing out on some big memories. They do them at various others schools, I don't know why they've decided to do it here.
I absolutely love the dojo. The people are great and so is the training. Simply the BEST.
New to Karate? Start at South Salem Shao-Lin Kempo
South Salem Shao-Lin Kempo 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 South Salem Shao-Lin Kempo
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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