You need to know the history of the art before you decide on the school. Here is the Readers Digest Version: http://kenpokarate.com/origin_of_kenpo_karate.html Ed Parker Studied at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT. He was achieved brown belt in martial arts while attending there. Ed decided to create and perfect his own art (this is not good or bad) . Ed promoted himself to Black Belt and created a pacific islander only group to help him perfect this evolving art (later to include non-islanders). Years later, after a tour of duty in the Coast Guard Ed took his art to Pasadena, CA where he trained many "first generation" students. Among these were Larry Tatum (who now teaches in Pasadena, CA) and Tommy Chaives (teaches in Arcadia, CA). Ed Parker continued to teach up until his death. There was no successor named to carry on Ed Parkers Kenpo Karate, so the art died with Ed. Like a piece of glass breaking as it hits the cement, so did the art, students who wanted to teach were left to create their own styles of Kenpo Karate. This is why you will never see anyone claiming to teach ed parkers karate specifically but they will teach what they learned from him. Each of the Kenpo Karate Masters went on to develop their own style and flavor of the martial art, so there is no real standardization with in the art. There is also some arguments and anger over who was the top student of Ed's and who has the unofficial rights of glory. So realize when you take kenpo from Larry Tatum or Tommy Chaives you are getting their version of the art, not the original Ed Parker version. If you were to ask they about all that you have read, I am sure they would not want to talk about it, because they feel it delegitimizes them. read more

This Karate school is wonderful. Rick Jeffcoat is very gifted martial artist and teacher. Type his name into YouTube to check out his various demonstrations of forms and techniques. My children use them for home practice. When I first visited his Los Robles Studio, I observed him teaching a student who had flown in from Chile, with the sole purpose of working with Master Jeffcoat for one week straight. The student didn't even speak English, but Mr. Jeffcoat was able to communicate very well. He is very well known internationally, yet still humble...a great role model for other martial artists. Master Jeffcoat expects and brings out the very best in his students. He has over 15 very skilled instructors teaching in the school, which is really great, because each instructor brings something unique to the mat. There are always several instructors in group classes to help individualize instruction. He is also very honest with pricing. He gave me a pricing sheet and showed me a number of payment plan options. I like that. read more

I've been a student of American Kenpo Karate since 2007. If you want to learn the art of Kenpo Karate then go to this studio. Rick Jeffcoat is a Master that you can respect. His knowledge and practical application is on the level of genius. All of his students are extremely dedicated. We do work hard but we also have a lot of fun. I've seen several young students grow up at this place. It is so inspiring to see the transformation from unruly and shy to strong, confident, and disciplined young Kenpoists. All the instructors who teach are extremely passionate about Kenpo and pass that on to their students. There is a wonderful vibe at the studio with all the families, kids and older students. It really has been an exceptional experience. I would encourage anyone who is curious about learning a martial art to go to American Kenpo Karate and learn from the best. read more

My daughter has been attending group and private class for two years. I chose Kenpo because it's know for the best form of self defense. I chose American Kenpo karate school after speaking to the owner and a couple instructors. As an educator of both kids and young adults, I wanted a place with safe and caring instructors. My daughter has thrived under their excellent care. They teach discipline, good form and responsibility. I appreciate the community, and have made friends with a couple of the parents and instructors. In addition, I have brought 2 more kids on board from my daughters school who have been very happy with the instruction they have received. I recommend doing a trial class, talking to the parents who are observing their children. Hands down, it's been a great experience for our family, and we recommend it highly! read more

A few years ago I started my search for a new karate studio. I looked at several studios and none of them seemed to be what i was looking for- a studio that really teaches Kenpo Karate and self defense. I visited Mr. Jeffcoat's studio and i knew this was the right place to go. I've been at this studio for years now i can say it is by far the best Karate studio. Mr. Jeffcoat spends time with every student so that they can really learn how to defend themselves. When i was little, I went to a studio in Sacramento. I came out of it with zero experience in self defense. The studio just cared about looks and money. It was a big show. I can honestly say that Mr. Jeffcoat's studio cares about the art and the people that love it. It has changed my live in the most positive way and I am proud to be a Kenpo student. read more

