FAQ

GETTING STARTED

Do I need previous martial-arts experience?
No. Complete beginners are welcome, and previous knowledge is not assumed.

Can I observe a class?
Yes. Participation is welcome during a first visit, but observing is completely acceptable.

What should I wear?
Street clothes are fine for a first visit. Check in at the Peak Community & Wellness Center front desk and they will direct you to the class.

Do I need to be flexible or get in shape first?
No. Fitness and flexibility are not entrance requirements. Physical conditioning is a by-product of the development process.

TRAINING

Is there contact?
Yes. Practical training may include controlled contact, realistic targeting, reaction, distance, timing, and appropriate resistance. Training partners remain responsible for one another's safety and development. Intensity usually escalates over the entirety of your journey.

How long does it take to earn a black belt?
There is no promised timetable. Rank provides structure and recognizes progress, but capability, understanding, application, and development are the focus and matter more than reaching a belt on a fixed schedule.

PHILOSOPHY

What is American Kenpo?
American Kenpo is a systematic martial art centered on practical self-defense. It studies principles including movement, timing, distance, targeting, positioning, reaction, and adaptation. Learn more on the American Kenpo page.

Why study American Kenpo?
People arrive for different reasons. Some want greater practical capability. Others value the challenge, understanding, and personal development that can emerge through serious study of the Art.

Are you simply teaching people how to fight?
No. Physical technique is one part of self-defense. Training also considers awareness, avoidance, judgment, de-escalation, control, restraint, and responsibility. Mind / Body / Spirit.

SCHOOL AND TRAINING

What ranks does American Kenpo have?
American Kenpo uses a structured rank system to organize curriculum, establish milestones, and recognize progress. Rank matters, but it remains secondary to knowledge, capability, understanding, and application.

Who teaches at Mojo Kenpo?
Head Instructor Jeremy K. Lucas teaches the classes. His full background, teaching philosophy, and personal Kenpo journey are available on the Instructor page.

Can I get hurt studying American Kenpo?
Any physical activity involves some risk. Training uses control, appropriate contact, and responsibility between partners to support development while reducing unnecessary risk.

Why is Mojo Kenpo different from other schools?
Mojo Kenpo is intentionally small. Its low-overhead model supports individual attention, instructor accessibility, reasonable tuition, and training partners who become invested in one another's development. Learn more on Why Mojo Kenpo.

ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY

What was the AKKI?
The American Kenpo Karate International was founded by Grandmaster Paul Mills and provided an organizational home for sharing and developing his Kenpo. Mojo Kenpo is currently independent and does not claim a current AKKI affiliation. Organizational affiliation requirements connected with future rank advancement may need to be updated if circumstances change.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

When and where are classes?
Tuesday and Thursday, 6:45 to 8:15 p.m., at Peak Community & Wellness Center, 6612 S. Ward Street, Littleton, Colorado 80127.

What ages do you teach?
Adults and teens age 14 and older.

How much does training cost?
$89/month for two days per week, $550/month for one day per week. There is no long-term training contract.

Must I register before visiting?
No. You may observe or participate before registering. Visitors ordinarily have about two weeks from their first visit to decide whether to continue.

Why does registration go through Foothills?
Mojo Kenpo classes meet at Peak Community & Wellness Center through Foothills Park & Recreation District in order to keep costs minimal. After deciding to continue, use the Foothills activity system and search for “Kenpo.”