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Tommy Chavies' American Kenpo Concepts

5 ★★★★★ 28 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Monrovia, California

Part of Kenpo / Kempo Karate

Karate dojo Affiliated Beginners welcome 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

  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule americankenpoconcepts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 626-239-6255

Hours

Monday 3–8 pm
Tuesday 3–8 pm
Wednesday 3–8 pm
Thursday 3–8:30 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 10 am–2 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 Tommy Chavies' American Kenpo Concepts, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 10 mentions

“If you are looking for self defense training discipline and a good workout for yourself or your children, do not look any further.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 6 mentions

“Chavies and his black belts is the most I have have ever felt immersed in martial arts training, both for street self-defense and to learn the philosophy.”

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 Tommy Chavies' American Kenpo Concepts — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 6 mentions

“Chavies and his black belts is the most I have have ever felt immersed in martial arts training, both for street self-defense and to learn the philosophy.”

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 28 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 3 mentions

“Tran are the best instructors / mentors and have been doing this for a very long time.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“He took me from white belt to brown belt in American Kenpo.”

friendly, respectful dojo 5 mentions

“Chavvies’ American Kenpo has been a cornerstone of our family’s life for many years.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“This Place Is Great Place To Learn Effective Martial Arts Techniques That Will Work On The Street.”

traditional style & affiliation 36 mentions

“The new studio is great, the instructors are ALL true Kenpo practitioners who spend lots of time with new students helping them understand the system and find their way!”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 12 mentions

“Chavvies provides far more than just martial arts instruction; he instills deep discipline, respect, and confidence that carry over into every aspect of their lives.”

From the reviews

Mr Chavies is a lifelong, highly respected Instructor in the Art of Kenpo, trained under Grandmaster Ed Parker. He has trained countless amounts of students in the San Gabriel area. Mr Chavies is devoted to Kenpo and he is an exceptional Instructor for all ages.

★★★★★ — Henry, Mar 2026

Mr. Chavies has been our family karate instructor for about 30 years. Our 5 children grew up in the studio and would work out everyday after school. They were not bullied nor were they bullies. They all did varsity sports because karate got them in great shape. Now they are all professionals with graduate degrees.

★★★★★ — Michael, Mar 2026

I grew up attending kid's classes at Mr. Chavies' studio and it was a highlight of my childhood. Learning from him has been a gift and returning as an adult has unlocked more community, confidence, and joy!

★★★★★ — Eryca, Mar 2026

My kids went to Mr. Chavis years ago at their Arcadia location and loved it. Mr. Chavis and the teachers build confidence, skills and respect all while having fun! Love Mr Chavis, Henry & Stephen!

★★★★★ — Grace, Mar 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 28 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Tommy Chavies' American Kenpo Concepts

Tommy Chavies' American Kenpo Concepts 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 Tommy Chavies' American Kenpo Concepts

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 Tommy Chavies' American Kenpo Concepts

426 W Foothill Blvd, Monrovia, CA91016

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.