Business Details
Premier Martial Arts Training in Lenexa, KS
Lenexa Karate Academy has been dedicated to traditional martial arts instruction for over 40 years, serving the Kansas City Metropolitan area. Founded by Hanshi Dan Kennedy, a 10th-degree black belt with decades of expertise in Okinawan Kenpo, Jujitsu, and Kobujitsu, we provide structured, high-quality training for individuals aged five to sixty-five. Our programs emphasize real-world self-defense techniques, physical fitness, and character development, fostering self-confidence, discipline, and leadership skills. With a team of highly skilled black belt instructors, we maintain a clean, professional environment that prioritizes student growth and safety. Our curriculum includes classical Okinawan karate, Jujitsu, and weapons training, ensuring a well-rounded martial arts experience.We cater to families, children, and adults, offering classes that promote lifelong goal-setting, improved coordination, and stress relief. Our mission is to empower students through physical and mental development, instilling values like respect, perseverance, and integrity. As a community-focused dojo, we strive to be a positive influence in our students' lives, helping them excel academically, socially, and personally. With flexible class schedules and a supportive atmosphere, we welcome beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Our commitment to excellence extends to every aspect of our operations, from instruction to facility maintenance, ensuring a rewarding experience for all who train here.
Services
Kids Karate
Family Karate
Jujitsu
Sparring
Kobujitsu
Self-Defense
Weapons Training
Black Belt Programs
Beginner Classes
Fitness Training
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of experience in traditional Okinawan martial arts instruction.
- Our curriculum emphasizes real-world self-defense techniques and practical applications.
- We provide family-friendly classes that promote quality time and intergenerational learning.
- Our instructors include 10th-degree black belt Hanshi Dan Kennedy and certified experts.
- We focus on character development, instilling values like respect, perseverance, and integrity.
Services
Kids Karate
Our Kids Karate program (ages 5-11) builds self-esteem, discipline, and physical coordination through structured lessons. Students develop leadership skills, improved attention spans, and the confidence to resist negative peer pressure while learning traditional techniques in a fun, supportive environment.
Family Karate
Family Karate classes (ages 5+) allow parents and children to train together, promoting quality time and shared fitness goals. Adults train at appropriate levels while children learn respect and teamwork, creating a unique bonding experience through traditional martial arts practice.
Jujitsu
Okinawan Jujitsu instruction focuses on joint locks, pressure points, and throws that complement our karate curriculum. Kids learn safe falling techniques while adults gain practical self-defense skills, integrating seamlessly with our Kenpo sets for a comprehensive martial arts system.
Kobujitsu
Okinawan Kobujitsu teaches traditional weapons including bo staff, sai, and nunchaku under Hanshi Dan Kennedy's expert guidance. Training improves basics, power, and timing while preserving historical techniques, with rank advancement available for all ages and experience levels.
Sparring
Controlled sparring classes develop timing, speed, and real-world application of techniques. Students practice with protective gear in a safe environment, balancing drills with live practice to enhance effectiveness while maintaining fitness through intense cardio workouts.
People
Dan Kennedy
Chief Instructor
Hanshi Dan Kennedy, a 10th-degree black belt with over 45 years of experience, founded Lenexa Karate Academy. He has trained over 200 black belts and leads the United States Kenpo Kobujitsu Federation, specializing in Okinawan Kenpo, Jujitsu, and weapons training.
Mike Colahan
Instructor
Kyoshi Mike Colahan, a 7th-degree black belt in Okinawan Kenpo and Jujitsu, has trained under Hanshi Kennedy for decades. He emphasizes personalized growth, believing martial arts should focus on individual progress rather than comparison with others.
Justin Quinn
Instructor
Kyoshi Justin Quinn, a 6th-degree black belt in Kenpo and Kobudo, has trained with Hanshi Kennedy for 22 years. As a senior kobudo practitioner, he specializes in weapons training and helps students develop technical proficiency and traditional martial arts values.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We teach classical Okinawan Kenpo karate, Jujitsu, and Kobujitsu (weapons training) with a focus on real-world self-defense applications.
Are family classes available?
Yes, our family martial arts program allows parents and children to train together while maintaining appropriate training levels for adults.
What age groups do you accommodate?
We offer programs for children aged 5-11, teens, adults, and family classes for all ages starting at age five.
What benefits can students expect?
Students develop self-confidence, discipline, physical fitness, improved coordination, stress relief, and practical self-defense skills through our structured curriculum.
Do you offer weapons training?
Yes, our Okinawan Kobujitsu program teaches traditional weapons like bo staff, sai, nunchaku, and kama under expert supervision.
How do you approach sparring instruction?
We provide controlled sparring environments with protective gear, balancing drills and live practice to develop timing, speed, and practical combat effectiveness.
