Kingstowne Dojo

We joined Potomac Kempo Kingstowne this past summer for our son. Sensei Gary and Mr. Kai have been amazing! They always make learning fun. Recently we have been virtual lesson due to social distancing and our son gets so excited when it’s time for Kempo! Just because we can’t be in the dojo doesn’t mean we still can’t learn! Thank you Potomac Kempo for bringing some normalcy to this crazy time.

Excellent martial arts for kids and adults alike. My kid love it and have seen his grow both physically and mentally. The instructors are great with kids and Sensei Gary is the best!

My daughter and I are both taking the classes and lessons here at the Kingstowne location. It’s something we can do together or separate and we both enjoy it! My daughter even says, “It’s just like playing for awhile and you get to learn too!” I don’t like to work out but Kempo has changed that perspective. It’s a great way to learn the art and connect with yourself and meet your exercise goals. Best decision I made for my daughter and myself.

We love Potomac Kempo! Sensai Gary provides students with opportunities for positive social interaction and a sense of community within the dojo!

Potomac Kempo has been such a positive experience for my 10 yo! In addition to katas, she has learned confidence and discipline that will last a lifetime. Sensei Gary and the teachers at Kingstowne are amazing!

Great dojo with an excellent Sensei and folks who truly care to see each person succeed.

A couple years ago, I wanted to start a martial art to add some structure and discipline to my workouts. I texted Sensei Gary and was basically in the dojo the same day doing my first lesson. Sensei Gary and Potomac Kempo have helped me find a new passion and then even get back in shape after a pregnancy + broken foot and I can’t wait for my daughter to get started soon too.

Was a student here for some time, however had to quit due to moving.Gary is the greatest sensei. He is patient, will push you, is down to earth, empathetic, and a genuine person. Once I return to the area I play on going back!

They are so loving and helpful They Helped my son grow confidence, he is more well spoken. He is incredibly fit. I would one thousand recommend for you to bring your child here!

My son has sensory issues and struggled with a difficult transition between schools over the summer. After an incident at summer camp, we knew we needed to find something that could help him focus, feel empowered, and find his sense of peace.Senpai Fred graciously showed us around the dojo, and from that first visit, I knew this was exactly what my son needed—and what our whole family needed too. What started as support for one child became a transformative experience for all of us. My daughter, husband, and I joined as well, and it's now a cherished family activity.The instruction is excellent, and the community is incredibly welcoming and supportive. Sensei Gary and everyone at Potomac Kempo in Kingstowne have been a true blessing for our family. We couldn't be happier or more grateful. #peaceoverpower

Good place to rekindle an interest while being more active, improving fitness, and flexibility. The private lessons are great.

This place is so awesome for your kids

Our family have been involved with Potomac Kempo for more than 5 years, with both kids and adults participating as students. It's a caring community of great instructors!

Gary and Potomac Kempo took such great care of my grandchildren. Now that they’ve all graduated, and I am proud of the upstanding young men they’ve become, I know I can trace this back to Gary and PK. From seeing their glee when they emerged from belt tests, watching them work to master difficult forms, and the respect for the dojo space, and our flag, PK has given them life lessons that will help them succeed . I am forever grateful to Gary and all the folks at PK . Kindest -

Potomac kempo was recommended by the mother of a friend of my daughter, as a place where children learn karate and also where kids are also being prepared to be resilient and determined in life.The staff are welcoming and friendly , they get to know each child , their strength and also areas that can be developed .The environment is of courtesy and respect and my daughter really enjoy the one by one class time.She is learning how to defend and stand up for herself and also how to recognize authority figures in her life .Of course , all the principle talk are done while karate practice is in progress , so the mix is very motivational .It was priceless to see my daughter enjoying meditation practice and coming to me saying that I need to brief more often .I took notes on that .

My kids have had an amazing experience training here the past few months. Gary and his team of instructors have done an excellent job patiently instructing and training my boys in Kempo, self discipline, and respect for other. I can not recommend this place enough.

We enjoy the Kingstowne branch of Potomac Kempo. Sensei Gary is very good with the kids. My son respects the class and has become more disciplined from the lessons. The facility is great for autistic children and has several locations. With our schedule, we routinely visit other PK locations to make sure we are able to attend classes. They have cultural nights and movie nights, which have become a kid centric favorite for my oldest.

