Welcome to the American Institute of Kenpo

Looking for a top-quality Kenpo martial arts school? Look no further than the American Institute of Kenpo! Our team of expert instructors offers top-notch instruction in Kenpo, one of the most effective and practical martial arts styles around. Whether you're looking to improve your self-defense skills, get in shape, or just have fun, we've got you covered.

Why choose the American Institute of Kenpo?

Expert Instructors: Our instructors are certified by the American Institute of Kenpo and have years of experience teaching Kenpo to students of all ages and skill levels.

Comprehensive Curriculum: We offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of Kenpo, including basics, forms, sparring, and self-defense.

State-of-the-Art Facility: Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with everything you need to get the most out of your training, including a spacious training area, modern equipment, and more.

Flexible Scheduling: We offer classes at convenient times throughout the week, so you can easily fit training into your busy schedule.

Family-Friendly Environment: Our school is a welcoming, family-friendly environment where everyone is treated with respect and encouragement.

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Ready to take your martial arts skills to the next level?

Mission Statement

The American Institute of Kenpo is an organization dedicated to the development of character, confidence, physical well-being, and internal peace. We seek to accomplish this noble goal through the medium of the art of self-defense that we call Kenpo Karate.

We are committed to maintaining the integrity and legacy of Kenpo Karate in the Rough N’ Tumble lineage of Sigung Stephen LaBounty, the analytical analysis and practical application in the Tactical Combat lineage of Mike Winkeljohn, and the non-destructive counterbalances in the Paxtial Arts Lineage of Ed Parker (Jr.). It is our intention to give our students access to every tool we can regarding traditional, combative, competitive, and de-escalation based skills so they have the ability and options to engage at an appropriate response level for any given situation.

We encourage each student to travel the path of self-discovery as he or she internalizes the concepts, theories, and principles of Kenpo Karate as we teach it at the American Institute of Kenpo.

American Institute of Kenpo value shield artwork and attack category grouping.

A System Is The Solution

The American Institute of Kenpo teaches a comprehensive system of modern self-defense and physical fitness. We offer programs appropriate for martial arts students of all ages and all fitness levels that are designed to improve coordination, strength, and flexibility.

The American Institute of Kenpo’s advanced Kenpo curriculum provides a structured and achievable path for students to realize their goal of being a black belt.

L.A.W.S. Of The Scholar & Warrior

To bring balance to the physical lessons necessary for you to effectively defend yourself, the American Institute of Kenpo also examines the ethical and moral principles necessary to responsibly use the skills you will develop in the martial arts. The American Institute of Kenpo uses the L.A.W.S. of the Scholar and Warrior (a derivative of the code of Bushido) developed by Lee A. W. Sprague, one of our contributing mentors, to instill the values of truth, bravery, courtesy, compassion, sincerity, discernment, and loyalty.

Our students are encouraged to always be protectors and to live with honor, whatever it takes - until the last day!

L.A.W.S. Of The Scholar & Warrior, Code of Bushido, and Lee Sprague.

Testimonials

~ Mike Winkeljohn

Mr. Pilch has become an incredible practitioner in Kenpo and Kickboxing. He is a great teacher and motivator. His students are very talented and have attained a high level of competence. His kickboxing team is the most talented in Arizona. More importantly Mr. Pilch is a family man and role model who adheres to traditional values. Mr. Pilch has contributed and given back to the Kenpo system, his students and instructors.

~ Claudia Herman De Oliver

Perfect balance of strength development - mind, body, and heart. Very pleased as a parent. My daughter looks forward to every class and speaks highly of all of her instructors.

~Budi Bahureksa

There's an old Chinese Proverb that goes like this:

"A good teacher is better than a thousand books."

I think we're fortunate to have Mr. Andrew Pilch as our chief instructor, who embodies the old martial arts philosophy of quiet honor, support, and discipleships. Mr. Pilch is interested in and truly supports the growth and martial arts interest of his students. He's masterful and very experienced in various styles of martial arts, especially American Kenpo.

~ Monica Chavez

American Institute of Kenpo has been a part of my life since 1998, when Andrew Pilch began to instruct my two small children. Two turned into five, and soon he was instructing my husband and I as well. Although AIK officially launched in 2005, it was that same solid foundation that guided me through eleven years of teaching Kenpo at BASIS Oro Valley. The confidence, skills, and lifelong friendships gained from being associated with AIK, is something I will always value, and highly recommend.

~ Oleg Cohen

My son Sam and I joined AIK recently when we moved from Massachusetts to Tucson. We immediately liked the dojo and the staff. Everyone is super supportive and helpful. I love Mr. Pilch’s teaching style and never leave a class without learning something new and valuable. He is great with kids and makes it a lot of fun. I have been studying martial arts for almost 25 years. I experienced different styles and different schools both in the US and abroad. AIK really stands out! Both Mr. Pilch and his instructors are highly dedicated, patient, and knowledgeable. I have personally experienced great benefits of studying American Kenpo and I truly believe it is incredibly beneficial for kids to develop self-discipline, respect, and crucial self-defense skills. Definitely recommend AIK to both kids and adults!