Home › Connecticut › Branford › Shaolin Kempo Academy
Shaolin Kempo Academy
4.8 ★★★★★ 45 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Branford, Connecticut
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all fitness levels welcome, including total beginners — no experience needed, and you get in shape by training, not before
- Cardio kickboxing classes high-energy cardio kickboxing on the bags and pads — a fun, sweaty workout built for fitness and weight loss, at your own pace
- Kids & teen classes kids and teen kickboxing classes (ages 3–16) — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule learnkempo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 203-468-7287
Hours
| Monday | 8–9 am, 3–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 8–9 am, 3–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 8–9 am, 3–8 pm |
| Thursday | 8–9 am, 3–8 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 8 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Taking the kickboxing classes here has been such a such a good experience, the workouts are always different and challenging.”
“My son started training at Shaolin Kempo Academy and as in little as 1 month I see amazing transformation in my son's self-esteem, self confidence, and respect for others.”
“My daughter started kick boxing at Shaolin Kempo Academy about a month ago and her experience has been great.”
“After almost a year here I can say it is the first time that I don't have to talk myself into going to classes!”
Other martial arts here
“My daughter started kick boxing at Shaolin Kempo Academy about a month ago and her experience has been great.”
“Both of my children took Kempo classes at Shaolin years ago and have returned to Shaolin as adults for both kickboxing and karate classes.”
What members say
“I’ve been with Master Ross for years and in addition to being a great Instructor I would classify him as a bit of a life coach.”
“After almost a year here I can say it is the first time that I don't have to talk myself into going to classes!”
“My son started training at Shaolin Kempo Academy and as in little as 1 month I see amazing transformation in my son's self-esteem, self confidence, and respect for others.”
“My son started training at Shaolin Kempo Academy and as in little as 1 month I see amazing transformation in my son's self-esteem, self confidence, and respect for others.”
“The atmosphere is very welcoming and even if you are a newbie you are quickly comfortable as everyone is so nice and helpful including the other members.”
From the reviews
There’s so many great things to say about Master Ross’ Shaolin Kempo Academy. My husband and I decided to join with our son since Master Ross makes it super convenient and has the kid and adult classes at the same time, since you’re learning the same material.
After almost a year here I can say it is the first time that I don't have to talk myself into going to classes! Taking the kickboxing classes here has been such a such a good experience, the workouts are always different and challenging. Master Ross is really knowledgeable and offers great instruction during classes.
I have been a student at Shaolin Kempo Academy for more than a year and a half now. I joined with my son and my wife joined a few days later. I can honestly say that I've never had a bad time in class since I started. Its an incredible workout and an amazing learning opportunity!
I’ve been with Master Ross for years and in addition to being a great Instructor I would classify him as a bit of a life coach. He’s always there for his students, whether to improve their Kata or offer advice about school or work. He genuinely cares about his students.
New to kickboxing? Start at Shaolin Kempo Academy
Shaolin Kempo Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners class is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or coordinated to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale every drill to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable gyms build the basics (stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads and bags) first, and any contact eases in gradually under a coach's control. Third, all fitness levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first kickboxing class at Shaolin Kempo Academy
Nervous about walking into a kickboxing gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics — stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads or a heavy bag — not hard sparring. Go at your own pace and rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: comfortable athletic clothes you can move and sweat in, and supportive trainers. What to bring: water, and hand wraps and gloves if you have them — many gyms lend loaner gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves and wraps (and shin guards once you start sparring). Sparring is optional and eases in gradually, once your basics are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
More kickboxing gyms near Branford
Kickboxing360
5 ★★★★★ 36 reviews
🥊 Free trial / intro class — check their site
CT Krav Maga & MMA
4.8 ★★★★★ 74 reviews
🥊 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Elm City Kickboxing LLC
5 ★★★★★ 42 reviews