Breathe in Peaceful Mind
Ken Zen Karate of Kona
Ken Zen Karate established August, 2022
Scroll down to see February, 2026 Newsletter and more.
Scroll to bottom of page to view changes to schedule, updates and announcements. (Last updates 18 February, 2026)
Class Schedule and Groups
Groups 1-4
Beginning Youth
Classes are held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. These 40 minute classes begin at 3:40. Focus is on the very basics of Karate accompanied by other activities designed to fostered interest and confidence and participation.
A proper karate uniform is required. The white gi is generally purchased through the dojo. If you already own a approved gi, you must purchase and wear the Ken Zen patch.
This is a non contact group. Especially geared to youth ages 5-7. White belt rank (9th kyu) is awarded in this group.
Groups 5-6
Next Step Youth
Classes are held Monday through Thursday. These 40 minute classes begin at 4:20. Focus is on taking the basics learned in the first level and translating those base skills into the true beginning of karate. Open to all youth ages with a solid background in the basics of karate.
This a non contact group and generally must have the rank of 8th kyu (yellow belt) to participate.
Group 7
Intermediate Youth
Classes are held Monday through Thursday. These 40 minute classes begin at 5:00 and are designed to build leadership skills and consolidate the basic skills learned to this point. Emphasis is still always geared toward improving the fundamentals.
While there is still only contact with equipment, this group is a precursor to kumite (contact sparring with others) and is generally populated with orange belt ranks (7th kyu).
Group 8
Advanced Intermediate Youth
Classes are held Monday through Thursday. These 50 minute classes begin at 5:40. This group is the first group where controlled kumite is taught. While still working on and expanding base techniques, the student learns how to use their skill set in controlled sparring.
The student will need to purchase certain protective equipment, including; mouth guard, foot and ankle padding and sparring mitts which can be purchased through the dojo. Head gear and/or chest gear is optional. In most cases, a student in this group must have attained the rank of blue belt (6th kyu) or above.
Groups 9-11
Advanced Youth
Classes are held Monday thru Thursday. These 50 minute classes begin at 6:30. This section is open to the most advance youth in the program and generally must have attained the rank of purple belt (5th kyu) and above. Emphasis on conditioning and core strength is promoted, while expanding the student’s skill set and knowledge base in the techniques, traditions and practical application of karate.
Students in this group are expected to take their karate with them in the home, school and community modeling leadership and right attitude and effort.
Adult
Adult all Levels
This one hour class begins at 7:20 and is held on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. The adult class is open to all levels. [N.B. Without exception, participants in the program must be at least 16 years old.] Most joining this class have limited or no experience in any martial art.
Everything is taught via masterly learning from white belt through black belt by repeating and refining each and every technique until properly formed.
The student improves endurance, balance, core strength and body-mind coordination over time. The ultimate goal is the same regardless of age, however the pathway to achieve that goal is based on each individual’s capacity with regards to health, conditioning and overall coordination.
Success at Big Island 2025 Tournament
November 2025 saw Ken Zen Karate’s second year of participating in Big Island Karate Tournament. This year we had 22 participants including 5 from the adult class. We competed in 33 separate events and achieved 28 medals in both kata and kumite: 12 gold; 7 silver and 9 bronze. Our dojo also repeated the award as Most Outstanding Dojo by scoring the most overall points.
Some are also planning on participating in the National Karate Tournament to be held in Spokane, WA in July of 2026.
Current Class Schedule
Each student is assigned a group to participate in based on skill set, age and experience. Monthly tuition payment entitles the student to participate in as many scheduled classes as they are able.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the monthly tuition?
Depending upon the Group designation the monthly fee is between $100-$120 payable on or before the first of each month. The cost generally breaks down to about $8 per class if you attend all available.
Will I need to purchase a uniform?
Yes you will need to purchase an appropriate white gi (karate uniform) with the dojo logo. If you have an acceptable gi, you can purchase the patch and sew it on.
Is there any contact?
Until the rank of 6th kyu (blue belt) which generally takes a year or so to achieve, there is only contact on progressively soft targets. No person to person contact.
Who is the head of the dojo?
Sensei Kevin Jeffers is founder and instructor at the dojo.
What forms of payment to you take?
Cash, check or Venmo.
About Sensei Kevin Jeffers
Aloha! My name is Sensei Kevin Jeffers. I am founder and chief instructor at Ken Zen Karate of Kona. I teach traditional Shotokan karate in a modern context with an emphasis on nurturing individual development within a safe and supportive environment where each individual is given the tools and the space needed to achieve their fuller potential by overcoming personal doubts, roadblocks and limitations while supporting others to do the same.
Karate-do (i.e., the way of Karate) is not merely a pursuit to acquire the skill set to strike, kick, block and throw for self-defense. The way also instructs the individual on how to master themselves by exploring the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of this ancient marital art. In its deepest realization karate-do is way of living–a way of understanding oneself and taking what is best into the home, workplace, school and community and making a positive difference whenever and wherever possible. Ossu!
—————Dojo will be closed on the following holidays in 2026—————
Monday 26 May: Memorial Day
Monday 7 September: Labor Day
Monday 12 October: Indigenous Peoples Day
Wednesday 11 November: Veteran’s Day
Thursday 26 November: Thanksgiving
Thursday 25 December: Christmas Eve
Thursday 31 December: New Year’s Eve
——————————–DOJO EVENTS———————–
Promotion Test 21 February
ADDITIONAL DATES OF INTEREST—–
Core Test for all orange belts and above will be held on Wednesday 18 February.
On Saturday 28 February: USA Karate Team Member Sakura Kokumai will be giving a kata demonstration in Konawaena Gym. Those interested and able to perform complete kata may be invited to participate in a short presentation during the event. See Sensei for details.
STRICTLY ENFORCED beginning 2026: All karate-ka groups 8b and above are REQUIRED to have an updated screen time log with them for ALL classes. From time to time Sensei will ask to see them. There is a 3 strike policy per month to maintain your group status. This is on-going!
1 March is the cut off for declaring interest in participating in the National Karate Tournament.
DOJO TOURNAMENT: March or April
USA KARATE NATIONALS: July 16-19
Promotion Test:
—–white belt ascending: Cameron; Ericka
—–yellow belt ascending: Joseph; Vadym
—–orange belt adult ascending: Lucy; Jupiter
——blue belt ascending: Joey; Joy; Keyan
——purple belt ascending: Julius; Rylie; Kendyl
—–green belt ascending:
—–brown belt ascending:
Information sheets for the 2026 National Karate Championships to be held in Spokane, Washington from 16-19 July are now available. Commitments to participated in the tournament must have Sensei’s permission and will be made by the end of February 2026. Besides preparing for the physical demands of the tournament, there are a number of logistical matters to be resolved–these are among the reasons for the early commitment.