Frequently Asked Questions

Newcomers get a free intro lesson to discover the dojo and learn some basic karate skills. There’s no commitment to see what martial arts is about.

Your instructor will have your uniform, belt, and other Enrollment items ready when you show up for your first class. Please arrive 15 minutes early and flag down an instructor.

Click here, and we’ll contact you to set up your Free Trial Lesson!

Are you a first-time student of the Martial Arts? Or do you have years of experience in other styles? Our top instructors have decades of experience, and we’re prepared and excited to pick up your training wherever you are on your Martial Arts path!

Kids - No experience needed! Our classes are divided by experience level and age. That way, you get individual attention and train on what you need at a pace that’s productive yet comfortable.

Adults - It’s never too late to start reaping the benefits of the Martial Arts. We start Adults at all different fitness levels, so whether you’re a sporty Boulderite or looking to trim down the waistline a few sizes, our classes are welcoming to all. Classes move at a pace that everyone can follow comfortably, and our instructors are excellent at keeping it fresh. You will feel amazing after every class.

Yes! Semi-private lessons are our specialty at Boulder Karate, and we’ve found that students learn best with weekly personal attention. When you sign up, an instructor will reach out to you to schedule your weekly Semi-Private lesson time.

Our standard program costs $289/month and includes one weekly Semi-Private Lesson and unlimited Group Classes for your age group.

More advanced programs are available, such as Accelerated and Master’s Club - ask your instructor for more details.

Absolutely! We have fantastic discounts designed to make karate a rewarding family experience.

Enjoy a 25% discount on the membership of a second family member and an even better deal with a 50% discount for each additional family member beyond the second.

Karate not only fosters individual growth but also strengthens family bonds, turning every step into a solid victory for the whole family!

New students, try us for just $488, which includes:

Kick Start Enrollment Package

1 Month of Unlimited Group Classes

Weekly Semi-Private Lessons

Kick Start Enrollment Package includes:

Custom Boulder Karate printed uniform

White belt

White Boulder Karate t-shirt

Logo patch

Student manual

Access to online rank videos

Printable home practice routines

When you arrive for your first class, you'll immediately sense the positive and industrious atmosphere of the dojo (studio). Our instructors make an effort to welcome you right away but don't hesitate to grab our attention if we miss you. When it's time for your class to start, there will be an announcement to 'line up.' Head to that designated area, and your instructor will guide you on where to stand.

The structure of the class is straightforward. It typically begins with warm-up exercises, followed by basic skill training such as strikes to the air or pads. The session then progresses into the main lesson of the day. Your instructor will provide clear explanations for each drill, ensuring you can follow along from the start. Throughout the class, feel free to raise your hand if you have any questions – our instructors are more than happy to assist you.

After signing up, a member of our staff will reach out to you to schedule your weekly semi-private lessons.

If at any point you would like to change your weekly semi-private time, simply email us at boulderkarate@gmail.com with some other dates and times that work for you.

If you (or your child) is going to miss your semi-private lesson, we ask for a 24-hour advance written notice (email) to reschedule that lesson so we can staff accordingly.

No-shows are not eligible for a make-up lesson.

If you (or your child) are sick or have an emergency, please send us an email when you are able and we will consider rescheduling these lessons based on the situation.

You bet! Parents are always welcome to hang out in the lobby and observe our classes. We even offer free WIFI while you wait.

Feel free to drop off your child at Boulder Karate for their scheduled class. Please escort them inside and ensure they join their class promptly.

It's important to note that Boulder Karate does not assume responsibility for supervising children after their class concludes, so please ensure you're punctual for their pickup.

If your child has specific needs or tends to experience strong emotions when you're not around, we kindly request that you remain in the dojo during their lessons for added support.

We do not believe in 12-month contracts – all we require is a 30-day written notice (email) prior to your next tuition due date to cancel.

For your first trial class, we recommend wearing something you can easily move in, like a T-shirt and shorts or sweats.

Once you have officially registered for classes, you will receive a uniform (gi), belt, and Boulder Karate t-shirt to wear under the uniform jacket.

We recommend having a few Boulder Karate t-shirts. You may purchase more shirts through the MyStudio app and pick them up when you come to the dojo - alert an instructor, and they’ll help you pick your size and colors.

Your instructor will get to know your strengths and weaknesses during your weekly semi-private lessons.

They will teach you all the moves required for your next rank and help you fine-tune them until your skills are proficient enough to advance. At that point, your instructor will invite you to test.

The list of rank requirements can be found in your Student Manual (included with the Enrollment Package during registration) and on our website on your Rank Videos page.

Rank testing is held about every 6 weeks for Yellow through Blue with a Green Stripe and about every 3-4 months for Green, Brown, and Black Belt ranks.

Tiny Tigers (4-5) 

Mini Monks (6-8) 

Jr Ninjas (9-12)

Teens (13-16)

Adults (17+)

Full Body Fitness

Self Defense Skills

Discipline

Confidence

Flexibility

Lower Blood Pressure

Stress Relief

Community

Mind, Body, Spirit

Fortitude

Balance

Reflexes

Strength

Practicing on your own is like a secret ingredient that brings a recipe to life. The more you practice, the better you will get, period. Students who advance slowly don’t tend to practice outside of class. There is no judgment or requirement around this - these students may not have the time, and that’s okay.

