Arnott Kenpo Karate

Mark came to our school (Rockdale Visual and Performing Arts Magnet) with a few of his students and performed an informing demonstration to our Girl Scout troop! What an amazing event. Mark and his students were so professional and courteous. My daughter wants to take classes now!

This is a fantastic studio! The owner Mark really cares about the students and has set up an environment in which they absolutely thrive. My son has really found his passion at the dojo. I recommend the private lessons in addition to regular classes — that was a game changer for us. The improvement we’ve seen in our son’s confidence, discipline and endurance since attending Arnott Kenpo Karate is undeniable. We love it.

Arnott Kenpo Karate is a great place for kids to learn! They are taught the skills needed to progress in Kenpo, as well as life lessons to help them grow as people. They learn to set goals for themselves and take action to meet those goals. They learn about making a commitment and honoring that commitment. They learn respect for themselves and others. And they learn the value of working hard to achieve. This is the best program I could have chosen for my child. I highly recommend this program for anyone looking to learn Kenpo and the life lessons that go along with it.

After searching a number of karate studios, I decided on Arnott Kenpo Karate. I’m glad I did! Mr. Arnott has a great blend of discipline and knowledge, where he will push you do your best but also be supportive as you learn. I enjoy his way of teaching which provides guidance while learning some difficult techniques, yet will also give you a hard workout during your practice.
The studio is clean and spacious, and has nice amenities such as filtered water and a large changing area for both men and women. His classes can be large at times, however, he and other teachers manage to get around to everyone and assist. I like how he shows you the details of each karate move, then will tie a story to it which helps to remember how to do it. I know I sound like a walking advertisement, but I admit, I feel at home at this studio!
I have seen kids of all ages here and lots of adults which is a fine skill to be able to successfully teach all ages. Mr. Arnott seems to have a personality that gets along with everyone, keeping the studio atmosphere upbeat and positive which makes you want to continue. I’m working on my next belt and look forward to staying with Arnott Kenpo for as long as I’m able. Thanks Mr. Arnott!

Arnott Kenpo Karate has moved from Pasadena to Eagle Rock, but is the same amazing place. M. Arnott has created a wonderful space for children and adults alike to learn the art of Kenpo.
The old studio was very nice, but I happen to prefer the new studio to the old — as there is just as much space for students, and even more for those waiting on students! It is open and spacious with tons of light. Plenty of class choices to fit all schedules…
There is also $ 10 yoga on Saturday’s and $ 5 Zumba!
While there is no parking lot, there is more than ample street parking. (Paid and unpaid!) It is also near all of the shops and restaurants along Colorado and Eagle Rock Blvd.
Arnott Kenpo is growing quite nicely in its new Eagle Rock home. I would recommend it to those who want to feel at home while learning and honing their craft.

Six months ago, I was on a search for a new sport/​hobby. It seemed to me that karate would be a worthy endeavor. After searching several karate studios on the internet, I was drawn to Arnott Kenpo Karate. The look and style of the website just seemed right and I made a visit to the studio to find out more. The first person I met was Mr. Mark Arnott, a 5^th degree Black belt and founder.
I liked this guy immediately! He is very kind and patient; not at all pushy. You get a sense right away that he truly loves what he does and his karate studio exudes a very pleasant spirit of kindness and respect for everyone who visits. The introductory courses offered make it very easy to get involved and to experience karate for a month to see if it is a good fit; it didn’t take a month to decide. I became a member and have really enjoyed the challenge and experience of learning karate and advancing up the ranks.
Every week we learn new things keeping it fresh and exciting. Mr. Arnott is constantly bring in visiting Black belt veterans who offer new insights into how to practice karate. There are members of all ages here from age 4 to age 60+ and I find everyone to be good and respectful people.
I plan to be a member of Arnott Kenpo Karate for many years as I enjoy and learn in this unique and wonderful place.

