What Our Students Are Saying
Perfect Fit
After I joined Kenpo Richmond, I soon realized that it was a perfect fit for me. The focus is definitely toward a more practical side of martial arts and self defense. We work exercises that ultimately direct us toward realistic confrontations we might face. The Sensei is insightful and creative in his teaching techniques, which makes each class very exciting to attend. Also, there isn’t a better group of people I would rather work with — they’re all incredibly friendly and love helping each other improve. Overall my experience with Kenpo Richmond has been very positive and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn self-defense in a comfortable environment and who wants to have fun while learning something new and no doubt helpful. Yelp Review – May 19, 2013
Hands-On
Great School!! If you’re looking for self-defense training with a no-nonsense approach, check out Kenpo Richmond & Martial Arts. Classes cover various themes and keep a steady pace throughout (You will get a workout). They are very hands-on; but controlled. While bumps and bruises happen, everyone takes good care of each other.
Sensei McClure and the senior students really take the time to teach to the ability and personality of each student.
Personally, I can never get enough of Kenpo Richmond and the “Tribe.” Yelp Review – May 16, 2013
Seth K.
Wonderful experience
I started at Kenpo Richmond in November having no previous experience in any kind of self defense; I didn’t know what to expect. I can say that I was pleasantly surprised, it has been a wonderful experience. Everyone in the class is very skilled and take learning to defend yourself very seriously. Thanks to them I have learned so much. Read more
Carolina G., Student since November 2012
Empowering
Why learn self defense?
I have always had a fear that if anyone were to attack me, I would have no choice but to just be a victim and hope for the best. I didn’t know how to fight back. That has always bothered me, so I decided to do something about it.
Why Kenpo Richmond?
I joined Kenpo Richmond for several reasons. It is a private club, so that weeds out creeps. Kenpo Richmond’s members are very skilled, have great attitudes, a sense of humor and all are genuinely happy to be training there. It’s infectious! Read moreDeirdre L.
Brotherhood
Brian S.
October 26, 2012
The first phone call was all it took for me to realize that I had FINALLY found what I was looking for. Sensei was a serious, focused and straight-forward on the phone, and described to me what I hadn’t been able to find elsewhere in Wing Chun, Western Boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, etc. I had taken classes in them all and while I did like them, they didn’t offer the intensity, power, or brotherhood I feel at Kenpo Richmond. I have found that being here has given me confidence and a voice with which to speak through a physical framework that hardly anything else matches.All of the members of the “tribe” are helpful and show me how to get things done. If self defense is what you are looking for, your heart and mind will be set here at Kenpo Richmond. But you will find much more than just self defense. Brotherhood. Power. Intensity. Knowledge. And a foundation to build your discipline upon, no matter where you have been before.
What I’ve learned in the short time I’ve been here so far make up for a lifetime of a search for an art that will leave you knowing you can protect yourself and your family, and be the best “you” you can be.
Practical Self-Defense
David S.
July 30, 2012
Since moving to Richmond in 2005, I started looking for a dojo at which I could train. Many years and a brief foray into Rugby kept bringing me no closer to a dojo to call home. A close friend recommended Kenpo Richmond as he’d heard great things. He was NOT wrong. After nearly four months of training at Kenpo Richmond, I find myself wishing nothing more than to continue my studies here as long as I can. The practical methods and approach to true self defence is refreshing. Here you will find no fluff, no flair, just honest, hard working Kenpoists who have a love for the art and science that is Kenpo. I especially like the tribe aspect of this dojo. It takes a normally individualistic practice of martial arts and turns it into a team effort. Not one person in this dojo will turn you down if you ask for clarification or help understanding the how’s and why’s. Not only do I find myself more centered and relaxed as I progress in my studies of Kenpo, I also find myself having lost 16 pounds in those 4 months! If you sew the seeds to bettering yourself in this dojo, it will return those efforts ten fold.
Dedication
Scot F.
May 7, 2012
When I began looking for a martial arts dojo in the Richmond area, it was a daunting search. I had studied a different art in another city years ago and I wanted to find an instructor and fellow students with the same level of energy and dedication that I was used to. I assumed all schools had this. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.I visited many schools and always left disappointed until I walked in to Kenpo of Richmond. It instantly felt familiar and I could see a level of skill and intensity in the students that I had not seen in this area. The senior instructor is a life-long martial artist with a breadth of skill and knowledge that is clearly evident in his teaching. I’ve studied here since that day.
Kenpo is an intense art with real world self defense application and it’s a lot of fun to learn. It has striking, kicking, throws and grappling all rolled into one neat package. We learn both the “textbook” techniques and practical self-defense that can be appled in different situations. There is a great camaraderie among the students and we have a great time!
Learning to prepare yourself
Hans “Halo”
New Student – April 19, 2012
Kenpo Richmond takes a very practical approach to self defense. The emphasis is on preparation for defending yourself from an actual attack, not in advancing yourself through belt levels for bragging rights. As someone completely new to martial arts, I really appreciate this approach and the discipline and energy it provides. Moreover the dedication the instructor, senior students, and Dojo members have to teaching and also learning from each other is outstanding. Everyone is actively engaged in the process and has responsibility to the success of every class. If you want the dedication of family coupled with the strength of warriors then Kenpo Richmond is the place for you
Top notch instruction
Bob “Silverback”
New Student – March 28, 2012
Having taken Kenpo and other martial arts before, I wished to further my study in Richmond where I’ve lived for the last 10 years. I have looked for a Kenpo school on and have just recently stumbled upon Kenpo Richmond. Unlike other systems, Kenpo is very hands on. We partner up after receiving instruction and work techniques on each other till we know the combinations cold. Even more important than mentally knowing the techniques is the muscle memory you achieve from this type of repetition. Kenpo is also not rooted in tradition and spirituality as other martial arts, its more scientific, which is why I love it. Kenpo has evolved with time to incorporate other proven skill sets like ground fighting. You don’t often see Kenpo in the movies because it’s not as flashy as a Jean-Claude Van Damme spinning back kick. The odds of landing a move like that are pretty small. Kenpo concentrates on economy of motion, which is to say “kick when it makes sense, but make it short and make it quick”. I have found the instruction here to be top notch and the fellow students to be very encouraging and proficient.
