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Universal Kempo Karate (Briargate)
4.9 ★★★★★ 113 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Colorado Springs, Colorado
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
- 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
- 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 coloradospringskidskarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 719-896-0593
Hours
| Monday | 4:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 4:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 10 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The lead instructor for the little ones, Brandon Johnson, has a gift teaching children, not just Martial Arts, but also life skills such as discipline, confidence, and respect.”
“Instructor Brandon does an amazing jobs with the pee-wees and always keeps them engaged and active.”
“My 10 year old daughter has gained a ton confidence from the one on one direction from instructors, and my 8 year old son is learning a lot of self discipline.”
“They are dedicated to teaching self-defense in a family-friendly environment, from youngsters to adults.”
“The adult class is longer and goes into more detail and for the students that want a real workout, they have the Black-belt Club on Saturdays .”
Other martial arts here
“They are dedicated to teaching self-defense in a family-friendly environment, from youngsters to adults.”
What students say
“Instructor Brandon does an amazing jobs with the pee-wees and always keeps them engaged and active.”
“My two boys have been attending Universal Kempo Karate at Briargate for about 6 months now and the Johnson Family has welcomed us with open arms.”
“The adult class is longer and goes into more detail and for the students that want a real workout, they have the Black-belt Club on Saturdays .”
“The instructors are great with kids and truly care about their success in the program.”
“My two boys have been attending Universal Kempo Karate at Briargate for about 6 months now and the Johnson Family has welcomed us with open arms.”
“The lead instructor for the little ones, Brandon Johnson, has a gift teaching children, not just Martial Arts, but also life skills such as discipline, confidence, and respect.”
From the reviews
Best in Colorado Springs. I was originally located in a different system, it was good. Just not as focused or family oriented. My son trains along side myself and our relationship since being with Universal Kempo has Skyrocketed. Both Professor Johnson's do a world class job at managing the School.
Our family has been going for almost 3 years now. We love the family atmosphere and the fact that we can choose which days and how many days to go each week. The instructors are very informative and teach well. I am able to move better each month.
I started my family going to Universal Kempo Karate School 3 years ago and we have been active students ever since. They have different classes for different age brackets. Instructor Brandon does an amazing jobs with the pee-wees and always keeps them engaged and active.
My two boys have been attending Universal Kempo Karate at Briargate for about 6 months now and the Johnson Family has welcomed us with open arms. The lead instructor for the little ones, Brandon Johnson, has a gift teaching children, not just Martial Arts, but also life skills such as discipline, confidence, and…
New to Karate? Start at Universal Kempo Karate (Briargate)
Universal Kempo Karate (Briargate) 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 Universal Kempo Karate (Briargate)
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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