Kempo Karate uses a mix of training methodologies to elevate our student's skill and effectiveness. Learn about our classical, tactical, and practical training here.
At United Studios of Self Defense, we believe martial arts training should be grounded in tradition, effective in application, and applied under pressure. To get there, we break down our classes into three phases of training: Classical, Practical, and Tactical.
Classical training forges structure. Stance work, precise basics, repetition of strikes, forms, and kata— this is where posture, balance, and body mechanics are developed. Consistent, intentful, repetition builds coordination and timing. Kata organizes techniques into patterns that sharpen focus and discipline. In the broader kempo tradition, this foundational work emphasizes efficient motion, speed, and accuracy— aligning the whole body to generate power with minimal waste.
Practical training is where techniques meet real partners, and where you’ll first feel your self defense skill increase. Defense maneuvers, self defense techniques, partner drills, and pad work combine to build your confidence and ability.
Pad work turns technique into effectiveness. Working with a partner teaches distance, how the body reacts to impact, and safe control. Kempo is a system of self defense that adapts to you. Having pads and people to work with will help define how YOU defend yourself.
Tactical training adds a more free-form and real world aspect to training: sparring, reaction drills, and supervised self-defense scenarios (e.g., controlled knife defenses and surprise-attacker simulations).
We train from clean mechanics to controlled pressure because performance naturally shifts under stress—so we perfect, then we test. Tactical training develops judgment, composure, and the ability to choose the right option at your time of need.
Our system of Kempo Karate— this blend of tradition and modern application —is why United Studios of Self Defense is considered America’s Self Defense Leader.
