FAQs for Beginners
How will Kempo benefit me?
Kempo people are happy people. Everyone benefits differently, but the number of success stories we hear constantly reminds us of the positive ways Kempo affects students’ lives. Many students say Kempo has helped them eat healthier, lose weight, balance longer, and stand taller. Some have even found that they can stop taking certain medications or that chronic pain has subsided. People report that they feel stronger and more flexible and have lost stress and gained confidence. They don’t worry anymore about whether they can defend themselves and that the discipline they learn in the dojo carries over to other areas of their lives. They feel calmer and more at peace with challenging situations and often find strong friendships with other students. See Student Testimonials to hear from students about their transformations.
What’s a dojo?
A dojo is a training place. The word is Japanese, just like the word Kempo (sometimes spelled Kenpo by others).
I don’t know a thing about martial arts. Are you sure this is right for me?
Some of our students have past martial arts experience, but most do not. We are proud to say our dojos are made up of regular people who care about fitness, learning new skills, and being part of what students describe as a group that feels like a family.
Am I the right age for Kempo? Am I healthy enough to start now?
Our students range in age from 4 to 60 and have a wide range of backgrounds. Some have athletic experience, but many do not — many haven’t been to the gym in years. If you’re fit enough to walk up a flight of stairs comfortably and can sit down on the ground and get up again, you’re healthy enough to begin Kempo.
Will I get hurt?
Our dojos are full of real people with real jobs and responsibilities. We focus on safety, so Kempo will never interfere with the rest of your life. You’re much more likely to hurt yourself on your skateboard or the soccer field.
FAQs for Martial Artists
Where does Kempo come from?
The Shaolin Kempo we practice at Potomac Kempo has been influenced by generations of martial artists who would call themselves practitioners of Shaolin Kung Fu from China, Kosho Ryu from Japan, and Kali from the Philippines. Potomac Kempo was founded by Shihan Chris Santillo of California.
Is Potomac Kempo related to American Kenpo?
Related in the sense that both arts descended from James Mitose of Hawaii, yes. But they are also quite distinct due to a variety of influences in the intervening 75+ years.
Is there sparring?
We do light contact sparring but only when you’re ready for it.
Do your students participate in tournaments?
We host an annual tournament for current Potomac Kempo students competing across the five regional dojos.
Should I study Kempo in addition to going to the gym or instead of?
It’s up to you. Some of our students go to the gym in addition to coming to the dojo, but most find that their Kempo classes give them all the workouts they need.
How fast can I get a black belt?
If you’re singularly concerned with “fast,” we’ll time you as you run around the block. Suppose you’re a deeper-thinking soul and understand that everyone works at their own speed and the nuances of success are different for everyone. In that case, you’ll appreciate the time it takes to earn each new belt and the amount of work involved even after you’ve achieved the black belt level. Our black belt students are fond of saying that they didn’t know how much they didn’t know until they reached that pinnacle.
FAQs for Parents
What kinds of kids go to Potomac Kempo?
All kinds! We’ve got kids who bounce off walls and kids who flop on the ground like a fish; we’ve got some who have preternatural athleticism but most are still learning to coordinate fine and gross motor skills (think footwork, aim, timing) at speed. Girls and boys, big ones, small ones, everything in between. The dojo is a place of respect for others and respect for oneself, where kids learn to work with one another.
Would Kempo be a good fit for my neurodivergent or special needs child?
Yes, Potomac Kempo is home to kids (and adults!) with ADHD, autism, down syndrome, and other nervous system disorders.
Do you offer classes for homeschoolers?
Yes, we accommodate all sorts of schedules.
A monthly membership is kind of a serious commitment for my kid. Is it worth it?
See for yourself. Kempo can be transformative. Kempo kids are happy kids. They learn to enjoy discipline in the dojo, stretch their limbs in ways they didn’t know were possible, and find power in moving well.
Can my kid and I attend classes together?
Our classes are split by age groups, with exceptions discussed in advance. “Adult” classes are typically ages 15+, “Juniors” are ages 10-14, “Kids” aged 6-9, and “Little Ninjas” aged 4-5.
FAQs – Logistics
How often do you suggest I attend class?
The more important question is: What fits your schedule and goals? If you have the time to visit the dojo a few days a week, you’ve already set the stage for success. Most students train with us two times a week, but some come as many as five times a week. Come as often as you’d like; you’re always welcome.
Where can I attend class?
You can attend classes at any of our dojo locations in the Alexandria, Virginia, area, and many students come to two or more dojos throughout the week.
Can you accommodate busy or complicated schedules?
Most of our students have families, careers, and other demands outside the studio. We will work with you to find a schedule that fits into everything else that is going on in your life.
How much does it cost?
Contact your nearest dojo location for pricing structures, with discounts available for each additional student in a family. Standard monthly fees cover one weekly personal lesson and unlimited classes at all locations.
What’s your privacy policy?
We collect name, phone number, and email address for anyone interested in Potomac Kempo in order to respond to inquiries about classes. We do not sell or share your data beyond the platforms on which we’ve collected it (e.g., Google, WPForms). Please contact [email protected] to request data deletion or correction.
