Karate classes in Los Angeles

Instructors:

• Kerry Ikehara — He is a 4th degree black belt in traditional Japanese karate. He has been a student of Grandmaster Tenzan Hirakawa (Kancho) of Tenshin-kai, Tenshin-ryu for over 25 years. In 1990, he received his black belt and was promoted to head instructor, certified to teach karate and taichi. Kerry has also studied hapkido, judo, jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai kickboxing, and kung fu. Presently, Kerry’s title is, “Branch Chief” (Shibucho). He teaches karate at Tenshin-kai Headquarters in Westchester, the Japanese Institute of Sawtelle in West Los Angeles, and Gardena Dance Studio in the South Bay area;
• Theo Camacho — He is Shinsei-Dojo’s Chief Instructor under Kerry Ikehara. He has over 9 years of martial arts experience and has been teaching kids and adult karate at Shinsei-Dojo for almost 2 years now. He is currently a full-time student at Cal State University Dominguez Hills as a Business Administration undergrad with an emphasis on Accounting.

The classes emphasize quality training in:

• kihon (basics);
• kata (forms);
• kumite (controlled sparring).

Groups:

• Kids (ages 5-11 years);
• Adults (ages 12 and up).

We specialize in training kids from ages 3 and up. Adults are welcome as well. Our studio is designed specifically to train karate and other martial arts. Our students are local and international competitors. These classes will not only make you stronger, and faster, but will also teach our students terminology in Japanese.

We offer 45 minute private lessons for kids with our instructor Renshi Akemi.

Renshi Akemi Mayeda began training with Grandmaster Tenzan Hirakawa of Tenshin-kai Taichi and Karate in 1990. She has a 4th degree black belt in karate. Her Axl Dojo Taichi branch was formed in 2004.

Richard Mesquita Martial specializes in Kenpo, a study of multiple martial arts, including karate and Chinese martial arts styles.

Instructors:

• Mr. Daniel Masterson;
• Mr. Kevin Shapiro.

Programs:

• Little Dragons meet once a week for ½ hour session (3-5 year olds);
• Kids Program — Students are required to attend classes at least twice a week (6 -8 years old);
• Our Juniors Program encompasses the same basic structure as the kids program with continued focus on physical and mental discipline. In addition, goal setting and character development skills are emphasized (9 -15 years old);
• Our Teen/Adult Program teaches life skills that strengthen the mind body and spirit (16+).

Instructor — Sigung Jose Ortega received his black Belt in Kajukenbo from Professor Limon in 1999 and currently holds the rank of 7th Degree.

Mark Arnott has been teaching American Kenpo Karate private and group classes in studios and schools throughout the area.

The excellent SPEF programs offered him the opportunity to teach after-school and summer programs. He created their first high school varsity sports program as well as teaching 5th-6th grades.

Besides teaching group and private lessons in studios and schools he has fashioned kids' karate-themed birthday parties in homes, parks, and on the mat.

Classes:

• Mighty Tigers — Pre-school martial arts for children ages 4-6;
• Kid's Classes — Self Defense & Martial Arts for ages 7-13;
• Adult Group Classes 14+;
• Private One-On-One Instruction For All Ages.

We teach Kenpō Karate, which blends Chinese circular movements and hard Japanese linear movements to produce an effective self-defense system.

Programs:

• Adults (ages 14 & up);
• Dragon Warriors (kids ages 8-13);
• Tiny Tigers (ages 4-7).

Instructors:

• Sensei Jared Podos;
• Sensei Gerry Valido;

• Sensei Gabriel Pallo;
• Sensei Byron Engelking;
• Sensei Huck Hinshaw.

Events:

• B-day Parties - Have your next birthday party with us;
• Filming - We cater to film projects. Let us know if you are interested in filming at Shaolin American;
• Summer Camp - A week long karate summer camp for your kids.

Classes:

• Dragons — children 3-4 year olds, 30-minute classes;
• Ninjas — children 5-7 year olds;
• Basic Juniors — children 8-12 year olds;
• Black Belt Club — children in this program have the extra opportunity to learn basic sparring and weapons training. Weapons training helps children with coordination, dexterity and strength;
• Teen & Adult Martial Arts — age 13 and up;
• Masters Club — This is our highest level of training. Students learn to become role models and leaders in the school. They also receive grappling, kickboxing and XMA (gymnastics) training;
• Advanced Black Belt Training.

Instructors:

• Aaron Lawrence, 6th Dan Black Belt;
• David Gunther, 3th Dan Black Belt.

Students learn a wide range of techniques and how to use force prudently to control an attacker. Ryu Te® includes many striking, locking, and escape techniques. The striking techniques aim at the body's weak points to temporarily disable a attacker while the locking techniques focus on the bodies joints. Weapons techniques, and forms (kata) are taught as well and are the basis for all the techniques.

Instructor — Chikako Bryner Sensei.

United Kenpo Systems™, our organization is based upon respect for the scientific, written work of Senior Grandmaster Ed Parker. The Art of Kenpo Karate is a Living Art. It lives through its schools, instructors and students. The principles inherent in the techniques, forms and sets are prescribed in a specific manner for both physical and mental progress.

Bryan Hawkins has developed a unique and highly successful method of training children. This involves the Kenpo Karate curriculum for children, the Kenpo Cubs program, two summer camp programs, youth tournaments and an annual “board breaking day”. He has built a general youth curriculum designed to challenge, stimulate and engage young people as they progress in their study of Kenpo Karate. With five children of his own Mr. Hawkins is very sensitive to the wide variety of education and motivational tools needed to teach martial arts to children.

