Business Details
24 Years
experience
Mike Petersen's Kempo Karate School in Christiansburg, VA
Mike Petersen's Kempo Karate School has been dedicated to martial arts instruction in the New River Valley since 2002. Founded by Mike Petersen after years of personal study and teaching experience, our school combines traditional Kempo Karate principles with modern self-defense techniques. Our certified instructors provide structured training for all ages, from our Little Dragons program for ages 4-6 to adult classes focusing on technical mastery and physical conditioning. We emphasize realistic self-defense applications, including stand-up fighting, ground techniques, and defensive weapons skills, while maintaining a non-aggressive learning environment. With over two decades of operation, our staff brings extensive experience in both martial arts practice and pedagogy.Our training facility supports small-group instruction while maintaining the resources of a larger organization. We integrate character development with physical training, focusing on humility, acceptance, and the holistic growth of mind, body, and spirit. Our programs include belt-specific curricula that progressively build skills and knowledge. The school maintains a strong community presence through annual events like our summer camp program. Our instructors are committed to continuous improvement through our Instructor Certification Program, which develops teaching expertise alongside martial arts proficiency.
Services
Kempo Karate Classes
Summer Camp
Self-Defense Training
Strength and Conditioning
Instructor Certification
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- Certified instructors with decades of combined teaching experience
- Structured curriculum for all ages from 4 to adult
- Focus on realistic self-defense techniques and applications
- Family-friendly environment with intergenerational training opportunities
- Annual summer camp program combining martial arts and recreation
Services
Kempo Karate Classes
Structured Kempo Karate instruction for all ages with progressive belt curricula. Classes focus on self-defense techniques, physical conditioning, and character development. Certified instructors provide personalized attention in small group settings while maintaining technical rigor and traditional values.
Summer Camp
Week-long martial arts summer camp combining karate training with recreational activities. Includes twice-daily classes, games, and martial arts movies. Designed for both members and non-members with age-appropriate instruction and supervised activities from 8am-5pm daily.
Self-Defense Training
Realistic self-defense instruction covering stand-up fighting, ground techniques, and defensive weapons skills. Teaches awareness and avoidance strategies as primary defense methods while preparing students for physical confrontation scenarios. Emphasizes practical applications in non-aggressive training environments.
Strength and Conditioning
Integrated bodyweight conditioning program enhancing martial arts performance. Builds strength, stamina, flexibility, and range of motion through karate-specific exercises. Combines traditional martial arts movements with functional fitness training to improve overall physical capability and confidence.
Instructor Certification
Certification program developing martial arts instructors through practical teaching experience. Begins at Adult Green Belt level with progressive requirements for assistant and associate instructor ranks. Combines technical mastery with pedagogical skills to ensure quality instruction across all class levels.
People
Mike Petersen
Founder
Started Kempo Karate in 1997 while supporting his son's training. Earned black belt in 2001 and opened the school in 2002. Combines decades of martial arts experience with educational leadership to develop curriculum and train instructors.
Shaun Petersen
Head Instructor
7th Degree Black Belt with teaching experience since 2001. Specializes in youth programs and instructor development. Provides leadership for summer camp operations and advanced martial arts training programs.
Noel Carson
Senior Instructor
6th Degree Black Belt teaching since 2005. Focuses on adult classes and technical refinement. Brings expertise in self-defense applications and physical conditioning to student training programs.
Karen Petersen
Senior Instructor
6th Degree Black Belt with teaching experience since 2006. Specializes in children's classes and character development. Contributes to curriculum design and instructor certification standards.
Kiah Porter
Guest Senior Instructor
4th Degree Black Belt teaching since 2004. Provides guest instruction and specialized training sessions. Brings diverse martial arts perspectives to enhance student learning experiences.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for martial arts training?
We offer programs for children as young as 4 through adult classes. Our Little Dragons program serves ages 4-6, youth classes for 6-12, and adult instruction for 12+.
What does the summer camp program include?
Our week-long summer camp features two daily karate classes, recreational games, martial arts movies, and supervised activities from 8am-5pm. Costs $150 for members and $175 for non-members.
Do you offer self-defense training for women?
Yes, our adult classes include self-defense techniques applicable to all students. We emphasize realistic defense scenarios and practical applications in a non-aggressive learning environment.
What equipment is needed to start classes?
The $95 start-up fee covers uniform, white belt, protective gear, and school t-shirt. Additional equipment may be required as students progress through belt ranks.
Can I try classes before committing?
Yes, we offer a free month of unlimited classes to experience our training environment. This includes all martial arts instruction and access to our facilities during regular class hours.
