I highly recommend it!! I dragged my 9 year old and my 11year old girl. They don't like confrontation so Kempo was out of their radar. However mom is in charge... I knew that they needed to build their self stem, self awareness in this world full of bullying. Confidence is my gift to them. I tried the Usko and parks and rec but to me it was too cheotic and disorganized... I didn't wanted my kids to get lost in the mix. I came to this studio. I noticed all the class/kids had the instructor *Senseis attention, I noticed that the sensei was teaching way more than punches or self defense. Accountability, work for what you want and to be a better human being, feel comfortable in your own skin that cannot be thought with sugar coating our babies. Thought love will. My kids have finished their first year and I noticed the difference in their demeanor, confidence, thoughtful to other, self efficient * they no longer need me to sit with them until their homework was done, helpful at home. As a single mom... with little to no help, this is the best gift I can give them... a gift that they will carry though out their life. read more

I have been taking my son to Kenpo classes for the past three months and hands-down, Mr. Grilli and staff are Professional. Mr. Grilli is extremely passionate about the craft of martial arts and helps all students of different skill levels with equal care. Mrs. Grilli is always on-hand to answers all questions in person or email. The Jr Instructors are also a wonderful addition to the school, also helping when the classes are full. The facility is super clean & welcoming. Yes, parking can be tricky but with proper planning a spot can be found or parking can be found across the street, easy-peasy. I'm happy we have found a family martial arts school. I will recommend JSK Riverside 100%. read more

I don't fancy paying a karate instructor to spend 15 minutes at then end of a karate session that's 30 minutes long that I'm paying a lot of money for so that he can brag to all the kids and parents about how cool he is because he used to practice karate on his lunch breaks in high school, and he's apparently a math whiz. I would only know this if he told me... he did. He likes to brag... a lot. He brags to the whole dojo. Also a cult-Luke atmosphere. "I don't know any kids who quit; only parents who quit." So planting the seed if you "cancel" services you're a loser/quitter. That crap doesn't work on me. He likes to lecture the parents a lot under the guise of addressing "the class" I see right through his bull. I was paying $330 per month, but that's not all! Wait! There's more! There's a $29 fee sign up per child. There are tons of other fees. Tournament fees, test fees... $60 here, $80 there, $50 for this... it's extremely expensive and it didn't even work. I spent thousands of dollars in less than a year... over $3,000 in 7 months, and that doesn't include the months that they charged me after I said I wanted to terminate my contract. My contract was up. I was on the fence to renew due to the expense, the schedule, and it wasn't really accomplishing what we wanted to accomplish. When it was time to renew, I asked Angela if my boys could keep attending the same class because I only had a small window after school to be able to show up. I told her that I would only renew if my boys could stay in the same class. I overheard the conversation she had with Michael (because I was sitting on the floor since there is never any seats to sit in). He said it would be fine, so I renewed my contract for 7 more months. 1 month later, this happened: He gave a speech to the whole dojo. Parents and children included (another lecture to the whole "class" but he was really directly addressing ME). It was right after a "test." Both of my kids passed their tests and belted up. So he decided to make an "announcement", I guess. "If you have two kids in the same class and one of them passed their test then they are going to be in a different class now and you need to figure that out. I have a family who have 8 kids in 8 different classes so figure it out." It was obvious to me he was addressing me since I was the only human being who had two kids in the same class. If he wasn't cool with that- it would be fine, but he never said that. He said he was cool until I signed the contract and then all of a sudden he wants to call me out in front of literally everyone because I literally can't be in two places at once. I never showed up for a class after that, but I still had to pay over $1,000 which was a loss. Also, why do we need to teach 5-year-olds how to break someone's arm? That's weird. Like, I get "kick here; kick there." Do your blocking set. Do Form 1, etc... but why? Why would a 5-year-old ever need to know how to give another child a "spiral fracture" in their arm?? It's weird. He was SO JAZZED to teach a bunch of kids how to give another kid a spiral fracture in their arm. Odd. Kindergarteners! Scared mouse of a wife charges bookoo bucks for photos, another upcharge. She puts her photos on shirts & (over)charges for that as well. Very cult-like atmosphere. read more

JSK Kenpo Riverside has been a good place for our son to learn martial arts. The staff and student helpers work well with our son to teach him the techniques needed to advance in his skills. It's obvious they love what they do and they produce winning martial artist because of the time and dedication they put into their school. read more

my kid just didn't look forward to going like he does now at his current studio. Coaching is minimal directly from coaches. Most learning is done online and reviewed in class. Lectures about coach doesn't care about what parents think or whatever is lost on kids because they are all trying their best. Kids are scared to mess up because coach makes them feel bad. Found a better place and my kid is thriving with positive coaching, coach knows his name and gets on the mat to teach him. That's what we pay for after all read more

This trainer promotes confidence and thoughtful responsibility in children. It also helps with discipline that will aid them in all they will do in life. These are skill sets that make the child a better citizen of the world. read more

Jeff Speakman's Kenpo 5.0 - Martial Arts Near Me - Riverside, California

About a year ago, I had no idea that I would be putting my son to train in Kenpo. Typically you think of baseball, soccer for a sport. My son is high energy, loud and can never stay still! So when I put him in Kenpo I definitely saw a change. Not just in personality but academically as well. He's more disciplined, a little more accountable, and willing to be up for a challenge. And this is thanks to the great instructors at this dojo. My son not only gets trained by the adult instructors but also has other students in class assisting and showing how they themselves train. It's great to see his development evolve! read more

