American Kenpo Classes in Gilbert, AZ
Kenpo Martial Arts at Sandoval Freestyle Karate
Sandoval Freestyle Karate provides American Kenpo classes to to residents, families, and law enforcement in Gilbert, Arizona. Our students range from inexperienced toddlers, teenagers, and adults to world-class martial artists of all ages. Sandoval Freestyle Karate American Kenpo classes place a strong emphasis on striking a target and defending an attack from an opponent. Our American Kenpo school in Gilbert shows students how to improve upon their physical capabilities, stay focused, and act more fluently and naturally when reacting to an attacker. Please contact us directly to learn more about scheduling, pricing, and private classes.
Our classes are divided into age groups and by belt level. Students start by first achieving their white belt and progressively work towards becoming an official member of the Sandoval Freestyle Karate Black Belt Team.
In order to test for belt advancement, students must learn specific forms, katas, and self-defense moves based on their skill level. Advanced belts must also learn to use weapons, such as the staff, nunchucks, kamas, sais, Eskrima sticks, and sword.
American Kenpo History
Developed as a self-defense martial art, American Kenpo also has a strong emphasis on using punches and leg strikes. Ed Parker is known as developing American Kenpo, and as a form of karate, the sport often is compared to kung-fu.
The word kenpo translates to English as “method of fist and hand”. Kenpo gained popularity across the world as a martial art form that teaches practitioners to make short-range, quick movement attacks. A fun fact about American Kenpo, is that Elvis Presley was a student of Parker.
Throughout the world there are many forms of kenpo involving a variety of techniques. Though there are subtle differences, there is little variation in the effectiveness of the overall fighting style.
Different Forms of Kenpo
A few of the forms of Kenpo include:
- Kosho-ryu
- Kajukenbo
- Shaolin Kenpo
- Chinese Kara-Ho Kenpo
Strikes Taught in American Kenpo
Strikes typically learned include:
- Straight Kick
- Side Kick
- Turning Kicks
- Spinning Heel Kicks
- Straight Punches
- Hook Punches
- Counter Attacks
- Jabs & Palm Heels
- Elbow Strikes
- Knee Strikes
Training Information
Kenpo kata requires an appreciation of the art as well as a desire to continuously improve upon one’s skills. Because even once the student has mastered kata, the next step will be to take on two students fighting in Kenpo. There is so much to learn and improve upon in this martial art.
American Kenpo training includes a wide variety of deliberate moves that are designed to inflict damage upon an opponent or deflect / avoid damage from an opponent. Common movements include blocks, punches, kicks, and open-handed strikes, throws, take-downs, and joint locks. Most students who attend American Kenpo classes have a higher sense of self-esteem and self-confidence, making the sport ideal for quiet kids looking to fit in. Furthermore, American Kenpo is one of the most popular types of karate practiced in the country, making tournaments and other locations (should you move) easy to find.

Check Out Some Testimonials!






Read full review…






Read full review…
Jodan Age-Uke
An upward or rising block used to deflect an attack to the upper part of the body. It can also receive an incoming attack and sweep it overhead while still keeping contact with the attacker’s instrument (arm, leg, or weapon).
Ikken Hissatsu
A term derived from traditional karate that literally means “to annihilate at one blow”. In karate, this is deemed to be the pursuit of landing a single strike that ends the contest. It is one of the most advanced techniques in karate and takes many years of practice and immense skill to perfect. Few karateka ever reach this level.
Get Your First Class FREE!
Sign-up Today for Your 100% FREE First Class & Meet Our Karate Family!