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North Bay Kenpo

5 ★★★★★ 12 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Novato, California

BJJ gym Kids & teens Private lessons

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule northbaykempo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 415-444-0872

Hours

Monday 12–8 pm
Tuesday 12–8 pm
Wednesday 12–8 pm
Thursday 12–8 pm
Friday 12–8 pm
Saturday 9 am–3 pm
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at North Bay Kenpo, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 8 mentions

“I have been a part of Sensei Jordan's dojo since I first brought my son, almost 10 years ago, to train with his friends.”

All gyms that run kids bjj →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“I was on the hunt for a martial arts studio that could teach me practical self defense and at North Bay Kenpo I get that and soooooo much more!”

All gyms that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

BJJ gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at North Bay Kenpo — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🤸 Wrestling

“However, I have hesitated to do so due to being concerned that I might hurt myself by needing to wrestle with others or by being thrown around.”

Other gyms that also teach wrestling →

🎽 Karate

“A karate lesson is my go to when I'm having a bad day!”

Other gyms that also teach karate →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want MMA, muay thai, or wrestling alongside your BJJ, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 12 Google reviews — in their own words.

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 7 mentions

“Working with Sensei Jordan Penman, and the entire dojo family, has kept me focused on health and training in the face of job demands and other life pressures.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 2 mentions

“Working with Sensei Jordan Penman, and the entire dojo family, has kept me focused on health and training in the face of job demands and other life pressures.”

From the reviews

I have been a part of Sensei Jordan's dojo since I first brought my son, almost 10 years ago, to train with his friends. Two years later, on a Father's Day special, I joined myself and haven't looked back.

★★★★★ — Nicholas, Oct 2025

I have been a part of this amazing community and family for 2 years now, and I have 0 complaints. Every instructor is friendly and will instantly make you feel at home. The other students are also very welcoming, and the new students get comfortable very quickly.

★★★★★ — Beckett, May 2021

My son started here 3 years ago and it has been so great for him ! Really love all of the instructors and how they are with the children. So grateful I found them!

★★★★★ — Viva, Aug 2024

North Bay Kenpo has been amazing for my family! I was on the hunt for a martial arts studio that could teach me practical self defense and at North Bay Kenpo I get that and soooooo much more! Being a woman whom has been in some shady situations (not by choice), I have wanted to learn self defense for a long time.

★★★★★ — Marie, Apr 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 12 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at North Bay Kenpo

Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find North Bay Kenpo

7320 Redwood Blvd #C, Novato, CA94945

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.