Age divisions:

• Cubs: Ages 4-5;
• Tigers: Ages 6 - 8;
• Juniors: Ages 9 - 12;
• Adults: Ages 13 and up.

Instructors:

• David Hernandez — Arjukenpo Karate, Kickboxing, HOC Hurricanes;

• Dan Mayid — Kids and Adult Arjukenpo Karate, Teens and Adults Boxing, Kids Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Warrior Fitness;

• Sean Inniss — Brazilian Jiujitsu, Arjukenpo Karate, Doce Pares, Kickboxing, Boxing;

• Jessica Arriola — Kids Arjukenpo Karate, HOC Hurricanes.

Instructor — William Candelario. He has been practicing martial arts for over 30 years. He is currently the lead Instructor of Shorinji-ryu Renshinkan Karate Do of California, a Reuban Charles "Cobrinha" purple belt, and has a decorated martial arts career. His karate highlights include medaling in both the prestigious All Japan Renshinkan Championship as well as in the Pan American Karate Championship under the Olympic system.

Programs:

• Youth Shield Karate;
• Adult Shield FMA (Filipino Martial Arts).

We offer martial arts programs for both juniors and adults. Our karate programs are goal intended and focus on both the mental and physical side of martial arts. Our martial arts program is a self-improvement course with a black belt attached. Workouts are fun while you learn to defend yourself in everyday situations.

Instructors:

• Mark Cox (7th Degree Black Belt) — Mr. Cox is the owner of America's Best Chatsworth Karate school. He has a 7th degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do and holds a Black Belt in Hap Ki Do. He is a expert certified Krav Maga instructor and a former LAPD Reserve Officer;
• Nathan Carlen (6th Degree Black Belt) — He is our head instructor here at Chatsworth Karate. He has reached the rank of 6th Dan Master in American Tang Soo So and is also a certified Krav Maga instructor and black belt;
• John Martinez (4th Dan) — He has numerous credentials and accomplishments. We will be updating this section shortly to detail them;
• Michael Cox (4th Dan);
• Alex Bondarenko (4th Dan) — Alex Bondarenko has been training at Chatsworth Karate since 2001. As a young boy he always wanted to do karate and finally got the opportunity to do so when he moved to the United States from the Ukraine with his family. Alex teaches classes on a regular basis;
• Kenny Broderick (3rd Degree Black Belt) — Mr. Broderick has been involved with the Martial Arts (Tang Soo Do ) since the early 80's. He is now a 3rd Degree Black Belt here at Chatsworth Karate and the Little Dragons Director;
• Kathy Villar (Instructor) — Kathy is a Black Belt instructor in Tang Soo Do. She is a mother of two boys who both train in our karate program, Kendrick who is 11 years old and holds a 2nd degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do and Nickey who is 8 years old and holds a 1st Degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do. Kathy has also been involved with Krav Maga for the past 5 years and holds a Blue Belt, her technique and dedication to Krav Maga is second to none.

Classes at the Hollywood Dojo are taught by a staff of trained and dedicated Black Belt instructors supervised by Los Angeles Branch Chief Jun Shihan John Greene. All of the instructors are volunteers with outside professional careers, and almost all black belts have been training with Jun Shihan John for over 10 years.

Head Instructors:

• Jun Shihan John Greene​ — Branch Chief, 6th Degree Black Belt;
• Jun Shihan Veronica Greene​ — Branch Manager, 6th Degree Black Belt.

Instructors:

• Kyoshi Rob Elk — Senior Instructor, 5th Degree Black Belt;

• Sensei Tomonori Ueno — Senior Instructor, 4th Degree Black Belt;

• JJ Kawan — 2nd Degree Black Belt;

• Jeff Fontelera — Instructor, 2nd Degree Black Belt;

• Nikki Green —Instructor, 1st Degree Black Belt.

A typical class at a Seido dojo consists of the following: stretching and warm-ups followed by review of basic techniques such as striking, kicking and blocking. This is followed by Kata (formal exercise) and self-defense techniques. Sparring, or Kumite, is practiced by more advanced students after they develop control and become comfortable with their technique. The beginner is encouraged to progress at their own pace with no pressure of competition. The competition is not with others, but within yourself. It doesn’t matter whether you are out of shape or in excellent condition, every Seido student progresses at their own chosen rate.

Our Instructors:

• Renshi Robert Torres — Master Instructor, 6th Degree Black Belt;
• Sempai Johnny Beano — 2nd Degree Black Belt;
• Mr. Ricardo — 1st Degree Black Belt;

• Mr. Miles — 1st Degree Black Belt..

What We Teach:

• Little Ninjas (Ages 4 - 6);

• Kids Karate (Ages 7 - 10);

• Adult Karate (Ages 12+).

Learn Self Defense while getting a Total Body workout adaptable to any age.

At our training facility we offer the most effective martial arts, self defense and fitness training for men and women of all ages.

Classes:

• Kids Beginners: White, Orange, Top Orange, Blue & Top Blue Belts;
• Kids Intermediate & Advanced: Above Yellow Belt and may practice in Kids Beginners Class;
• Adult Class: Age 13 & older;
• In individual cases: Group placement exceptions will be made by the instructor;
• Beginner Students (Orange Belt only): Who want to enter the tournaments are encouraged to join Fighters Class.