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The Academy of Kempo Martial Arts

4.9 ★★★★★ 76 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Federal Way, Washington

Part of Kenpo / Kempo Karate

Karate dojo Free trial Affiliated Beginners welcome 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

  • 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 2–12) — 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
  • 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 martialartswa.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (253) 941-8822

Hours

Monday 1–9 PM
Tuesday 1–9 PM
Wednesday 1–9 PM
Thursday 1–9 PM
Friday 1–9 PM
Saturday Closed
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 The Academy of Kempo Martial Arts, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 28 mentions

“My son was anxious for his first day but the instructors were very understanding and once he got started he was so excited and he can’t wait to go back!”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“They love it so much and are learning lifelong skills in not just self defense but also confidence and respect/ discipline etc.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

🥋 Adult Karate

“Me and my wife are in the adult class and we're learning a lot.”

All dojos that run adult karate →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at The Academy of Kempo Martial Arts — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“They love it so much and are learning lifelong skills in not just self defense but also confidence and respect/ 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 76 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 5 mentions

“Great Masters are managing this Academy, my son loves his classes and I am glad to sign him up here!”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 10 mentions

“After his first class he was so excited to go to the next class, he's sisters also started classes after him!”

friendly, respectful dojo 10 mentions

“This place has amazing energy, and the staff is so friendly and kind.”

🧒 strong kids program 5 mentions

“Great Masters are managing this Academy, my son loves his classes and I am glad to sign him up here!”

traditional style & affiliation 4 mentions

“I can't imagine how the children growing up in our new World reality will handle life without learning so much of what they are given the knowledge of through Academy of Kempo.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 17 mentions

“Academy of Kemp truely cares about every student and how they function outside of the Academy how their doing in school, home and are helping them respect themselfs & others.”

From the reviews

One of the Top Academy for Karate I've experienced. My Grandson started here at age 5 and now age 6.5 has gone from White Belt to Yellow Belt to Orange, and last night received his Purple Belt. He is learning LIFE SKILLS that will help him throughout his life time.

★★★★★ — Rmt, Sep 2023

Not just a school a family. Our kids now 9 and 15 have been attending the school for just over a year. The changes we have seen in them have been incredible. Just the boost in their self confidence alone has been amazing.

★★★★★ — Donald, Jan 2014

This is an amazing place. I took my son who is autistic to try out and he loved it. After his first class he was so excited to go to the next class, he's sisters also started classes after him!! This place has amazing energy, and the staff is so friendly and kind.

★★★★★ — Adriana, May 2023

Sending my sons to this karate school has been the best decision I have made for my kids in a long time. They love it so much and are learning lifelong skills in not just self defense but also confidence and respect/ discipline etc. The teachers are wonderful and they work with you where needed and truly care.

★★★★★ — Amanda, Dec 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 76 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at The Academy of Kempo Martial Arts

The Academy of Kempo Martial Arts comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and students’ reviews. 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first Karate class at The Academy of Kempo Martial 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.

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 The Academy of Kempo Martial Arts

1626 S 310th St B, Federal Way, WA98003

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.