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Thurston Shao-Lin Kempo
4.8 ★★★★★ 29 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Springfield, 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
- Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule shao-linkempo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (541) 510-1495
Hours
| Monday | 3–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 3–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–1 PM, 2:30–8 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–1 PM, 2:30–8 PM |
| Friday | 3–8 PM |
| Saturday | 7–11 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I would highly recommend without a doubt that everyone from kids to adults should train here!”
“One of the things that struck me immediately upon entering the dojo for the first time was the sense of community and camaraderie among the students and instructors.”
“Coming in as a young teen and pursuing martial arts through adult hood has been the most life changing decision I have ever made.”
“The instructors have helped me grow so much not only in my self-defense skills, but also as a person.”
Other martial arts here
“I have been training at Thurston Shaolin kempo for almost 7 years now, and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.”
“The instructors have helped me grow so much not only in my self-defense skills, but also as a person.”
What students say
“With the help of my amazing instructors I have been able to conquer my social anxiety and battle my depression.”
“Maria are excellent with their students; they make it easy to feel like you are part of their family.”
“I particularly appreciate the emphasis on safety and proper technique, which makes me feel confident that I was learning in a way that was both effective and safe.”
“If you are looking at self improvement and great exercise, come down and take a lesson.”
“I have been training at Thurston Shaolin kempo for almost 7 years now, and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.”
“It has boosted my confidence, reduced my stress level, and is helping control my anger issues.”
From the reviews
My daughter and I are current students and have loved our experiences with this dojo. Mr Mike and Ms Maria are wonderful instructors. One of my favorite aspects is the sense of community among the students and families!
One of the things that struck me immediately upon entering the dojo for the first time was the sense of community and camaraderie among the students and instructors. There was a real sense of mutual respect and support. The instructors themselves are top-notch.
Learning martial arts at Thurston Shao-Lin has without a doubt made me a better person. With the help of my amazing instructors I have been able to conquer my social anxiety and battle my depression. I still have bad days but whenever I walk into the dojo they meet me where I am.
My two kids and I have been students for 5 years. They hold high expectations for their instructors as well as their students. This is a self defense martial art, teaching discipline and self control. The integrity of the owners of this location and the entire organization is to be commended.
New to Karate? Start at Thurston Shao-Lin Kempo
Thurston 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 Thurston 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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