Real deal
BP on Merchant Circle
Real Deal – March 23, 2012
I studied Kenpo years ago. How surprised I was when I discovered Kenpo Richmond. This place is the real deal when it comes to self-defense training. Aside from the excellent teaching, the other big big plus is it’s an ADULTS ONLY martial arts. No Kids! No Kids! No Kids! This school is by far the best training curriculum I have seen in Richmond.
Individualized attention
Rob “Iron Man”
March 19, 2012
I have been training at Kenpo Richmond for a few months now and I am pleased to say that I’m starting to see some great results. While we do concentrate on the art of self-defense, some of the techniques are so effective and vicious that the “fight” will be over immediately. Our instructor does a great job at giving each of us individual attention and instruction. I recommend this class to anyone that desires to learn authentic martial arts skills.
No Pageantry
Eric “Bull”
March 14, 2012
If you’re looking for pageantry, spirituality, and a touchy feely martial art then look elsewhere. However, if you’re looking for a pragmatic no nonsense approach to self defense then look no further. You will learn to give a punch and take a punch; give a kick and take a kick. Groundwork? Check! Throws? Check! Locks? Check! You will learn you are capable of things you never thought possible. One of my favorite training exercises is the “bull ring” where you surrounded by attackers and there is no time to think, only to react based on internalized concepts.
A high five from “Brensei” or other students after finally getting a technique is a great feeling, and believe me you will have earned it! Some days you will work with the advanced students, other days you work within your belted rank. No two classes are ever the same, but I always learn something and I always look forward to the next class!
Kenpo teaches you to defend and attack at the same time
Upendra “Uppi”
March 2012 – Student
I was introduced to Kenpo by my colleagues at office. I am glad that I got introduced to this program. I like the way in which Kenpo teaches you to defend and attack at the same time. The instructor takes time with everyone individually to teach them at their own pace. This has really helped me in learning self defense techniques at my own pace. And the fellow members are very friendly and this ambiance makes it fun to be in the class. I would definitely recommend this Kenpo program to any one who is interested in learning martial arts.
Kenpo would be my “go to” art
Tariq “Cas”
March 2012 – Senior Kyu
I’ve taken two styles of martial arts, Aikido and Kenpo! Both are effective but for me, Kenpo would be my “go to” art in a combative situation if one should arise. Fortunately for me, I have had the same instructor for both arts and the one thing he instills in his students is ” if you have to engage, do so with intensity”. With that said, I find it easier for me to do so with the art of Kenpo.
I have finally found what I have been looking for through all these years of training
Darren
March 2012 – Kenpo Student, Instructor Ko-ryu Karate do
I have a long background in martial arts and I have earned a few Dan rankings in different arts through my travels and studies. Given my level of exposure to the martial arts, Kenpo stands out as the most effective that I have ever studied. Its mix of striking and grappling taught from the point of view of real-world application and practicality is second to none. I have finally found what I have been looking for through all these years of training.
The instruction is straight forward and easy to understand
Harsha P.
February 2012 Kenpo Student
When I was introduced to Kenpo, it was the friendly non-threatening orientation which made me decide to study. I’m glad I did. Classes are just the right size to get individualized attention. The instruction is straight forward and easy to understand for me to progress through. Most importantly, the teaching is excellent…drawing the students attention inward to the training, making you happy to be in class learning Kenpo. Thanks so much!
Substance and power are emphasized over style and flash at all times
D.Smith
February 2012, Student
The teaching style is one of pragmatism. Techniques are taught in a strait-forward manner focusing on economy of motion and using appropriate techniques for maximum effect. Substance and power are emphasized over style and flash at all times.
A practical approach to self-defense
G.B.
March 2011
The teaching approach at this school is serious. It offers a practical approach to self-defense through the system of Kenpo Karate. Sensei McClure is breaks it down so anyone can understand. An outstanding school.
If you want TOP Notch instruction come to this school
Gene
November 2011 – Martial Arts Instructor
If you want TOP Notch instruction come to this school. I have trained in a variety of martials arts over the years (more than 22) and this style is extremely street effective !!! Sensei McClure is a fantastic instructor and the people who train at this school are some of the nicest people I have ever met. So if you want to receive martial arts training that really works with a group of very cool people check this school out, you will not be sorry that you did.
The instructor here is multi-talented
lsqdblu
February 2011
The head instructor here is multi-talented, and very Helpful! He finds a way to teach everyone, and wants every student to be able to defend themselves, not just look Good! Every class in each art is Worthwhile!
What I like most is the level of personal attention he provides to each student
Lenny
November 2010 – Senior Student
Great dojo. I had studied in martial arts in New York and New Jersey for over ten years. I moved to Richmond VA in 2004 and have been searching for a quality dojo to continue my studies since then. It took me six years. Last month I began training at Kenpo Richmond and I couldn’t be happier. The Senior Instructor is a great instructor whose focus is on teaching self-defense. What I like most is the level of personal attention he provides to each student….and, the classes are fun
