Karate/Kenpo

Free Karate Class Sign-Up

We want you to be able to see our school, meet the staff, and try out a karate class. Karate is a great system for self defense. Our classes are fun, safe, and give you a great workout.

You’ll learn to defend yourself using combinations of blocks and counter-strikes with a goal of ending any conflict as quickly as possible. In addition, we believe in character development as part of your path to being a great karateka.

We look forward to training with you soon!

How We Teach Karate

We teach a derivative of Ed Parker’s American Kenpo Karate in West Hartford, CT. The goal of Kenpo Karate is not to fight – it’s to end the fight quickly and effectively.

It’s about self-defense.

It’s about self-confidence.

It’s about self-control and respect.

We offer karate classes for kids and karate classes for adults at our West Hartford location. We look forward to training with you soon!

Karate is for Self-Defense

Gichin Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan Karate, believed that one should be “inwardly humble and outwardly gentle.”[1] Only with a proper attitude (kokoro) and open mind can one truly absorb all that encompasses learning karate. While the practitioner – or karateka (空手家) – is taught punches, kicks, defensive blocks, they are also required to build character by learning tenants of good virtue. In this sense, we at Plus One Defense systems in fact are teaching karatedō. The suffix, –dō, is like saying, “the way of ________;” so, “the way of karate” in this case. We train and teach Ed Parker’s Kenpo Karate to help the individual understand the proper techniques, as well as the appropriate time in self-defense when they may be applied.

Karate Classes for Kids and Families

Karate is the perfect martial art form for kids. It teaches principles of discipline, structure, respect, and of course engages their physical need for exercise. Through practice of techniques and forms, our students learn this ancient art in a fun, lively, and safe environment.

Plus One Defense Systems is accredited under the United Martial Arts Alliance (UMAA). As students progress through the ranks, we are one of the few schools that offer a comprehensive and certified approach to instruction.