The latest blogs...

Management Meetings

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 09:28:41 -0700

In addition to Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate's (Team FKKA's) annual Instructors' meeting, we offer other opportunities for our Team Members to participate in classes filled with rich history and discussions of important topics, including ways to set priorities and make well-thought-out personal decisions. It’s always great to discuss business, training, teaching, learning and history, while at the same time encouraging teamwork across many different areas.
Aligning all Team Members, including our karate families, with the Academy’s organizational goals is essential for building high-level cooperation and decision-making. From the very first beginners' class to advanced levels of training, including our Black Belt Degree ranks, the business owners of Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate offer positive martial arts classes designed to influence people of most age groups.
Most group and private classes are of a “Management Style,” designed to offer personal training methods from Instructor’s who bring a wealth of their own management and training techniques to the workouts.
If you are interested in trying a free complimentary class or just want to stop by and visit, we would love to hear from you. Please, have the BEST day!

Our Award Winning Team

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 09:28:45 -0800

Since 2004, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association (Team FKKA) has been earning Hall of Fame Awards, along with awards and recognition from many business organizations. We would like to offer our appreciation for the awards, and the recognition we have received in books and magazines, to those who have selected us, such as the Better Business Bureau and the many Hall of Fame Organizations.
If you are looking for a highly recognized “Award Winning Team,” then consider Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate. You and your family are welcome to try a free complimentary class. Our Motto: “To make a positive difference in the communities we serve by teaching family karate.”
Hope to see YOU soon!
Best Always,
Academy Owners
F.K.K.A.

Welcome Back Everyone!

Fri, 2 Jan 2026 13:05:30 -0800

Hello everyone, and welcome back to Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association. Let’s get ready for another great year of belt and Black Belt Degree promotions, awards and recognition, self-defense learning and training. And, above all else, don’t forget to invite your friends and family members to join us.

Sincerely Yours:
Grandmaster & Mrs. Flaherty
FKKA Owners

Happy 2025 Holidays

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:42:49 -0800

We, the Instructors of Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association (Team FKKA) want to wish everyone a very happy, warm and safe holiday season. The Academy will be closed from Wednesday, December 24, 2025 thru Thursday, January 1, 2026, and will reopen for karate classes, including sparring, on Friday, January 2nd. 2026.
We want to congratulate all Team Members for an excellent 2025 year of belt promotions, learning and developing within our self-defense programs, and congratulate many team members who have demonstrated excellent teaching styles and skills. Much like practicing, it’s helpful to remember that, “the more you teach lower-level students, the better you will become in your own understanding of the system details.” Teaching opportunities are always highly encouraged by top leading Black Belt Instructors!
Keep up the great work everyone, and let’s get ready for another exciting year of growing FKKA opportunities as we lead the way consistently in training, program development and participation, and by spreading the positive word about our Team FKKA to your friends and family members.
Have a great Holiday Season everyone, and we look forward to seeing you all next year in 2026.
Best Wishes!
Grandmaster R. Flaherty & Mrs. Flaherty
(Of: Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association)

HAPPY 2025 THANKSGIVING

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:03:05 -0800

Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate will be closed on Thursday, November 27th thru the 29th, and reopen for karate training on Monday, December 1st, 2025.
From our family to yours, have a wonderful Thanksgiving Weekend everyone.
Best Always!
Grandmaster & Mrs. Flaherty

Celebrating over 15 years of excellent community service

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 08:13:01 -0800

In January, 2007, Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association (F.K.K.A.) became an established martial arts business at 4343 Pacific Ave. #D2, Stockton California, and then in 2010 joined the Better Business Bureau (B.B.B.). After the milestone of over 15 years of excellent community service, on behalf of Team FKKA, Grandmaster & Mrs. Flaherty received a beautiful award in recognition at the 2025 Better Business Bureau’s “Torch Awards for Ethics” event, located at the Timber Creek Ballroom, in Roseville, CA.
Congratulations: To all F.K.K.A. Team Members.
Thank YOU for your loyalty and leadership!
Accredited Since: 2010

2025 Halloween Safety Tips

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 09:14:04 -0700

The FKKA Academy will be closed during Halloween. As Halloween approaches on Friday, October 31, 2025, we the Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Instructors are wishing everyone a safe time trick-or-treating with friends and family.
Here are seven friendly Halloween tips to consider:
1. Children, NEVER go trick or treating alone.
2. Children, NEVER get into a vehicle with someone you don’t know.
3. Children, stay on the sidewalk, and cross the street with your parents after looking both ways. Above all else, think SAFETY!
4. Children, don’t eat any candy until you are home and your parents have gone through your bag to make sure there isn’t anything opened or unsafe in there.
5. Parents, please be alert and watch for trick or treaters when driving on Halloween.
6. Please pay attention by putting your electronic devices down and keeping your heads up while people are running around the neighborhood in their Halloween costumes.
7. Above all else, be visible by wearing bright reflective costumes, colors or reflective stripes to increase your overall visibility. Bring a flashlight!
We hope these friendly tips can offer a SAFETY treat to our karate families. Without being too spooky, it might be a terrific idea to stay home for Halloween for a nice family evening of home games, good food and excellent company with family and friends.
Best Always:
Academy Instructors (Representing: Team FKKA)
~~ Stay Safe on Halloween ~~