Highly professional and dedicated instructors! Our son is making great progress with Sensei Gary. He's the best!!! We are glad we found Potomac Kempo! 🙂

Superb and varied martial arts instruction incorporating karate, Kung fu, taekwondo, Kali, other weapons forms and best of all, a combination of personalized training and a supportive energetic community of all ages and backgrounds. Highly recommend this dojo for fitness, friendship, self defense and confidence - and fun!

We had such a wonderful experience. Gary was amazing and patient with the kids!! Sorry to say we had to move. The kids and the whole family will miss this dojo!

This dojo is outstanding for training and learning. Sensei Gary always assures I have a training partner and takes time to explain what he is teaching. His training sessions are designed to motivate me to do more than I think I can, but never to complete exhaustion. He is always willing to personally demonstrate complicated moves and allow me to practice them until both he and I are satisfied I have enough confidence to do them on my own. Sensei Gary's training sessions are both fun and educational and I look forward to every session. They are one of the highlights of my week.

Sensei Gary is an amazing teacher. He builds lovely life lessons into the class. My daughter loves class and is thriving.

Great place to work on yourself. Whether you need an escape, place to train, or specific goals - there are opportunities to push yourself. Come for Kempo and stay for ground fighting!

My son and I were Sensei Gary’s students until our family relocated and both of us enjoyed our experience at the dojo very much. Gary is an encouraging and caring instructor who makes classes and lessons fun but challenging. I highly recommend both Sensei Gary and Potomac Kingstowne dojo to anyone seeking to learn martial arts defense skills, build confidence, and be part of an extended kempo family.

Potomac Kempo - Kingstowne is my favorite place to be. I get home tired from a long days work and still get excited and energized on the evenings I have class. I am learning a lot about myself and learning to protect myself. I am grateful to have found this new practice and home. Oh and the kids classes are so cute. Check it out

The best kempo dojo. Gary and his staff have helped raise three of our children into respectable successful young adults, ready to face any of life's challenges and humbly enjoy life’s brightest moments. The combination of fitness, purposeful movement, and high level thought taught in the PK classes are lessons applicable in every facet of adult life. Lifelong friendship and confidence were built over the course of our nineteen year relationship with this fine institution.

Sensei Gary and Potomac Kempo have been instrumental in developing my son’s confidence and leadership skills for years. We relocated to Fairfax and still drive every week to give our son this experience. We’ve always found that there was complete transparency on pricing and expectations of what is needed. There are plenty of extra opportunities such as a tournament, specialty seminars, and even an amazing summer camp focused on learning about different cultures.The tournament is a great example of how they encourage progress and self-confidence. Students can choose to participate and they are awarded by skill and earning it. Nothing is given out here, but there is plenty of recognition and advancement to keep the kids motivated. If you're looking for an automatic black-belt this is not for you, but if you want your kids to earn it over years of hard work then join.I will also say that this is run with expectations and they hold the kids to those rules, such as not leaning against the walls, saying “yes sir/ma’am” and being in proper uniform. They don’t overdo it but reinforce good behavior. They also have fun events and let the kids serve as leaders as they grow. It’s expected to help those who are junior in rank and learning.If you want cheap, this isn’t for you. If you want caring, dedicated, transparent teaching to build your kids in confidence, then invest in this place. It’s simply amazing.

Highly recommend Potomac Kempo at Kingstowne and Sensei Gary. My almost 7 year old who is very high energy and easily distracted took a recent interest watching karate cartoons. I came in with low expectations, given previous attempts to try any kind of sporting activities that led to frustration, and plain refusal. I am so impressed by Sensei Gary’s patience and ability to connect at his level. He has created a very inclusive environment at the Dojo, and let him learn at his own pace. The environment is very family friendly and in just a few sessions he has learned to follow a few basic directions. He is still impulsive, but enjoys interacting with peers. I am hopeful that this sport will go a long way towards his physical and mental well being.

The decision to join Kempo Karate marks the beginning of a profound personal journey for me. By setting clear short-term and long-term goals, I seek to transform myself physically, mentally, and spiritually. Through the practice of Kempo Karate, I aim to cultivate discipline, resilience, and a sense of community, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding and embodiment of the art. This journey is not merely about mastering techniques; it is about becoming a better version of myself.Kempo Karate will help change your life.

My 4 now 5 year old was showing interest in martial arts. After researching different options in the area and speaking to Sensei Gary, I decided on this dojo. My son is thriving, growing, and learning with each class. He looks forward to working with Joshua and Sensei Gary. After only a few months I see a difference in his discipline and focus. Highly recommend!