I decided to try karate for the first time at the age of 45. Karate Do Ken Wa Kan was amazing. Staff and students have been super welcoming and friendly. Made me feel very comfortable from my very first day - and the classes have been amazing so far. Great instructors, great studio, great vibe!!

My 6, almost 7, yr old son loves this karate studio. Sensei David is wonderful with the kids. We’ve seen huge improvements in our son’s ability to focus thanks to Sensei David. Our son also loves attending the kids camp on school holidays and summer. He begs us to come pick him up late. Everyone who works and runs this studio is wonderful! Very caring community. I’m thinking of signing up for the adult karate class after seeing how quickly our son has picked it up and how good his form looks.

The teachers are wonderful and caring here. My son has become more confident and listens better at home since he started taking lessons at Kenwakan. He’s excited about going to karate class every time.

My son has grown a lot at Ken Wa Kan Karate. It is a great program and the teachers are excellent! I highly recommend it.

Karate Do Ken Wa Kan is a great dojo full of positive energy, fantastic team of teachers and wonderful community feel. Our daughter has been training at the dojo for 3 years and loves every minute of it. Dojo has a perfect balance of discipline, structure and fun and does a great job teaching children and adults skills of karate and beyond. Their transition and integration of remote learning was seamless and could not have been done better.

If youre looking for a great workout, or a new challenge, or a sense of community, youre in luck. Ken Wa Kan will give you all of these and more. The mix of classes and instructors combined with the students from all ages and walks of life make your time unlike most things youll do in New York. Its definitely worth giving it a try even if youve never done anything like this. You might surprise yourself, even in the first class.

When my daughter was 3 years old, we enrolled her in ballet class. Over several years I became dissatisfied with the culture and community of the ballet world in NYC for my 5-year-old. When I was at university, I practiced karate and thought this would be a wonderful idea for Isabella. We enrolled Isabella for introductory classes at three different Dojos, KEN WA KAN (KWK) being the last and chosen kids karate school. I was impressed that Isabella’s first introductory class at KWK was a one on one with the Shihan of the dojo, Shihan Michelle. I was able to watch my daughter in her one on one class and it was excellent. Shihan Michelle was a master at several levels: karate, teaching a child, and as a Kids karate school owner. We signed her up that day. Isabella went after school and to summer camp every year, continued training, after many, many years of hard work promoted to a black belt. When she was 12 years old, she went into her first tournament in Harlem and took 4th place, for Bo (Staff) kata. The challenge of tournament clearly energized Isabella. She continued to practice diligently and was an integral part of the wonderful KEN WA KAN community. Isabella looked up to Sensei Zelda, who has followed her Mother (Shihan Michelle) path. Isabella has no brothers or sisters, and I could see that Sensei Zelda provided Isabella with a big sister/leader role model. Sensei Zelda is strong, compassionate and a deeply caring person and as well a karate tournament champion. I went with Isabella, with the KRN WA KAN karate Team up to Canada for the Karate Tournament in Montreal. It was a fun and physically and mentally demanding trip for the participants. This was Isabella’s 2nd time to register for this tournament. Isabella captured 2 trophies one for a nun chuck kata and the other for open hand kata. Thanks to Shihan Michelle, Sensei Zelda, Sensei David, Sensei Diane and other supporting teaching staff at the dojo Isabella had the high standard of karate training required to compete. It was exciting to be there to see all the KWK Kids, teens, and some adults, after years of training, perform at a high level and take trophies home. Going back to the pervious year of the Montreal tournament, Isabella took a 3rd place trophy home, and I was an immensely proud papa. The KEN WA KAN karate Team took home many trophies. It was so exciting for me to be in the world of karate, due to Isabella and her training at the KEN WA KAN kids’ karate school. It was obviously evident how much I loved karate and the KWK Community. That night at dinner Shihan Michelle offered me 3 free months to start training at KWK karate school. It was no easy task to start Karate training. However, it took me a little time to get into a schedule that would be effective. I eventually started to get into better shape (karate Shape and always working on it) and to this day I am still training and loving the KWK community. My daughter is one of my Senpai’s and it is all wonderful. How many parents get the opportunity to learn karate and to be in a class with your 16-year-old daughter. It is a wonderful karate school, and by the way , there are many parents with their kids in KWK karate class together. Now that is cool!

Karatedo Ken Wa Kan is a truly unique dojo. Women owned and operated - they manage to be fun, friendly and kick-a** all at the same time. My daughter trained here through her adolescence and it was a godsend. Then I joined her! The world is a safer space for both of us now thanks to Shihan Michelle and her team of amazing Senseis. Cannot say enough wonderful things about this very special place.

My 9 year old has been training with Karate-Do Ken Wa Kan for the past 6 years. We have always been very impressed with the instructors and structure of the classes at the dojo. With each year of training, we have seen an improvement in focus as well as confidence. During the height of covid in NYC we were not sure what activities our children could still partake in, but the staff at the dojo were absolutely amazing in providing a secure and organized covid-protocol for all their students. We also appreciated their genuine concern for their students emotional well being during a very fraught year.

