HomeTennesseeHendersonville › Universal Kempo-Karate Schools Hendersonville Branch

Universal Kempo-Karate Schools Hendersonville Branch

5 ★★★★★ 15 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Hendersonville, Tennessee

Part of Kenpo / Kempo Karate

Karate dojo 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

  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule hattorikempo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 615-873-0109

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 4:45–7:30 pm
Wednesday 4:45–6:30 pm
Thursday 12:30 am–1:30 pm
Friday 4:45–7:30 pm
Saturday 10:30–11:30 am
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 Universal Kempo-Karate Schools Hendersonville Branch, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 13 mentions

“In an age where many children struggle with social interactions and self-esteem, Universal Kempo in Hendersonville stands out as a beacon of hope and empowerment.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“First-time customer review.”

All dojos that run beginners →

👤 Private Lessons

“She also teaches kids and does private lessons.”

All dojos that run private lessons →

🛡️ Self-Defense 7 mentions

“The environment at Universal Kempo is not just about learning self-defense; it’s about building confidence and fostering a sense of belonging.”

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 Universal Kempo-Karate Schools Hendersonville Branch — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 7 mentions

“The environment at Universal Kempo is not just about learning self-defense; it’s about building confidence and fostering a sense of belonging.”

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 15 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 5 mentions

“Instructor Hiroko of Universal Kempo-Karate School, Hendersonville, Tennessee is a exemplary instructor that is dedicated to the martial art and the development of her students.”

friendly, respectful dojo 13 mentions

“If you are looking for a family friendly environment for your littles that instills confidence and self discipline this is the place to come.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“Classes are planned with each class serving as a building block for more advanced practice and techniques.”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“Instructor Hiroko and the entire Kempo family have helped our son gain confidence and life skills.”

traditional style & affiliation 11 mentions

“Instructor Hiroko of Universal Kempo-Karate School, Hendersonville, Tennessee is a exemplary instructor that is dedicated to the martial art and the development of her students.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 11 mentions

“In an age where many children struggle with social interactions and self-esteem, Universal Kempo in Hendersonville stands out as a beacon of hope and empowerment.”

From the reviews

In an age where many children struggle with social interactions and self-esteem, Universal Kempo in Hendersonville stands out as a beacon of hope and empowerment. Under the dedicated leadership of Hiroko, this martial arts school provides an invaluable resource for both kids and adults in our community.

★★★★★ — B, Nov 2025

Always Professional and skilled at her craft! We are very pleased with the junior class for our kid. If you are looking for a family friendly environment for your littles that instills confidence and self discipline this is the place to come. Our kid loves coming here and making friends!

★★★★★ — Sonya, Jan 2023

I cannot say enough good things about this establishment and it's owner! I met Hiroko through work, and instantly fell in love! She told me about her school and its mission and her passion about it drew me to want to give it a try!

★★★★★ — Shannon, Jun 2023

Instructor Hiroko of Universal Kempo-Karate School, Hendersonville, Tennessee is a exemplary instructor that is dedicated to the martial art and the development of her students. Classes are planned with each class serving as a building block for more advanced practice and techniques.

★★★★★ — Darryl, Mar 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 15 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Universal Kempo-Karate Schools Hendersonville Branch

Universal Kempo-Karate Schools Hendersonville Branch 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first Karate class at Universal Kempo-Karate Schools Hendersonville Branch

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 Universal Kempo-Karate Schools Hendersonville Branch

102 Glen Oak Blvd Ste 70, Hendersonville, TN37075

Get directions

More Karate dojos near Hendersonville

Keith Jones Karate

197 Imperial Blvd, Hendersonville, TN

Karate dojo

1.7 miles away

Blazier Martial Arts

5 ★★★★★ 23 reviews

300 Freehill Rd A, Hendersonville, TN

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

Ages 4–12

Karate dojo Free trial Kids & teens Competition team expert instruction from a great senseifriendly, respectful dojostrong kids program

1.8 miles away

Hendersonville Martial Arts

5 ★★★★★ 256 reviews

393 E Main St Ste 10 & 11, Hendersonville, TN

Karate dojo Kids & teens expert instruction from a great senseifriendly, respectful dojostrong technique, kata & fundamentals

1.8 miles away

All Karate dojos in Hendersonville, TN →

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.