Austin Kenpo Karate

I signed my daughter up for the after school program when she was in first grade. She loved it. She went 2 or 3 times per week, and enjoyed it so much that her older sister joined as well. Sifu was firm with the students while in class, but friendly. The girls adored him, and were proud as they got each new belt. One daughter was with Sifu for 2 years, the other stayed for 4. We only left because of new school activities as they grew older. As a parent, I always found Sifu communicative and helpful, as well as flexible when I had changes in my work schedule. I recommend Austin Kenpo Karate - we had a great experience. more

My experience with Austin Kenpo is the worst I have ever encountered with a service provider. I agree with Sweetside13. Sifu Schroder should not be working with kids. I signed up my two kids, six and seven years old for the after school ""pick up"" program. I went on the first day of school to make sure the transition went smoothly, and the van did not show up. We left after an hour of waiting. When I later emailed Sifu that this was not going to work for us, he demanded that we come in and talk to him. When we said we did not need to meet, he charged our credit cards ""withdrawal"" fees equal to the full month charges, $228 per kid. I later talked to him on the phone and he lost his temper. He yelled at me and said he would never teach my kids (as if! like I would ever have my kids around someone who lost his temper like that). He also relayed, when I told him I disputed the withdrawal fees with Visa, that he had done this to other parents and Visa would pay him - ""all I have to do is fax in my contract."" I would never recommend this place for karate, but if you do go there, beware of providing the contract and a credit card number. more

My son has attended this program for over two years now, and he really enjoys it. My son was diagnosed with Sensory Integration Dysfunction many years ago, and he finds it a challenge to be around other kids. Sifu Schroder has made a great effort to work with us and our son on any issues that come up. My son adores Sifu because he takes the time to develop relationships with his students, something few after school programs do. My son has become more disciplined and focused. He made the transition to middle school this year really well. Sifu made the effort during the summer to work with my son during his summer camp to help with the transition because he knew we were anxious about it. I would highly recommend Austin Kenpo Karate to anyone. more

I have been taking the kenpo karate of situ Jeff for 4years. What I have been learned from situ is discipline, confident and awareness. I wasn't this much confident until the day I took Kenpo. Also, I have been taught to bulds up my awareness. I can know and doing what right response at the right time.lately, I am so busy with my school but I promise to myself that I will not quit , until I earn my black belt. Thanks you Sifu for your enthusiasm of teaching, transfer, and inspire us with your love of martial art. more

This is the second year my son has participated in the after-school program. He is a huge fan! If he didn't have other after-school activities during the week, he would be there every day. In addition to the discipline and physical rigors that you would expect in a martial arts program, he loves the camaraderie and the warmth that characterizes the aura of the place, an aura established by Sifu Schroder. more

THIS PLACE IS A SCAM! DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD HERE! I signed my daughter up for Austin Kenpo Karate and she came home crying the 3 days that she went. Sifu Schroeder was abusive and takes discipline to a military level. He should not be teaching children. When I told him that my daughter was miserable and crying every day, he told me that he 'would straighten her up'. I told him that she did not need that, that she is very sensitive and has had trauma in her past and this has triggered it. He said that she needed some discipline. He started yelling and screaming at me abusively and I called back and told him angrily that I want my money back for the 2 months that he charged me when my daughter had only gone 3 days. He refused and then I went tot he bank to dispute the charges. The band refunded me the 2 months. He then disputed the refund and I was charged again for 2 months when my daughter never stepped foot in the place. I had to change credit card numbers so that he wouldn't charge me the rest of the year. He could have honored that fact that this wasn't right for my daughter, but he scammed me out of 2 more months. This place should be shut down. more

Sifu Schroder teaches a solid foundation of respect, integrity and manners while working on the physical, mental and social development of my children through the training curriculum of American Kenpo Karate, Lung Chi Quan Kung Fu and Jui Jitsu. In the fall of 2009 I enrolled my oldest daughter (then 5th grade). I now have all three of my children enrolled for this year. Yes, I have the utmost confidence in Sifu and my children are thriving under his tutelage. His passion for teaching and his ability to relate to his students have made his curriculum a great success! more

Sifu Schroder, a 3rd degree black belt, is a very warm, helpful instructor who challenges his students without ever being discouraging. Students also benefit from several other black belts (1st degree - 10th degree) who attend classes regularly and help with instruction. Classes are generally structured with 30 min. stretching & yoga, 30 min. of basics, calisthenics & sparring, then 30 minutes of form & technique training. Class content varies from day to day, which keeps the training interesting and exciting. Kenpo is an ancient art combining the circular fluid motions of Chinese kung-fu with the hard, linear movements of Japanese karate. Having no prior martial arts instruction, I joined Austin Kenpo Karate to get into shape and gain coordination. After two years with Sifu Schroder, I feel great about myself, my body and my health, and I look forward to kenpo class nearly every day. Pros: expert instructors, practical techniques, central location Cons: no weight training more