Awesome, kind instructors and a WOMEN-OWNED business! Highly recommend this wonderful dojo.

I found, or perhaps they found me, Ken Wa Kan in early 2012, after having just moved to NYC. I was looking for a way to get in shape, meet new people, and learn a new skill. But, what I found is so much more. Its family. Its judgement-free accountability. Its encouragement and a firm belief that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. Its pushing and proving to yourself that you are capable of so much more than we tend to give ourselves credit for. Its an overwhelming sense of accomplishment backed by a community that believes in you even when you didnt believe in yourself. Its confidence. Its perserverance. Its training for life, a series of mountains we climb where reaching the summit is just the bottom of the next mountain. And, most of all, its love. For karate and for each other.

After visiting a number of martial arts schools in the Union Square neighborhood as well as observing a class at each school, I picked Ken Wa Kan. The teachers have been incredibly patient and supportive of this elder – 60-something – student. (I may have been their oldest white belt.) The school prides itself as being a community as well as a dojo and has certainly become more a part of my life than the local senior center.

Cant ask for a better dojo and team of teachers. Ultimate body and mind workout!

Amazing experience with the whole staff. Professional, knowledgeable and most of all- kids adored them. Experts in their area. Shaped the foundation of discipline and respect with my kids. Highly recommend this program!

I came to Ken Wa Kan with very little martial arts training and was warmly welcomed by the staff and students. After my first class, Sensei Zelda- who didnt even teach my class!- called me to ask about my experience. This community truly cares for each other and support you inside and outside of the dojo, creating such a supportive environment which helps me and so many other thrives. I can not recommend Ken Wa Kan enough!

My 6 year old son has been taking karate classes at Karate-Do Kenwakan for about a year and a half. The teachers are wonderful, kind, caring and patient. My son has become more confident, focused, assertive and disciplined since he started taking karate classes. He also listens better at home and is not afraid to stand up for himself or others anymore. I would highly recommend anyone taking classes at karate-Do Kenwakan!

Amazing dojo! Extremely supportive community, great students to train with, fantastic and knowledgeable teachers who will push you and motivate you until you are amazed with what you can accomplish. Been training at Karate-Do Ken Wa Kan for over 3 years, absolutely love it!

Serious and encouraging family-run training center. Super positive, character-building and athletic experience for my two sons who trained there.

I really loved spending time at the dojo. Everyone is super nice and understanding, the classes are really fun and I was in the best shape of my life when I was taking classes there. All the senseis are really personable and kind as well as being great teachers. Shihan is super cool and a great role model!! I went as an adult student but the kids there always seem like they’re having a blast. Highly recommend:)

Great instructors, feels like family!We moved across the country but my kids still talk regularly about their beloved KWK instructors ;)

Karate-Do Ken Wa Kan is an INCREDIBLE dojo. A place that builds community, confidence and builds self growth. Every time I walked into the dojo, i feel welcomed. The kindness and martial arts knowledge seeps through every Sensei all the way up to the amazing Shihan Michelle Gay. I have loved everyday of my 2 year training at Ken Wa Kan.

Our daughter started KWK in Kindergarten as a white belt. She is now in 5th grade and promoted to Brown Belt / Black Stripe (one level away from full Black Belt). Kenwakan is not only a first rate dojo, its a wonderful and supportive community. Shihan Michelle and Sensei Zelda provide strong female role models for our daughter. Sensei David delivers a nice balance of physical rigor and social support. Our daughter and he sometimes have small chats after class about life - things like stage freight, breaking beyond your barriers. The dojo is a great place for kids to grow into themselves. Through the years, Ive watch my daughter go from being a bit shy to more comfortable in her skin to being a kid who is able to advocate for herself. There is no doubt that the Kenwakan community has contributed to her growth.

I’ve been a member of Kenwakan for 4 years. I procrastinated and started taking karate very late in life but it will remain something I pursue for the rest of it. Keep in mind, I am my own competitor; my growing list of physical limitations are my competitor’s limitations. No one expects me to compete with a strapping 20-year old. But they do expect me to perform at my best, honestly and with intent.Karate at any well-founded dojo is an amazing discipline on its own. Karate at Kenwakan adds to that discipline the support, kindness, and toughness of a second family. Shihan, the founder, explains how the body works for any single move — you are not asked to perform moves mechanically but naturally, and she will show you how. Teachers go above and beyond in helping you — everything from offering to physically deliver items to your home, to giving additional instruction after class. Sensei Z created and sent me a video within minutes of my asking her a question about a specific kata!Zoom and taped classes began not too long after lock-down, so there wasn’t a lot of downtime. They’ve since opened the dojo to in-person classes with all of the precautions prescribed by law. Class schedules fit around my work schedule.Being a member of Kenwakan has been an emotional and physical lifeline in these disruptive, upsetting days. My sage advice is to try it out, it’s good for the body and soul…young bodies, old bodies, even older bodies…Dana S

Both of my elementary aged children have been going to Karate-Do Ken Wa Kan for the last 2 years. It has been a great experience for them. I have see a great amount of emotional growth since starting karate. The dojo and its Shihan, Senseis and staff are warm and inviting. The Senseis are true teachers, balancing making classes fun but also challenging the kids to work at doing more.

