HomeCaliforniaFresno › Willis Kempo Kung-Fu

Willis Kempo Kung-Fu

4.1 ★★★★☆ 9 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Fresno, California

Part of Kenpo / Kempo Karate

Karate dojo Affiliated 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

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule williskempo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (559) 252-8924

Hours

Monday 4–7 PM
Tuesday 4–7 PM
Wednesday 4–7 PM
Thursday 4–7 PM
Friday 4:30–6:45 PM
Saturday Closed
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 Willis Kempo Kung-Fu, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 2 mentions

“: Grandmaster Willis, :Is amazing; he has amazing heart & amazing personality especially when it comes to kids & adults.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 5 mentions

“: Whether you're, looking to do; just self defense or you want to enter competitions or just get in great physical shape this is the place for you.”

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 Willis Kempo Kung-Fu — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 5 mentions

“: Whether you're, looking to do; just self defense or you want to enter competitions or just get in great physical shape this is the place for you.”

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 9 Google reviews — in their own words.

friendly, respectful dojo 4 mentions

“: Grandmaster Willis, is built on friendliness/ discipline and structure he is also based on making you his family.”

active competition / tournament team 2 mentions

“: Whether you're, looking to do; just self defense or you want to enter competitions or just get in great physical shape this is the place for you.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 6 mentions

“: Grandmaster Willis, is built on friendliness/ discipline and structure he is also based on making you his family.”

From the reviews

I can't recommend this place enough. Grandmaster Jimmy Willis is a renowned martial artist and a great individual. Both professionally and personally. Whether you're looking to do just self defense or you want to enter competitions or just get in great shape this is the place for you.

★★★★★ — Robert, Apr 2019

Such a great school to go to. The people there are so nice. Everyone treats everyone like family. It Really is a good place to go to learn self defense and discipline.

★★★★★ — Alyssia, May 2017

Grandmaster Willis has always been good to me. Like a father figure. I was a student in the 90s and recently went back this past summer. Amazingly he remembered me from when I was there the first time. That shows that he cares about his students. I learned alot from Grandmaster.

★★★★★ — Dario, Nov 2021

This is a great place to learn the art of kajukenbo passed down from sijo emperado to grandmaster gaylord and now too my professor jimmy willis this is a great art great self defense and great atmosphere and great instructor. You must come here if you wanna be a warrior and champion in kajukenbo.

★★★★★ — Trivaughn, Feb 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 9 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Willis Kempo Kung-Fu

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 Willis Kempo Kung-Fu

1766 N Helm Ave #101, Fresno, CA93727

Get directions Facebook

More Karate dojos near Fresno

Clovis Karate

4.9 ★★★★★ 70 reviews

1445 Shaw Ave #118, Clovis, CA

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

Karate dojo Free trial Kids & teens friendly, respectful dojostrong technique, kata & fundamentalsstrong kids program

3.5 miles away

Glkenpo karate

5 ★★★★★ 21 reviews

2139 Shaw Ave, Clovis, CA

Karate dojo Kids & teens welcoming to beginnersfriendly, respectful dojotraditional style & affiliation

4.0 miles away

Mr C's Karate School-Shitoryu

5 ★★★★★ 7 reviews

1450 Tollhouse Rd #110, Clovis, CA

Karate dojo Kids & teens Affiliated expert instruction from a great senseibuilds confidence, discipline & respect

4.6 miles away

All Karate dojos in Fresno, CA →

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.