TRADITIONAL KARATE

ADULTS, TEENS & KIDS

FAMILY OWNED & WOMAN RUN DOJO

Karate-Do Ken Wa Kan is an independent karate dojo (school) located in New York City led by Shihan Michelle Gay. Ken Wa Kan practices a unique combination of full contact traditional Japanese karate and modern western somatic movement science. We provide a comprehensive karate program that is personalized, professional and rewarding at every level. Our commitment is that our students leave every class with an increased sense of power, confidence, peace of mind and freedom that impacts every area of their lives. 

JUNIORS KARATE PROGRAM

Age 3+

Shihan Michelle and her team of Sensei have been providing expert quality martial arts training for young people in Greenwich Village, Manhattan since 1998. We do not teach kid’s karate—we teach karate to kids—and we are really good at it!

Our program is specifically designed to engage and develop children beginning at age three in the underlying developmental movement patterns essential to successfully acquiring new skills and techniques. At age 6 children enter our basic program which qualifies them for our premier Black Belt Course. We combine traditional Japanese karate with skill building games and exercises that are lively, challenging and fun!

ADULT & TEEN KARATE PROGRAM

Age 11+

Come experience for yourself the power and grace of a consistent karate practice! Karate is accessible to every one of us, no matter our age, skill and fitness level, or body type. It is never too early or too late to begin living the life of a Black Belt. Get in shape, build discipline and confidence surrounded by a strong and supportive community. Adult & Teen Karate Classes at Ken Wa Kan provide a practice that will increase your overall fitness level: stamina, strength, coordination and flexibility. Off the mat, a karate practice improves your quality of life and your experience of personal power, confidence and peace of mind. Our professional, qualified and knowledgeable instructors will challenge you and work with you to achieve your goals. AND you’ll have fun! Come join a diverse community of New Yorkers that train together with respect, love and fierce karate spirit!

Our History

When Shihan Michelle was training at World Oyama Karate she was honored to have been included as the sole woman in the exclusive uchi dish training (traditional Japanese sensei knockdown fighting apprenticeship) directly under Soshu Shigeru Oyama and Shihan Tetsumori Oyama. During that time she and Shihan Daisuke Matsumoto built a strong and vibrant children’s program, sourced primarily by local NYC Greenwich Village schools. She also initiated a morning karate program for the many moms in her life. One of those moms was Sensei Diane Bank, now a 4th degree black belt and a senior Ken Wa Kan instructor. At the same time, Shihan Michelle was in an intensive masters level program to become a Laban Certified Movement Analyst and brought that unique and comprehensive perspective to both her practice and her instruction. 

In 2003, World Oyama Headquarters closed its location in the West Village. Shihan Michelle, along with Shihan Jose Cotton, Shihan David Sheeger, and Sensei Maria Van Dessel joined the organization of Kanreikai Karate USA and brought the community to Peridance Center, a premier dance school in New York. Shihan Michelle had a longstanding relationship with Igal Perry after having been a dancer in his student company and a board member for the Peridance Ensemble. The school moved to its own location in 2005 and Shihan Michelle formed her own independent organization, Ken Wa Kan Karate in 2011. The program grew from a humble walkover/after school karate program to a thriving and growing community of students of all ages and walks of life. 

Why Join

Ken Wa Kan?

  • Family Owned & Women Run Dojo

  • Diverse, Inclusive and Warm Community

  • Conveniently Located Off Multiple Train Lines (NQRW, 456, FM, L, 123, PATH) 

  • Online Training Available 

  • Morning, Evening, Afternoon & Weekend Classes Available 

  • Kids Summer & Day Camps

  • Community Events (Retreats, Self Defense Training, Specialized Seminars)