Take Action! Seize Control!
Established in 1976
REVIEWS
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I have been taking Tai Chi classes with Soke Ray Ferrell for over 6 months now. I cannot say enough good things to describe his skill and professionalism. This is the premier school in Charlotte to study the internal arts.- Mitch Promin. 2/17/2020![]()
I grew up training Kempo, with one Farrell’s former black belts. I went to Farrell’s dojo to meet with him personally, he’s a real friendly guy and if I could commute from forest city NC to his location, to train with him I really would. Thanks Farrell for keeping kempo alive- James Presley. 4/28/2019![]()
This is the place to learn a true, extremely practical Martial Art. The skills learned here will last a life time. Ranks are earned, and character is built. This is where you want to Be!- Scott . 11/7/2018![]()
My children liked this so much they eventually recruited me to join them. The instructors are kind and experienced, and that begins with the owner. This is not a black belt mill, you will have to earn each step with hard work, but it will be fun and rewarding. In my time at the school I have noted men, women and children of all ages and great diversity. There are also a number of families from Charlotte's booming homeschool community. Highly recommend if you would like to learn practical self defense and build confidence among other like minded folks who want to see you succeed.- Dennis Hopkins. 8/9/2016![]()
Kempo is a combat art and perfect for real world self defense! I have known Ray Ferrell and Kevin Caldwell for decades and I have watched them train students with low self esteem and poor self confidence into great martial artists. I am such a huge fan of this school that I travel to visit them every year from Arkansas (12 hours one way). They are experts and worth the drive. I just wish I loved closer so I could see them more often.- Curtiss Robinson. 7/24/2016![]()
I've had the joy and privilege of only having quality instructors of several different martial arts. I have attained Black Belt ranking in American Karate and training in Ed Parker Kenpo. My experience also includes USMC CQB and police tactical self defense training. Once settled in the Charlotte area I searched around several schools to continue training. As soon as I met with Soke Ferrell and Renshi Caldwell I knew this school exceeded what I was looking for. The system is rooted in practical applications involving understanding of skeletal locks and joint manipulation so size of the attacker is dealt with through technique and not sheer strength.Their instruction readily covers the level of training intensity from novice first timers to the experienced hard core practitioners. The system also incorporates practical weapons from short stick (keibo), short bo (jo), long bo (bo staff), knife, and gun defense. This Having been here for going on two years it is readily apparent rank is only earned and never given to keep students making rank truly earned and the student proficient. The FAMILY atmosphere makes you feel welcome and more apt to receive instruction. I cant wait to start my kids here to help instill confidence, discipline and pride in themselves. Lastly the fees are truly affordable. They also give a yearly 3 day retreat experience providing highly ranked instructors from outside the area. I could easily go on about this school and what it offers but the best thing I could say is just come yourself and see.- david crowe. 11/7/2014![]()
My son has been attending classes for a few years at the Academy of Kempo-Karate. During this time we have seen improvement in his confidence, self control, and over all attitude. The instructors are attentive to the kids needs and do a great job of preparing the kids to deal with real life self defense situations and how to deal with bullies.- Lisa Wright. 11/3/2014![]()
I'm Danny Moore and 62 yrs. old. I train at this location in Oakdale. My daughter also trained at this location when she was in high school. I feel very honored to have the quality of teachers that are world class at this location. I not only take Kempo here I also take the Tai-chi class on Wednesdays that I really enjoy. I have also taken the Concealed to carry class; which was very helpful! I'm very honored that such a high class facility is located a short distance from my home!- danny moore. 11/2/2014
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SERVICESJiu Jitsu ClassesStudying Jiu Jitsu offers many benefits for students of all ages. At Academy Of Kempo - Karate Inc in Charlotte, NC, we offer traditional Jiu Jitsu classes in an open, enriching environment.Karate ClassesIf you’re in need of a highly qualified self-defense instructor who serves Charlotte and the surrounding areas, go to Academy of Kempo - Karate. We’re one of the top martial arts schools in the area. Our trainers will ut...Private TrainingSelf defense and martial arts courses offer adults and children alike the chance to master new skills and techniques. For some people, the social aspects of group training are appealing and beneficial. But for others, pr...Self DefenseTo most people, the words “self defense” conjure up a wide array of violent mental images. People think of boxing matches, karate films and no-holds-barred street fights. In actuality these images completely misrepresent...![]()
SERVICESSelf Defense for GroupsMany people think that self-defense classes are meant to teach you how to fight, but that's only in the worst case scenario. In reality, self defense actually means doing everything in your power to avoid getting into a fight. That's where we come in.Self Defense for KidsIf you’re looking for a martial arts for children course in Charlotte, NC, turn to Academy of Kempo - Karate. Our dedicated instructors will instill discipline and various skills that will help your child succeed in life. We'll also act as role models and...Self Defense for WomenCrime is something that we all have to deal with, no matter where you live. Knowing how to protect yourself, especially as a woman, is essential. If you are interested in taking women's self-defense classes, call Academy...Tai Chi Chuan ClassesAre you interested in learning the art of Tai Chi Chuan? At Academy Of Kempo - Karate Inc in Charlotte, NC, we offer traditional Tai Chi Chuan classes for students of all ages.
Self Defense and Martial Arts Course in Charlotte, NC
Academy of Kempo - Karate is a leading martial arts school in Charlotte, NC. Our self-defense and martial arts courses are taught in a comfortable training environment. We’ll use proper equipment to make sure that you can learn all of the necessary skills. You’ll also appreciate that our training areas are clean, well-organized, and spacious enough for large group sessions.
Our instructors will use their expertise to teach a variety of kempo and karate skills. We offer a wide variety of classes, including:
- Tai chi chuan
- Karate
- Jiujitsu
- Self-defense
Our staff will make sure that you’re satisfied with the particular self-defense and martial arts course you choose. We’re always friendly, so you’ll be able to comfortably make requests and ask questions. Our trainers are also punctual. We can teach you valuable martial arts skills, so reach out to Academy of Kempo - Karate today. Our instructors serve people from Charlotte and the surrounding areas. Contact us today.
hours
Mon: 9:00am - 8:30pm
Tue: 9:00am - 8:30pm
Wed: 9:00am - 8:30pm
Thur: 9:00am - 8:30pm
Fri: Closed
Sat: 8:00am - 10:00am
Sun: Closed
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