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Karate-Do Ken Wa Kan Builds
Power, Confidence, & Community
Karate-Do Ken Wa Kan
Power, Confidence, & Community
Welcome to Karate-Do Ken Wa Kan, a family owned, traditional karate dojo located in New York City, founded and led by Shihan Michelle Gay; 6th Degree Black Belt, 6-time Women’s Knockdown fighting champion, Kata & Weapons Kata tournament champion, direct student of Soshu Shigeru Oyama & Laban Certified Movement Analyst.
Since 1998, we have been providing unparalleled excellence in the instruction of a unique combination of traditional Japanese karate and western somatic movement science. Ken Wa Kan’s proprietary approach to training harnesses the body’s natural movement patterns, making our style of practice readily available to a wide variety of ages and athletic abilities. Whether you are beginning or restarting your movement journey, or whether you are an experienced athlete, you can find a home in our karate programs and community. Our students leave every class with a sense of accomplishment, power, confidence, peace of mind, and freedom that impacts every area of their lives.
Building
Resilience
Our mission is to help with a transformation of your body, mind and spirt. We instill the discipline and practices required for effective Self Defense training. You will gain the focus, confidence, and internal strength required to overcome obstacles both on and off the mat.
A Nurturing and Supportive Community
Our dojo is family-oriented, diverse, and deeply connected. We believe that training surrounded by a strong community accelerates growth, built on respect, love, and a fierce karate spirit.
Martial Arts for Every Age and Level
Karate is accessible to everyone. With programs for children starting at age 3 and adults training well into their 70s, it's never too early or too late to begin living the life of a Black Belt and finding your power.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Take the first step toward unlocking your true potential with a no-obligation introductory session at Karate-do Kenwakan. We believe the best way to see what our sessions can do for you is to experience it firsthand. You'll meet with an instructor, tour our facility, and get a personalized game plan.
Our Services
We offer a personalized and comprehensive karate program for the entire family. It's built on decades of professional instruction and an unwavering commitment to having you achieve mastery. Karate-Do Ken Wa Kan delivers authentic, powerful Japanese karate, blending tradition with Shihan Michelle expert eye for movement. You'll find a dedicated practice that is tailored precisely to your ultimate goals and will profoundly enhance your mental focus.
Karate Classes
for Kids
Expert martial arts training designed to develop essential movement, coordination, and character. We teach real, traditional Karate to kids, focusing on skills like impulse control and leadership that will serve them for the rest of their lives in a fun, disciplined environment.
Unlimited
Adult & Teen Group Classes
A challenging practice that significantly increases your stamina, strength, coordination, and flexibility. This practice profoundly improves your quality of life, cultivating a greater sense of personal power, confidence, and peace of mind through consistent effort. It's accessible to every age and fitness level.
Specialty
Camps & Events
Beyond regular classes, we provide unique opportunities to deepen your skills and enrich our community connection. This includes immersive experiences like the Surf & Turf Summer Camp, focused Tournament Prep sessions, and exclusive events—all designed to elevate your training and help you achieve skill mastery throughout the year.
Meet the Team
Our team brings decades of elite-level experience to the mat. Shihan Michelle, a 6th Degree Black Belt and 6-time World Champion, leads our instructors—a devoted group of educators who are committed to providing the high level instruction necessary to help you discover and master yourself through traditional Karate training.
Shihan Michelle
Sensei Diane
Sensei David
Senpai Khaing
Sensei Zelda
Senpai D’Angela
Senpai George
Senpai Maria
Frequently Asked Questions
What style of training do you offer?
We practice rigorous traditional Japanese karate, training students in the necessary skills for controlled sparring while emphasizing safety and proper form, which is unique among Martial Arts New York schools.
What is the Black Belt Course Program for adults and teens?
The Black Belt Course is the advanced, challenging program for dedicated students who have completed the basic level. It focuses on elevating skills through complex Kata (forms), advanced fighting techniques, and conditioning methods required for achieving mastery.
How often are students expected to train each week?
Commitment is fundamental to mastery. Most Adult and Junior Basic students train minimally twice a week.
What if I travel or can't attend in person?
We offer Remote Training Flexibility. Classes are available live on Zoom and as recorded classes in the student portal, ensuring you can maintain your consistent and disciplined practice wherever you are.