A place to remember...where an adult,teen,child,can not only learn or even became a master overtime,but also find,a very nice social enviroment KEN WA KAN, means learning how to karate,with excellent masters,but also,have a great time meeting others,and also can b a familly place,is a place where learning karate,means also meeting great people all ages

Originally based on the Kyokushin / World Oyama style, Ken Wa Kan persues its own intensive full-contact Karate, combined with well desciplined and beautiful kata practices. In the heart of New York City, it offers many training calliculums for adults and kids and by skill level, as well as family-oriented fun events, including retreats, camps, parties and self-offence seminars. Shihan Michelle, formally trained by Soshu Shigeru Oyama, is proud of being a 6-time knock-down champion. She is also a Master of Somatic Movement. Ken Wa Kan is very friendly and open to anyone. Some Japanese students (including my wife, son and myself) also enjoy cultivating Japanese tradition and culture in Ken Wa Kan.

This place is amazing. The environment is so warm and friendly and affordable. Unlimited classes and first month is $100 and the next six months are $235 each

I love this dojo, the teachers, the students and the art. From the moment I walked in I was welcomed by everyone and it has often felt like I have received one on one lessons from teachers and students! It is really fun and as a former basketball player looking for another competitive outlet, it has definitely satisfied my desire to compete and exercise without fear of injury.

My son wanted to take a martial art & a friend recommended this dojo. I feel so blessed that we landed here. They treat the students with a gentle kindness, but also like grown human beings who have responsibilities & commitments. Its the first non-school activity my eight-year-old has not grumbled about regularly attending, and its twice a week. He has gained a sense of self & of his physical presence which, as someone small for his age, has supported his self-esteem & his comfort in the world, especially at school. He is excited about working toward the goal of the next belt, and is proud of the belts he has accomplished. Additionally, I feel like my son & I are part of a a group of caring people working together with purpose, rather than clients paying for a class. I feel joy every time I climb the stairs that we found this place & are a part of it.

Words cannot express my heartfelt gratitude to Ken Wa Kan for being such a positive influence in the life of our daughter over the past 5 years. We are so grateful to Sensei Zelda and Shihan Michelle for being powerful role models - and for all their encouragement, guidance, wisdom, comedy and remarkable skills. The senseis (all of them, including Hugo, Emilio, Augusto, and David) have given my daughter the self-confidence and self-control to see her through countless ups and downs at school and with friends. Unlike so many after-school activities which come and go, Ken Wa Kan dojo has become an irreplaceable hub in our daughters life. Ken Wa Kan teaches truly important life skills beyond the (very impressive) karate that is taught on the mat, and we see the tremendous impact in our daughters outlook, attitude and physical fitness every day. Osu!

This place has become my second home. This is a school beyond Karate, it is a community of people looking out for one another, bringing out the best in one another. I am so grateful for Shihan Michelle Gay, and all the Senseis for pushing me and pulling out the best in me. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Do Ken Wa Kan Karate School. Osu!

My child used to attend karate classes and camp here. We have since found a more authentic, well-run and safe dojo for our child. There have been numerous incidents that placed my child and other children at risk that have led me to believe that Shihan Michelle Gay and her staff are negligent, incompetent and frankly have no business being entrusted with the welfare of children. The last straw was when a staff member lost a child on 6th avenue during after school pick up and didnt even realize it! Most disturbing about this incident was how nonplussed Michelle Gay was in her response.There are many other karate schools nearby, including one in the same building that are more established and reputable. I recommend that you take your business to one of them instead.

My older son started taking karate in 3rd grade back in 2003 with Shihan Michelle (Sempai Michelle back then) as his teacher. My younger son started a year later. Back then, Michelle was teaching at Oyama Karate. A couple of years later, Oyama underwent a reorganization, and several senseis, including Michelle, left to form their own dojo. Michelle had always been a great teacher for my kids, so following her to this other dojo was a no-brainer. I even started taking classes myself, and we became a family of karatekas. A few years ago, Michelle decided to create her own dojo, Ken Wa Kan. While we very much admired and respected the other senseis, I felt that Michelle cared for and understood the children much more than anyone else. So again, we chose to stay with her. In all the time weve studied under Shihan Michelle, Id never felt my kids or any other students, for that matter, to be neglected or at risk. If anything, the dojo feels very much like a family, where everyone—regardless of rank or age—cares for and supports one another. My own family is still a part of this dojo, even though weve all gotten our black belts years ago. That in itself is a testament to how highly we regard Shihan Michelle, her teaching, and this dojo. Osu!

I will arive next month!!! karaté niger!!!

This Dojo is amazing, my friend tried there