Today we’d like to introduce you to Ken.
Hi Ken, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I first discovered martial arts in Okinawa, Japan, where I trained in Moto Bu Ryu karate and also helped with teaching. In 1976, I moved to the United States, and not long after, I began teaching Tae Kwon Do for Grandmaster Jun Chong. Besides balancing my passion for teaching, I had the opportunity to be involved with acting.
By 1988, I felt it was time to create something of my own, so I opened my own school and began sharing the system I had developed. More than 37 years later, I’m still teaching in that very same location. In the beginning, I was focused on the physical side of martial arts—strength, technique, and discipline. But over the years, my perspective shifted. I began to see the deeper, philosophical side of the arts, and that’s what I try to pass on to my students today.
I often remind them about the meaning of “Do”—the way or the path—as in Tae Kwon Do or Karate Do. To me, it’s not just about what happens on the mat. The lessons learned in training—patience, perseverance, respect and having a strong mind—are the same lessons that help us in everyday life. It’s important to focus on the moment, not the future or past. The result of your actions don’t matter as long as you put in 100% effort. Even if you don’t get the result you desired, it’s okay, as long as you know you did your best. What’s most important is experience. People make mistakes, whether they end up being good or bad! As long as you learn from the mistakes you make, you will be able to grow as a person.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In 1994, we opened a second location in Granada Hills. Almost immediately after opening, the Northridge Earthquake hit, and the streets around us were closed. For a while, it seemed like we might not make it—no one could reach the studio, and we thought seriously about shutting down. But I decided to keep the doors open for the students who had already signed up, and I’m glad I did. In time, that location grew to be even larger than our Burbank school.
When our lease in Granada Hills expired in 2010, we moved a little further south, not too far from the original spot. Things were going well until an issue with the city over our parking zone forced us to close that location. We considered taking legal action against the landlord, but the cost was simply too high. In the end, we had to walk away from Granada Hills. Around that time, the Burbank school was also struggling, so I shifted my focus back there, determined to rebuild and grow it once again.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At our school, martial arts is more than just a workout—it’s a way to strengthen both the body and the mind. We believe in balance: building physical skills while also developing focus, discipline, and confidence. That’s why we emphasize the idea of “Do,” the way of life. What you learn here doesn’t stay in the dojo—it becomes part of how you face challenges, pursue goals, and live every day with purpose.
Unlike many studios, we don’t give out black belts to children. Here, a black belt is something truly earned through dedication and perseverance. Students must grow into the adult program, and when they achieve that belt, it’s because they’ve proven themselves in both skill and character.
Our system is designed to be complete and meaningful, blending striking, throwing, and weapons training into one well-rounded art. Every technique has a purpose, and together they form a system that makes sense. That’s why people travel from across Southern California—Glendale, Los Angeles, Lancaster, Pasadena, Granada Hills, Simi Valley and more—because they know this is a place where martial arts are taught with integrity, passion, and respect for tradition.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I don’t see huge changes happening all at once, but there’s always something small that comes up, and we have to be ready to adapt. Life—and running a school—always requires adjustment. Take advertising, for example. Many many years ago, the Yellow Pages was the go-to way to reach new students. Today, people search online, on Google, Yelp, and social media, so we had to shift where we put our budget to reach them.
Another change we’ve noticed is in the students themselves. These days, many people aren’t used to pushing themselves or facing challenges—they’re more sensitive and have different expectations. That means we have to meet them where they are, gradually teaching them how the lessons of martial arts—discipline, focus, resilience—can be applied in all areas of their lives. It’s a process, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see the growth happen.
Pricing:
- 3 Month Trial for $295 – Unlimited Training!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kennagayama.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knmakarate/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KNMAKarate/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kennagayama2228
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ken-nagayama-martial-arts-burbank