Great school. I’ve been out of the Martial Arts scene for about 4 years. I was able to come here, get back in shape in about 3 months and earn 1^st place in an open martial arts tournament!
So even though this is my school, I currently attend, and staff may read this. I will be completely honest.
Positives:
–Great People
–Great space
–I love how organized it is. I can easily see how I’m going to achieve my next belt.
–Prices are really affordable, esp for the amount of classes you can attend.
–The school has a bunch of classes that are included in the price. Ex: Real life fighting class, Nunchaku class, Zumba, Yoga +$ 10, tournament fighting class, etc. (these all have special guest instructors, which is awesome to get different teaching styles)
–It feels like everyone cares about you as the only student.
Negatives:
–Too nice
–Most students lack confidence and disciplined
–May be a bit too easy. As I’ve notice higher belts are afraid of being hit. You may not feel challenged by other students.
–Lastly, I’ve noticed, the few strong students there may not be able to go hand to hand with other arts as they are not diverse in their approach.
Over all, this school is pretty awesome. You feel like your apart of a distant family. The path is clear and flexible. At least do the trial!
NOTE: I searched for a new martial arts school for about two years. I found this place when it was in its old location. I eventually came back simply because the path is so clear here and the art of Kenpo is beautiful. I just wish it had more strict discipline. I am personally considering studying Muay Thai at the same time as I study Kenpo to get both worlds.
GO GO GO ARNOTT KENPO!!!

This is a fantastic dojo, and it’s no surprise it was voted Pasadena’s «Best Martial Arts Studio» 3 years in a row. Mark Arnott and his team offer excellent instruction, with a big focus on themes like respect, focus and courage that are important both on and off the mat. Our daughter has been coming here for over 2 years, which is much longer than she’s stayed with any other sport (soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball etc. etc. etc.). She’s stuck with it, I think, because the studio provides such a supportive atmosphere it feels like home. We miss the old Pasadena location (which closed in late 2014 to make way for a children’s hospital) but we’re becoming fond of the new (and permanent) Eagle Rock location as well. The studio has created a community we’re proud to be part of.

We thought karate would be a good activity for our daughter and Arnott Kenpo Karate has proved us correct, and then some. Mark Arnott and all of the instructors know how to be both nurturing and motivating (it can be a delicate balance). They’ve created a warm environment where students comfortably learn and feel proud of achievements earned. I like that all skill levels are on the mat as a group. Students teach and inspire each other (the best kind of peer pressure). Arnott Kenpo Karate has become a wonderful part of my daughter’s life with benefits that will last a lifetime.

There is a reason Arnott Kenpo has earned the honor of BEST STUDIO in every year it’s been open. Mark, Bruce, Mayuko, Manny and Jane and all the other instructors truly care about each and every student. I feel like this new studio is even better than the last. There’s more light, more space, and a wonderful renewed energy. My kids love it here, and I love it here. I love when I walk through the doors, I’m treated as a good friend. I’ve seen some suspicious reviews out there, and really, the only way to decide is to drop in, see for yourself why this place stands out. I love it here, and have no reservations recommending it to all my friends. :)
My previous review at their former address still stands. I’m sad that they lost their Pasadena lease to the Shriner Children’s Hospital, but I really love their new location! I would follow them wherever they go. They are that good!

This is a great place to learn self-​defense from a head instructor who sincerely cares about the development of each student. That’s why they won the Best of Pasadena award 3 years in a row. I’ve taken martial arts at 5 different studios in 4 different states. This place feels like coming home. At Arnott Kenpo Karate, the students and instructors have fun and learn together with mutual respect. That starts with Mr. Arnott, one of the friendliest head instructors you will meet.
I highly recommend this studio for kids and adults of all ages and experience levels. American Kenpo Karate is the perfect mix of karate, kung fu, and aikido.

My 1^st grader has been taking classes here for a few months and he really loves it. The new studio space in Eagle Rock is very nice. The owner is very thoughtful and empathetic. Students are held to high standards, but they are also supported in building the skills to live up to to those high expectations in an age appropriate way. I would definitely recommend Arnott Kenpo Karate to anyone looking for fun and supportive martial arts instruction for their child.