We do encourage even a little extra training on your own if possible, whether it’s at home or if you show up 10 minutes early to your class and practice in the dojo.

When practicing on your own, you can use our Shaolin Sharpening routines (found in your Student Manual and on your Rank Videos page on our website) or even create your own routines! Keeping it fresh keeps it fun.

Your safety is our top priority in every class. Injuries are highly uncommon as we prioritize safe training practices.

Our dedicated instructors will guide you in practicing safely with partners and on bags. Our friendly community ensures a supportive environment where everyone collaborates to enhance their skills without causing harm. Most movements involve light contact to the body, and sensitive areas like the head are never targeted for contact.

Sparring is a fantastic way to develop reflexes, footwork, combos, and much more. We encourage students to get sparring gear and begin sparring as soon as they are comfortable and require some basic sparring experience by the rank of Orange Belt.

Safely developing self-control is the primary focus for new participants.

At the higher ranks, some contact is allowed for those who wish to raise the intensity, but is still done safely. After a sparring class, we want all students to be tired and smiling!

All of our instructors have undergone rigorous training and graduated from the Alpine Martial Arts Instructors Academy, so we can share the magic of martial arts with you and your family in the most fun and effective ways. You know you’re getting a good lesson when the instructors love what they do, and you’ll love it too.

Learn more about us here.

The style of martial arts we proudly study is called Shaolin Kempo. “Shaolin” is Chinese for “young forest,” where Shaolin Kung Fu originated. “Kempo” is Japanese for “law of the fist.”

Shaolin Kempo combines the circular, fluid motion of Chinese Kung Fu and linear, powerful movements of Japanese Karate. It is a highly effective, practical art for street self-defense. In addition, it implements joint manipulations and grappling tactics of Jujutsu.

Shaolin Kempo develops all ranges of combat: long, middle, and close. It also utilizes all four ways of fighting: striking, kicking, felling, and grappling, unlike most other martial arts that focus on just one or two of these.

Training consists of numerous fun and practical methods, including classical basics, striking pads and heavy bags, self-defense techniques, sparring, and kata (forms). Through the training in Shaolin Kempo, students will develop the Five Shaolin Animal styles, which encompass different body types and fighting tactics: the Tiger, Dragon, Leopard, Crane, and Snake.

The depth of Shaolin Kempo keeps it exciting and mentally stimulating for years upon years. It is not uncommon for a black belt practitioner to realize new, advanced concepts about basic moves they learned at the early ranks!

Learn more

Self-defense is the foundation of our karate style, Shaolin Kempo. Along your journey through the ranks, you will learn skills for an array of self-defense situations, such as defenses against a straight punch, haymaker punch, kick, attacks with a weapon, and all sorts of grabs. More importantly, you will learn how to use the skills and weapons in your toolkit to handle any situation, as there can be many variables.

If you want to focus purely on self-defense training, your instructor will gladly tailor your semi-private lessons around this aspect.

At Boulder Karate, we don't just teach martial arts; we foster a positive learning environment where our core values shine through.

Values-Driven Education: We instill essential values in our students, including Attitude, Integrity, Respect, Self Control, and Heart. These principles aren't just taught in the dojo; we practice them in our daily lives, promoting character development alongside martial arts skills.

Personalized Attention: We believe in taking care of our students. Along with weekly private or semi-private lessons, we're happy to help with any struggles that children are experiencing. If focus in school is an issue, for instance, our instructors will happily give this extra attention during class. Karate isn’t just another sport; at Boulder Karate, every student develops from the inside out. We're proud to watch each and every student grow as a human being, as well as learn to protect themselves!

Family-Friendly Atmosphere: We're a community that encourages families to embark on this journey together. We encourage this by offering special discounts to all families.

No-Pressure Approach: We believe in the value of experiencing Boulder Karate firsthand. That's why we offer every new student a free Private Lesson. It's your chance to see why so many kids, teens, and adults love Boulder Karate without any commitment.

Camaraderie: Our motto, 'BOULDER ROCKS,' represents our vibrant and supportive dojo culture. It's not just a place to train; it's a place to belong. At Boulder Karate, we stand strong against hate. Karate is universal no matter who you are, where you’re from, or where you started your journey. You are welcome here!

When you choose Boulder Karate, you're not just joining a martial arts class; you're becoming part of a community that cares deeply about you and your development as a martial artist and as an individual.

Come see why we stand out and how we can help you reach your goals!

If you have more questions or need additional information, the most effective way to reach us is by sending an email. We strive to respond promptly. Please note that during our busy teaching hours, particularly from 4:00 to 7:30 pm (our busiest time), our attention may be limited, and we might not be able to provide immediate assistance.

For any sensitive questions or topics that require urgent attention, please feel free to contact Master Brad Randolph directly on his cell at 720-394-3452. He will be happy to assist you.

The class schedule is under the “Student’s Corner” tab at the top of the website—or click here.