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United Shaolin Kempo Karate

4.9 ★★★★★ 47 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Waltham, Massachusetts

Part of Kenpo / Kempo Karate

Karate dojo Free trial Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team

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
  • Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule uskempokarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (781) 891-5991

Hours

Monday 4–9 PM
Tuesday 4–8 PM
Wednesday 4–9 PM
Thursday 4–8 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday 10 AM–1 PM

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 United Shaolin Kempo Karate, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 11 mentions

“We love it , it’s a really wonderful experience to be getting a work out, spending time with my son and having a great time with my instructors Paul and George .”

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Teens 2 mentions

“I first joined my junior year in high school, the memory and lessons learned helped me through many years.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 6 mentions

“Not only was I able to take away lessons in karate, ground fighting and self defense, I would leave each session with personal reflection and growth.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

🌱 Beginners

“Whether you're a complete beginner, or a seasoned pro, this is the best self-defense school in New England.”

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Other martial arts here

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

🐉 Kung Fu 7 mentions

“I have been training at United shaolin for years it has always been a second home to me everyone there is welcoming and caring no matter what your level of training.”

Other dojos that also teach kung fu →

🛡️ Self-Defense 6 mentions

“Not only was I able to take away lessons in karate, ground fighting and self defense, I would leave each session with personal reflection and growth.”

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 47 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 11 mentions

“Paul is an excellent role model, an amazing teacher and in my opinion one of the most genuine and humble men I have had the pleasure to learn from.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 6 mentions

“I have been training at United shaolin for years it has always been a second home to me everyone there is welcoming and caring no matter what your level of training.”

friendly, respectful dojo 15 mentions

“I have been training at United shaolin for years it has always been a second home to me everyone there is welcoming and caring no matter what your level of training.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 3 mentions

“Whether it was the basics or advanced techniques that were taught.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“This is a family-friendly atmosphere, and the instructor is great with kids & adults alike.”

traditional style & affiliation 10 mentions

“Paul is an amazing teacher, i highly recommend United shaolin kempo karate to anyone trying to advance in the self defense category.”

From the reviews

My Son has been going here for 7 years and I couldn't be happier with the training he receives. What I like best is there aren't participation trophies here, your kids or if you're an adult will earn your belt and actually learn the technique so they are true to their belt color.

★★★★★ — Thebostontrucker, Dec 2018

I have had the distinct pleasure of learning from Paul at the United Shaolin Kempo Karate Studio. Not only was I able to take away lessons in karate, ground fighting and self defense, I would leave each session with personal reflection and growth.

★★★★★ — Christopher, Dec 2018

Paul and George are great teachers. Paul is great with kids of all ages and adults. He teaches the Kempo which I started with my daughter. I was not really sure how long I would do it for. But with me being a personal trainer. I found it very advantageous for both me and my clients for me to continue to study it.

★★★★★ — Peter, Dec 2018

Paul is an amazing teacher, i highly recommend United shaolin kempo karate to anyone trying to advance in the self defense category. I first joined my junior year in high school, the memory and lessons learned helped me through many years.

★★★★★ — The, Dec 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 47 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at United Shaolin Kempo Karate

United Shaolin Kempo Karate 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first Karate class at United Shaolin Kempo Karate

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 United Shaolin Kempo Karate

Within The Waltham Athletic Club, 249 Lexington St, Waltham, MA02452

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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.