My entire family and I have been learning Kenpo Karate from Rick Jeffcoat for the last 15 years. Master Jeffcoat truly understand the art of Kenpo Karate and is able to explain clearly why you apply karate techniques a certain way, as it applies to your attacker and the environment. My two daughters started off in his kids karate classes at the age of 3 and are now junior black belts. My oldest will be going off to college this year and I feel assured that she has the self-defense strategies to protect herself while she is away from the family. My wife, who just recently earned her black belt, has fun working out with this great community of martial artists and looks forward to the two of us working out even more once our youngest goes to college. This is the best studio in Pasadena! Try it out! read more

I've been a student of Mr Jeffcoats since 2005. His knowledge in regards to American Kenpo is second to none. I call him the mad scientist because if you ever catch him without a student he is going over and working his craft and art. I have seen him teach other high ranking black belts from other studios and he has a good relationship with all of them. Mr Jeffcoat has always been forthcoming with information and advice when needed and his studio has a great balance, comfortable enough for Adults and kids just having fun and getting a good workout, but also functional enough for the upper belts to get some hardcore contact and instruction in the Martial Art that is Kenpo. I have recommended this to my friends and family. read more

I am currently a kenpo student at a local school in Pasadena, I am waiting for my contract to finish so my son and I can join Mr. Jeffcoat's School. Reason for me wanting to join Mr. Jeffcoat's school is because the place that I am at now has poor management the instructors are overbooked, at times we have to go home with no training. I had spoken to some of the instructors at my current school and they all have great things to say about Mr. Jeffcoat, some of them had trained with him in the past. The stories are just great; they know him for his accuracy, speed, perfect form and passion for teaching. Can't wait I hope it all workers out at the end. I really feel bad about leaving my current school but is not working for me at the moment. read more

If I could give 6 stars to this studio, I would. I researched Kenpo studios even before I moved to California. I knew that Rick Jeffcoat was the only one worth studying with, if I was going to continue Karate. He is known and admired all around the world--and he's really humble about it too. He is truly a scholar of the art...and talk about fierce! His technical work is impeccable too. His studio is so convenient and the parking is easy. Overall, it is a good, healthy place to work out and learn Kenpo. read more

Rick's school teaches the application of the art with the understanding of not only how to defend and attack, but what your defending against and why your attacking, defining the etymology of the move. Its one thing to learn a technique to perfection, and when you execute it, it sure looks pretty. But, its another thing to understand the attack, and the defense and move with purpose. If you want an education and a workout in Kenpo, check this school out. Hands down, the best I've ever seen!!!!! read more

"Yours For Life", a phrase used in their web site, americankenpokarate.net is what directed me to this particular karate school in Pasadena. After visiting their online site I was impressed so I decided to visit the actual school. I'm interested in both self defense classes and kids classes. When I arrived the owner, Rick Jeffcoat, made me feel right at home. It's a no nonsense school with a great energy. I think it's an excellent place to take karate classes. read more

Outstanding school. The instructors are knowledgeable and do an excellent job creating an environment that encourages learning. I went here looking for a school that is less about posturing and more about sharing the art form and I found exactly that. It's great for the little ones, too. Their Little Dragons class makes me smile every time I see it. It's awesome to see the confidence it inspires in kids of all ages. read more

Anthony Angulo volunteered some time to visit a youth club in North Long Beach. The youth club hosts foster youth from several group and foster homes. Anthony gave a demonstration of self defense skills. We usually have a tough crowd but Anthony managed to keep them engaged and the kids thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks Anthony for giving up your time to visit all the way in Long Beach. read more

One of the best institutions for Karate in Pasadena area. Teachers are excellent!!! Great environment to groom kids & teach self defense . My son is going here past 4 years. He enjoys thoroughly and wants to go everyday !!! read more

Awesome studio! Mr. Jeffcoat is an incredible instructor and a true Master of Kenpo. Realistic approach to teaching the art. Great for all ages. Highly recommended. read more