Old School Kenpo Karate

- 1951 W Carson St, Torrance, CA 90501

In the heart of Torrance, California, lies Old School Kenpo Karate, a martial arts school that lives up to its name by blending traditional principles with a practical, modern approach to self-defense. Founded by the dynamic team of Jennifer Thomas and Bill Hayes, this academy stands out for its no-nonsense, effective training designed for people of all ages and skill levels. Unlike larger, more commercial studios, Old School Kenpo Karate offers a more personalized and focused experience, where every student receives the attention needed to truly master the art. Their philosophy is simple: to provide a realistic and usable set of skills that can be applied in real-world situations, making it a priceless investment for anyone concerned with their personal safety and well-being.

Old School Kenpo Karate is known for its "Basic Yet Brutal" women's self-defense course, which has earned widespread acclaim for its pragmatic and impactful curriculum. This course is specifically designed to empower women of all ages, providing them with the knowledge and muscle memory to defend themselves effectively. As one reviewer noted, the course is reasonably priced, but the knowledge gained is "priceless." The instructors, Jennifer and Bill, are praised for their practical approach and their ability to teach complex self-defense techniques in a way that is accessible and easy to remember. Their dedication to female empowerment is also evident in the school's statistics, with a significant percentage of their black belts being female, a testament to their commitment to promoting women in martial arts.

The training at Old School Kenpo Karate is rooted in the Ed Parker Kenpo system, a martial art renowned for its versatility and practicality in streetwise self-defense. The academy also incorporates the streamlined techniques of the Karate Connection curriculum, ensuring that students learn a comprehensive system that is both deep and efficient. This focus on streetwise application rather than flashy, impractical moves is a key differentiator that appeals to students who are serious about learning to protect themselves. The instructors' passion for the art and their commitment to making each training session meaningful and fulfilling is a key reason why students continue their journey with the school.

Located at 1951 W Carson St, Torrance, CA 90501, USA, Old School Kenpo Karate is conveniently situated for residents of the South Bay area. The school operates within the Boogiezone Utopia Dance Center, a beautiful 14,000-square-foot complex. This location offers extensive amenities, including a large, shared parking lot behind the building and additional street parking on Carson, Cravens, and Gramercy, as well as a public lot on Cravens. The facility is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, ensuring that the school is welcoming to all members of the community. Inside, the studio is a well-equipped, handcrafted cedar-lined space with cushioned floors, full-length mirrors, extensive training equipment, and a private restroom, providing a comfortable and professional environment for all classes.

The thoughtful design of the studio, with its state-of-the-art mats and training equipment, creates an ideal setting for a wide range of training programs. The spacious environment allows for dynamic group classes while still maintaining a safe and focused atmosphere. The convenient location and accessibility options make it easy for students and parents to attend classes without the hassle of navigating difficult parking or entrances. This commitment to a superior facility enhances the overall training experience, making it a comfortable and professional choice for anyone in the Torrance area.

Services Offered

• Kenpo Karate: A comprehensive training program rooted in the Ed Parker system and the Karate Connection curriculum, focusing on practical and effective self-defense techniques.

• Group Classes: Engaging and dynamic classes for both adults and kids (ages 8 and up) that combine the benefits of group interaction and camaraderie with personalized attention from instructors.

• Private Classes / Private Lessons: Tailored one-on-one sessions for students who wish to progress more quickly or have schedules that do not align with regular class times.

• Self-Defense Course: The acclaimed "Basic Yet Brutal" course, specifically designed for women of all ages to learn practical and effective self-defense skills in a focused seminar format.

• Weight Training: Integrated into the training program, this element helps students build physical strength, endurance, and overall fitness.

Features / Highlights

• Practical and Effective Approach: The school's curriculum is centered on realistic self-defense, a "streetwise" approach that is both effective and easy to remember.

• Highly Praised Self-Defense Course: The "Basic Yet Brutal" course is a standout offering, lauded for its practicality and reasonable price, making it a valuable tool for personal safety.

• Expert and Dedicated Instructors: Founders Jennifer Thomas and Bill Hayes are celebrated for their expertise, passion, and ability to give each student personalized attention.

• Supportive and Welcoming Environment: The school is known for being a "small school with big results," where students are treated like family and the atmosphere is friendly and encouraging.

• Accessibility: The facility offers a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot, ensuring inclusivity for all prospective students.

• Clean and Professional Studio: The academy is housed in a pristine, well-equipped studio with modern amenities, creating a safe and comfortable training space.

Contact Information

Address: 1951 W Carson St, Torrance, CA 90501, USA

Phone: (310) 944-2936

What is worth choosing

When you choose Old School Kenpo Karate, you are choosing a martial arts school that prioritizes quality over quantity. The focus on a superior student-to-teacher ratio ensures that every individual gets the personalized attention they need to succeed, a quality that is often lost in larger, more populated schools. The fact that the belts are earned, not bought, speaks to the high standards of the academy and the genuine dedication of its instructors. Students are consistently challenged to improve, but in an environment that is supportive and free of unnecessary pressure. This balance makes it an excellent choice for children, helping them build discipline and focus, and for adults, providing a comprehensive fitness and self-defense program.

Furthermore, the specialized "Basic Yet Brutal" women's self-defense course is a powerful reason for a resident of the South Bay to choose this school. In a world where personal safety is a growing concern, having access to such an effective and well-regarded course is invaluable. The instructors' passion for the art and their students is a recurring theme in testimonials, with one reviewer noting their love for the "practical approach" offered by Jenifer and Bill. This is a school that offers not just martial arts, but a priceless sense of empowerment and confidence. With its clean facility, expert instruction, and focus on practical application, Old School Kenpo Karate is a top-tier choice for anyone in the Torrance area looking to learn the art of Kenpo and improve their life.

Old School Kenpo Karate

1951 W Carson St, Torrance, CA 90501, USA