Karate-Do Ken Wa Kan

Karate-Do Ken Wa Kan offers Tiny Tigers, the Ninja Skills Karate Program, and the Junior Basic & Black Belt Course. Tiny Tigers introduces basic vocabulary, protocol, and movement fundamentals through games. The Ninja Skills Karate Program includes punches, kicks, stances, and games, and the Junior Basic & Black Belt Course includes basic technique, complex Kata, sparring drills, and leadership skills.

Programs

• Tiny Tigers — Age 3 & 4 · 30-minute sessions, twice a week · Introduces basic vocabulary, protocol, and movement fundamentals through games to build coordination, balance, and impulse control.
• Ninja Skills Karate Program — Ages 5+ · 30-minute sessions, twice a week · Focuses on basic karate skills (punches, kicks, and stances) mixed with games to build focus, self-discipline, and cognitive sequencing.
• Junior Basic & Black Belt Course — Ages 6+ · 45-minute sessions, twice a week minimum · Students elevate basic technique, learn complex Kata (forms), begin sparring drills, and develop leadership skills.
• Basic Karate Program — Adult and teen · Minimum training is twice a week · Students are developed in foundational karate skills and techniques in Basic Level & All Level Karate classes.
• Black Belt Course Program — Adult and teen · Building on core skills, students qualify for this program after their first or second belt graduation to elevate their training with advanced techniques, fighting skills, and Kata.
• Surf & Turf Summer Camp — Children · Splits time between surfing at Far Rockaway Beach and Karate "Turf" training/game play at Ken Wa Kan Headquarters.
• Dungeons & Dragons Karate Camp — A Karate-themed Dungeons & Dragons Campaign. Activities include daily campaign game play, creating specialized Karate characters, epic scavenger hunts, and live-action role play.
• Tournament Camp — Kids · Kids will be trained in tournament Kata, weapons, and sparring to prepare for a mock tournament at the end of the week and to gear up for upcoming fall competitions.

At a glance

• Ages: 3–18 years old

About the provider

Karate-Do Ken Wa Kan was founded in 1998 and is led by Shihan Michelle Gay. Team members named include Sensei Diane, Sensei David, Senpai Khaing, Sensei Zelda, Senpai Maria, Senpai Tak, and Senpai Arsenio. The mission statement says the program aims to transform body, mind, and spirit, and to instill discipline and practices for self defense training, focus, confidence, and internal strength. Shihan Michelle Gay is listed as a 6th Degree Black Belt, a 6-time Women’s Knockdown fighting champion, a Kata and Weapons Kata tournament champion, a direct student of Soshu Shigeru Oyama, and a Laban Certified Movement Analyst.

Most Adult and Junior Basic students train minimally twice a week. Karate is accessible to children starting at age 3 and adults training well into their 70s.

Last updated September 27, 2026.