Teaching men, women, and children in a family atmosphere, Riederer's Kenpo Self-Defense Studio combines the principles of American Kenpo with philosophies of Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do (JKD) in a REALITY BASED martial arts system that will work for ANYONE, no matter age, physique, or level of experience.
Serving all of Western New York, our martial arts studio is conveniently located on Niagara Falls Blvd. in Tonawanda. Sign up for martial arts lessons today! Our instructors are professional, friendly, and dedicated to helping you learn to protect yourself and your loved ones. We believe our martial arts system will work for you because we tailor it to your individual needs.
Serving all of Western New York, our martial arts studio is conveniently located on Niagara Falls Blvd. in Tonawanda. Sign up for martial arts lessons today! Our instructors are professional, friendly, and dedicated to helping you learn to protect yourself and your loved ones. We believe our martial arts system will work for you because we tailor it to your individual needs.
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Riederer's Kenpo Self-Defense Studio was established in Tonawanda, New York, in the summer of 2010 as the only school of its kind. Owner and Head Instructor Chris Riederer's decades of experience in the martial arts led him to combine elements of each program he had learned to create a new, street-effective system of self-defense.
Chris has been studying Kenpo Karate and Jeet Kune Do (JKD) since 1986. At 15, he started teaching children's group classes. At 17 years old, he earned his black belt and quickly became the head instructor at his school. Chris has taught people from all walks of life including military, law enforcement officers, professionals, teens, and children.
The Riederer's Kenpo Self-Defense System combines elements of Mo Shi Do American Kenpo, Jeet Kune Do, J.S. Wing Chun, and real weapons-defense techniques to adopt the most practical, 100% street-minded approach to a system of martial arts. Our training is all about real-life combat, and therefore in addition to hand-to-hand technique we offer sparring, weapons defense, and weapon use instruction.
In addition to the selection of regular classes below, we have women's self-defense classes, courses for students with special needs, and demonstrations or workshops for your group or company. Each class will be broken up into segments consisting of exercise, skill building games, kids' leadership time (every child will get a turn to lead class), and of course, SELF-DEFENSE!
Deciding to take time for yourself can be difficult, but when it comes to protecting yourself and your loved ones, the decision becomes easier. Our Adult martial arts program focuses on street-minded techniques to ensure you have the skills to handle yourself in any situation. Build confidence and capability, paired with combat techniques to protect what matters most -- you and your family.
Reviews (10)
Jason Eagan
Feb 01, 2022
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My son has been going for the last two months or so and I can already see a difference in him. Even at home he’s more talkative and confident. He seems to be progressing well and learning a lot. Mr Chris is great with the kids, treating them according to their age and their individual personality. He praises appropriately when they work hard and put forth the effort.
I highly recommend Riederer’s self defense studio as a place to learn self defense, confidence and discipline.
I highly recommend Riederer’s self defense studio as a place to learn self defense, confidence and discipline.
Valerie Desrosiers
Dec 18, 2020
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I signed up when I was about 12-13 years old that was about 6 and a half years ago and now I am a instructor and have my first degree black belt. Soon hopefully going for my second. And it was the best decision I have ever made. It is a welcoming place. We are one big “Kenpo Family”. We help each other grow in the art. A quote that I never forget that Sifu Chris said a lot that stuck with me all these years is the difference between a black belt and a white belt. is that “a black belt is a white belt who never gave up.” I have never given up and achieved my two goals and plan on going beyond
Kim Stirling
Nov 07, 2019
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I wish I could give more than 5 stars because we love it here!! My son and daughter have been here for two years and we have had a fantastic experience! All of the instructors have been skilled, dedicated, kind, and patient. My kids are getting a great workout while making friends and gaining confidence. They love to show me all of the (pretty impressive!) self-defense moves they have learned. They have grown so much and they adore “Mr. Chris.” 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Dominic LoBrutto
Jan 22, 2019
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When I enrolled my daughter at Riederer's Kenpo Self-Defense Studio I was so impressed by Chris and his staff I found myself joining as well. We both enjoyed the non-intimidating and friendly atmosphere of the group classes. We've learned invaluable self-defense skills for real life situations. The time I spent with my daughter in class working towards and achieving our black belts together has been a bonding experience I will never forget. I am very proud to be the first father/daughter black belt recipients at the studio.
Diane Scherrer
Dec 28, 2018
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My son has a disability and I had been looking for some time for a place for him to do some form of a martial art. I had hoped the exercises and skills would help his disability but I had been unable to find a place where he "fit in". Then I crossed paths with Riederer's Kenpo. I figured I would try it once and then be done, but my experience with them was like no other. The instructors are amazing. They are friendly, kind and caring while seriously instructing my son on the different skills and drills. They do not underestimate my son's abilities and they explain things to him at a level of his
Michael Benner
Dec 27, 2018
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I wish I could give Riederer's Kenpo more than just 5 stars. It is an incredible place! Instructors are knowledgeable, helpful and caring. It is a very welcoming environment that makes everyone feel like part of a family. It is also a serious studio that really cares about the Art and gives it the respect it deserves. You will learn all about self-defense and self-discipline, as well as, mindfulness and thoughtfulness. I have met so many great people, learned a lot, and have grown in both confidence and ability. I plan to keep coming here for a long time to come and would recommend it to everyone
Valerie Desrosiers
Jan 27, 2017
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I am glad that I have came to this studio. It has done a lot for me by confidence and more, it gave me a place to go to that was a second home to me. And if I needed help or someone to talk to people are there willing to help and listen any way possible Once you walk in the door you are apart of the Kenpo family. The instructors are very nice and welcoming.This is the best self defence studio in western NY. I would recommend it for anybody that wants to learn self defence . I'll go as far as possible in it cause I am passionate in it. This place will make you better everyday to be your best, they
Jennifer Coppola
Sep 30, 2016
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Chris Rierderer and his instructors are wonderful. My daughter has been going for over a year and she is 8 yrs old. She has gained such confidence in herself and has so much respect for people in general. I have to give credit to Mr. Chris for that. She loves the class and I am beyond thrilled for the experience we have here and highly recommend this studio to other parents who are looking for their children to learn a martial art and valuable life lessons too!
Garrett Cooperman
Aug 21, 2014
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Far and away the best karate program on the market.
I joined Kenpo Self-Defense Studio in 2010 in search of practical self-defense and a fun way to exercise. What I found was a second home. I quickly realized this place is the real deal: real self-defense, real instructors who care about your progress, and real changes you will see in yourself or your kids as they learn confidence, control, leadership, and karate skills.
EDIT: I have since become an instructor at this school. This place is fantastic. We are very enthusiastic about helping students advance as far as they would like and as quickly
I joined Kenpo Self-Defense Studio in 2010 in search of practical self-defense and a fun way to exercise. What I found was a second home. I quickly realized this place is the real deal: real self-defense, real instructors who care about your progress, and real changes you will see in yourself or your kids as they learn confidence, control, leadership, and karate skills.
EDIT: I have since become an instructor at this school. This place is fantastic. We are very enthusiastic about helping students advance as far as they would like and as quickly
Tim Strait
Nov 15, 2013
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Kenpo Self Defense Studio is precisely what you are looking for if you wish to learn a martial art! Chris (Head instructor and owner) is unarguably a fantastic teacher who's lessons go beyond the physical. These teaching will give you the confidence and necessary skills to defend both yourself and your loved ones. His system is incredibly practical, efficient and intelligent. I have practiced Karate before and this is on another level. His teachings gave me an overwhelming surge of confidence and patience in my encounters since attending this studio. I highly recommend you give it a try!
