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My son has been coming here for 10 years. Along with the amazing karate skills, combat training, self defense and kickboxing he has learned kindness and compassion. Kyoshi Dabney exudes a gentle but firm leadership style and pushes the kids to reach their full potential. He has been an amazing presence in John’s life. I am so grateful for this place. Can’t recommend enough.
Competitive Edge Karate is a world class martial arts academy that gears to students of all ages and skill levels. When looking for my first martial arts gym I was very hesitant but as soon as I step foot in Competitive Edge Karate I was greeted by the friendly staff and welcomed into their class.
If you are looking to learn Self Defense, boost confidence, get in shape and make new friends then Competitive Edge Karate is the right place for you!
Charlotte has been with Kyoshi for 3 years now & the advancement in her skills is amazing. She was just awarded her 2nd degree black belt & we couldn't be happier with how it was all handled. Lessons are well & safely run either virtually or in class with every precaution taken to ensure the kids safety. Charlotte has just stated her 3rd degree training & we couldn't be happier with how it's going. I would definitely recommend Competitive Edge for anyone wanting to start their journey or to advance their studies.
After 8 years in Taekwondo that caters to younger kids, my teenager wanted a challenge on a different path. We switched to Competitive Edge last year and my son has grown tremendously under Kyoshi's instruction. Kyoshi takes a personal interest in challenging his students based on their individual paths in life. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience in martial arts and self defense, and embraces both the physical and mental health of his students.
I heard about CEK from one of my friend whose son earned a black belt degree from here few years back. She had all positive things to say about the CEK and Master Kyoshi so I decided to enroll my almost 7 year old son here. My son was going to a different martial arts place before COVID but didn’t show much interest and due to a 1 year contract obligation, I couldn’t pull him out. It’s been couple of weeks since he joined CEK and loves it so far. Master Kyoshi is very professional, patient and passionate about teaching karate. He knows how to keep kids engaged and foster respect . Looking forward to seeing my son get his black belt degree from here.
Kyoshi is an awesome teacher and an instructor. His class has the right balance of fun for the kids but also the discipline that’s required for karate. He is also very accommodating when you have changes and the best part was he was among the very first folks who adapted virtual learning and that’s really effective. Don’t know how he manages to keep the kids engaged in an virtual environment and hats off to him for making that possible.
Best karate studio! Kyoshi is a master at his craft and passionate in all he does. My teenage daughter is almost a 3rd degree black belt with his guidance and I couldn't be happier. I highly recommend Competitive Edge Karate to anyone who has a child interested in karate or who is an adult looking to learn and get fit. Both find themselves stronger and more confident with CEK instruction.
Kyoshi is the best instructor and mentor in the RVA area. There’s no comparison. He’s effective and thorough. My little girl looks forward to the discipline and structure he provides in each class (which says a lot for a 7yr old). You can see how much the kids excel and strive to reach their next goal. Amazing!
Absolutely the best! Kyoshi Dabney is a wonderful teacher of martial arts skills. He keeps it fun while still teaching technique and skill. Wouldn't trust my grandson with anyone else! He taught my daughter back in probably 1988, her daughter in 2004-05. This grandson has been with him since November 2022.
Awesome place! We love the discipline and values that CEK instills into our kids. Their program and plan for progression keeps the kids engaged and enthusiastic to attend and it builds a great sense of confidence in the kids. Kyoshi, Jesse and Donovan are GREAT with the kids. We couldn't be more impressed.
CEK is a great place to provide life lessons for your kids. Karate is not the only thing taught there . . . respect, discipline, mindfulness, and manners are emphasized. Our son got his black belt at CEK and I can truly say Roger Dabney had a huge influence on our both our kids who have developed into responsible adults. I would highly recommend Competitive Edge Karate for children or adults looking to improve their well being both physically and mentally!
Best place Ever keeps kids focused discipline and defense the right way.
An amazing place for young people to learn discipline and build self confidence.
Kiyoshi is a fabulous teacher and mentor.
Positive and knowledgeable Teacher and Kids love his approach! Highly recommend!
This is wonderful place where you kids can learn values kyoshi is the best teacher really 100% recommended
Great place to learn karate. Kyoshi Dabney is 10/10 - great with kids (and their parents).
My son’s confidence has significantly increased since attending CEK. Kyoshi is amazing with the kids. Highly recommend!
Real Questions Richmond Parents Ask Us About Martial Arts At Competitive Edge Karate, we get asked a lot of questions — at the front desk, on the phone, in intro class consultations. Some of them come up again and again. So instead of keeping the answers to ourselves, we’re putting them here, for any parent […]
“COMING SOON” ARNIS · ESKRIMA · KALI Competitive Edge Karate / Filipino Martial Arts Program Competitive Edge Karate will be offering Filipino Martial Arts classes. — known as Kali, Arnis, or Eskrima — bringing one of the most complete and battle-tested combat systems in the world to Richmond, Short Pump, and Glen Allen, Virginia. Competitive […]
Why Parents Matter More Than They Realize in Martial Arts Training — A Message from Competitive Edge Karate in Short Pump & Henrico VA At Competitive Edge Karate, we spend a lot of time teaching students how to punch, kick, focus, and build real confidence. But one of the biggest lessons we’ve learned over […]
The Real Health Benefits of Boxing & Kickboxing Training in Short Pump & Henrico VA — Stronger Bones, Better Balance, and a Body Built to Last If you’ve been looking for a fitness program in Short Pump, Glen Allen, or Henrico VA that actually delivers results — not just for your cardio, but for […]
Why Short Pump & Henrico Parents Choose Competitive Edge Karate — And What Their Kids Gain for Life If your child is ready for more than just an after-school activity, this is worth reading. At Competitive Edge Karate, we don’t hand out confidence – we build it. Through structured training, personal attention, and a […]
Beginner Kickboxing Training for Shy Teens & Adults in Henrico, VA: A Structured, Science-Based Path to Real Confidence If you’ve ever Googled “kickboxing classes for beginners near me” and then talked yourself out of going — this was written for you. Walking into a martial arts school can feel like walking into someone else’s world. […]
When Every Conversation Turns Into a Battle With Your Child (And What It Really Means) Why Parents in Henrico Are Feeling Exhausted at Home If every conversation with your child turns into an argument… you’re not alone. It starts small. Asking them to get ready turns into pushback.Simple directions become negotiations.Corrections turn into attitude. […]
Helping Students Build Confidence in Today’s School Environment A Henrico & Short Pump Perspective from Competitive Edge Karate (CEK) In today’s school environment, much of the conversation around violence focuses on what we can see—hallway fights, viral videos, and headline-making incidents. But the real concern for many students in Henrico, Short Pump, and surrounding […]
Why Short Pump & Henrico Parents Choose Competitive Edge Karate — And What Their Kids Gain for Life If your child is ready for more than just an after-school activity, this is worth reading. At Competitive Edge Karate, we don’t hand out confidence — we build it. Through structured training, personal attention, and a system […]
Why CEK Training Helps Students Navigate School Violence At Competitive Edge Karate (CEK), we understand that school violence isn’t just about rare extreme events—it’s about the everyday reality many students face. From bullying and intimidation to physical altercations, these situations require more than awareness—they require preparation. 1. Awareness Before Action Most conflicts don’t start with […]