I've been going here for bout 6 years and this is the best fighter facility ever! The coach is the best coach I could ever ask for. This place is 5 read more

Sensei Robert does wonders for these kids. My daughters motor skills, balance, technique and self confidence improved tremendously. She looooves her class. They also have activities outside of class. Worth every penny.. read more

My older son has been coming here for a little over 18 months and I have seen him grow more and more confident. He has competed in 3 tournaments already and placed every time. What I love is the attention the instructor gives to every single kid, and the passion Mr. Grilli has with Kenpo resonates. He has a knack with explaining the art of kenpo no matter the age group- he doesn't just teach how to attack and defend...... but what they're defending against and WHY. It's one thing to see the techniques and forms executed beautifully (these kids look badass), it's another thing to learn the meaning behind every attack/move. It makes it all much more thoughtful and technical. My younger son has just started Little Dragons and he is loving it!!! When he works on his forms, he just exudes confidence. And he has a lot of fun doing it! Their favorite part is actually sparring. YES, they actually make contact, box, kick, put each other on submission, apply their techniques on their peers and not just hit the air. But the fights are disciplined and they learn to respect each other's skill sets. We cannot recommend this school highly enough!!! read more

Jeff Speakman's Kenpo 5.0 - Learning take downs - Martial Arts Near Me - Riverside, California

See all

We've been a part of katate lessons in this location for a few month's already. My seven year old has been progressively learning, I have also noticed more discipline from him not only in karate but also at home and in school. We're hoping to be a part of this team for the years to come. read more

Our son has been training at JSK 5.0 Riverside for a little more than 2 years. We are so grateful to have found a place that helps instill the same core values we do at home, while teaching usable self defense! read more

Jeff Speakman's Kenpo 5.0 - Hand written review - Martial Arts Near Me - Riverside, California

After a year of ballet, my then 6yr-old daughter decided she wanted to try something new. While going through a huge list of activities, she decided she wanted to try Karate. Nearly two years later, both her and I do not regret choosing karate! The level of support and encouragement given at this school by the instructor Mr Grilli and his assistants is amazing!! The kids all enjoy spending time together in AND out of class. From fundraisers, picnics, holiday parties to pizza parties, the instructor, parents and students have really become a huge family. Its great to see parents not only cheering for their own kids but also cheering for all the other students at our school! That isn't normally something to be expected when these kids are often competing against each other, which is what makes this school that much more special!! Oh and watching these kids spar in the studio or compete in a tournament is definitely worth seeing. They are a dedicated, self-confident group of KIDS!! Compared to other local martial arts schools we looked into, Jeff Speakman's 5.0 Riverside was way more affordable (less than $100/mo) and had a better instructor/student ratio. Class Day/Times vary depending on age/level (Little Dragons, Kids I, Kids II, Adult). They also offer weekly sparring classes and added competition classes near tournament dates, jiu-jitsu (peewee/kids/adults) and an adult kick-boxing/cardio class. All in all, this school is pretty awesome. From the dedicated instructor to the sense of family within the school. The only "con" I do have, is the parking. It does tend to get a bit crowded at certain times because it is in a plaza so the parking lot is shared. BUT the 2 neighboring units close within an hour of the karate studio opening so after that, parking is not a problem. read more

See all

My 4 year old son has been going to kenpo karate for 4 months now. I am so impressed by the level of professionalism and the way they train these kids for not only self defense but for life. In a world where every kid gets participation medals and would rather play on a tablet vs play outside this studio emphasizes hard work, self confidence, and respect. My son loves his instructor Mr Grilli. Mr. Grilli is great with kids and not only teaches he mentors these kids. As kids progress they are asked to instruct the younger kids which emphasizes their own skills and confidence. I cant say enough about how beneficial this activity is for my son. The cost is very reasonable and all the parents and kids at the studio encourage each other and their truly is a family atmosphere. The studio isnt the biggest, but it is clean, functional, and well maintained. Do your kid a favor and sign them up for Kenpo Karate instead of sports that teach that everyone plays, everyone gets a medal, and life is easy. read more

Jeff Speakman's Kenpo 5.0 - Martial Arts Near Me - Riverside, California

The reason why this martial arts school has an amazing family feel is because it is run by a family. Husband, wife, and two sons run and teach at this studio! Their kids program is top notch! One of the best gifts you can give your child is confidence, discipline, and increased self-esteem! This martial arts school provides all of that for your kids and then some! read more

This isn't just a martial arts school it's an amazing Kenpo family! Do your kids a favor and enroll them in this karate school. It will change their life! read more

I don't think the martial art form is as important at the martial art instructor, so when I brought my son in for the trial sessions, I was watching Mr. Grilli and his teaching methods very closely. We have been with Kenpo 5.0 for a year now, and I have been so pleased with Mr. Grilli's enthusiasm, focus, thoroughness and nurturing with the kids. My son has great respect and affection for him, too--something I feel only excellent teachers earn! In addition to developing their basic Kenpo skills, the school has a sparring focus and Mr. Grilli trains them to be well prepared. The atmosphere is a great combination of serious business, respect and fun. Mr. Grilli has high expectations of/for his students and the structure of the kids program at Jeff Speakman's Kenpo 5.0 has integrity, wisdom and strength. My son has really progressed on multiple levels. read more

I don't even know where to begin with how amazing this karate school is and how in just one year my son has learned so much! Whether that be self defense to learning to respect all those around him. My son loves going to classes, and Mr. Grilli is an awesome instructor and he works really well with the kids. If your looking for a unique karate school I highly recommend this one! read more