HomeOregonSalem › West Salem Shao-Lin Kempo

West Salem Shao-Lin Kempo

4.9 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Salem, Oregon

Part of Kenpo / Kempo Karate

Karate dojo Free trial Affiliated Kids & teens Weapons / kobudo

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
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes (ages 8–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Weapons / kobudo traditional weapons (kobudo) classes — kata with the bo, sai, and nunchaku, taught with control and discipline
  • 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 shao-linkempo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (503) 581-9775

Hours

Monday 9 AM–8 PM
Tuesday 3–8 PM
Wednesday 3–8 PM
Thursday 3–8 PM
Friday 9:30 AM–7 PM
Saturday 7 AM–1 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 West Salem Shao-Lin Kempo, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 2 mentions

“My son looks forward to going every week!”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“I started doing this art when I was 13 years old in 2009 and a Very remarkable place to learn self-defense and life changing for people of all ages.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

⚔️ Weapons (Kobudo)

All dojos that run weapons (kobudo) →

Other martial arts here

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

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“I started doing this art when I was 13 years old in 2009 and a Very remarkable place to learn self-defense and life changing for people of all ages.”

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 16 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 4 mentions

“Sandra and her instructor team are very knowledgeable and phenomenal teachers.”

friendly, respectful dojo 3 mentions

“They have also showed Me and My siblings how to be good people and have self control.”

traditional style & affiliation 3 mentions

“Our younger daughter has learned so much here, not just kempo techniques but also about self control and character.”

From the reviews

This is The Very Best Martial Arts School. You won't find a better more dedicated, knowledgeable, hardworking and honest team of Instructors than here at this Dojo. These are the Best Instructors I've ever studied under. Central Dojo in Independence is a very very very close second.

★★★★★ — Mrs., May 2024

I started doing this art when I was 13 years old in 2009 and a Very remarkable place to learn self-defense and life changing for people of all ages. Ms. Sandra and her instructor team are very knowledgeable and phenomenal teachers. Come and join us.

★★★★★ — Amy, Sep 2023

This place is amazing!!! Instructors are very great at their jobs! They will help push you to your goals and give you great advice that is useful for life. Me, My Mom, brother, and sister have been here since January and we’ve had so much fun!

★★★★★ — Jencarlos, Jul 2022

Our younger daughter has learned so much here, not just kempo techniques but also about self control and character. Highly recommend!

★★★★★ — Belle, Apr 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 16 reviews →

Your first Karate class at West Salem 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.

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 West Salem Shao-Lin Kempo

735 Edgewater St NW, Salem, OR97304

Get directions Facebook

More Karate dojos near Salem

South Salem Shao-Lin Kempo

4.2 ★★★★☆ 12 reviews

4555 Liberty Rd S Ste 420, Salem, OR

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

Karate dojo Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Weapons / kobudo Affiliated builds confidence, discipline & respect

3.7 miles away

Karate for Kids - South Salem

5 ★★★★★ 16 reviews

4564 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

Memberships around $99/mo Ages 4–12

Karate dojo Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team expert instruction from a great senseibuilds confidence, discipline & respect

3.9 miles away

Open Hand Kempo

5 ★★★★★ 21 reviews

800 NE 8th St Ste 100, McMinnville, OR

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

Karate dojo Free trial Kids & teens Affiliated traditional style & affiliationbuilds confidence, discipline & respect

19.8 miles away

All Karate dojos in Salem, OR →

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.