Training for an FKKA Black Belt

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 05:18:56 -0700

Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Black Belt Instructors are thrilled to pass along to all students the fundamentals of testing for higher Black Belt Degrees and rank. Testing for Black Belt status or higher requires all FKKA practitioners to practice and train hard. Daily practice is encouraged. We, the Academy Instructors, always appreciate it when our pre-black belt students take a serious approach, putting in the necessary time for practice and study. Students do so much better when they have thoroughly prepared, when they offer a detailed daily performance of the required material, and when they maintain the Black Belt attitude of consistency, determination, focus and high levels of energy, along with accuracy, speed and powerful basics and forms and techniques, including sparring.
Although, our programs and private lessons are absolutely necessary, they are no substitute for hard training work. There are no guarantees for passing or final test acceptance/approval. Adequate preparation requires time, energy, following through on training commitments, personal effort and overall dedication.
Most important: please remember that, “You are ready for each test exam, when you are actually ready.” Keep up the excellent training work everyone!
Best to YOU!!!

2025, Photo Days at the FKKA...

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 09:13:55 -0700

I wanted to personally thank each team member for participating in the picture taking here at Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate. Unfortunately, on the last photo day, Wednesday the 24th, I had to rest my foot on ice at home due to an injury. I want to thank Jeff, Jasmine, Ms. Canalaes, Mrs. Griggs and Mrs. Flaherty for stepping up to assist the photographers with the posing of each student member in the pictures.
I want to express my deepest appreciation to Mrs. Griggs and Mrs. Flaherty, along with other Academy Instructors for their time teaching and operating business activities on Thursday, the 25th, while I stayed home resting. In addition, I’m proud to say that I’m at 100% recovery now, proud of the entire FKKA Team, and ready to get back to the Academy.
I missed everyone and am so grateful to have such a positive team of parents, grandparents, students and Instructors that I can count on. You all are simply the BEST.
Please, have the BEST day, everyone!!!
Sincerely Yours:
Grandmaster – Randall Flaherty
(Team FKKA)

2025 G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) Award

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 09:57:31 -0700

On August 16, 2025, FKKA Grandmaster Randall Flaherty received the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) Award, in Texas. The Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) Martial Arts Award is a prestigious, once-in-a-lifetime event that recognizes the most influential and accomplished martial artists from around the world. This elite gathering of Grand Masters, Masters, instructors, and dedicated martial artists serves as a platform to honor lifelong dedication, exceptional skill, and profound contributions to the martial arts community.
The formal G.O.A.T. banquet event and award recognition is a testament to the discipline, perseverance and lifelong commitment of martial artists who have transformed lives through their teachings, training and leadership. This process ensures that only the most respected and accomplished martial artists are inducted, preserving the prestige and integrity of the G.O.A.T. Award Martial Arts Honorees receive.
Let’s celebrate Grandmaster Randall K. Flaherty, influential martial artist and founder of Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association, whose lifelong dedication has made a global impact through teaching, leadership, community service and martial arts excellence!
Best Always:
Academy Instructors
(Team FKKA)

Congratulations, Jasmin Pedroza, on passing your FKKA 1st Degree Black Belt test exam!

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 07:43:48 -0700

We FKKA Instructors are proud of Jasmin Pedroza for passing the grueling 6-hours of 1st Degree Black Belt testing held at Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Academy, Stockton Ca. Over the past seven months we have observed Jasmin in action - her positive attitude, her detailed performances, and her in-class commitment and dedication to her karate studies and training. We have witnessed firsthand her willingness to assist lower level students struggling with their own martial arts development, as well as offering her time assisting Grandmaster Flaherty with teaching many group classes.
We welcome Jasmin Pedroza to FKKA Team Black Belts and couldn’t be prouder of her.
Once again, congratulations to Jasmin Pedroza on a 1st Degree Black Belt testing job well done! We are very proud of YOU, Ms. Jasmin Pedroza!!!
Sincerely Yours:
Academy Instructors
(Team FKKA)

Closed Independence Day/Weekend

Wed, 2 Jul 2025 14:43:29 -0700

Our Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Academy will be closed on Friday, July 4th and Saturday, July 5th, 2025, in observance of the Independence Day Weekend. This weekend, Grandmaster & Mrs. Flaherty will be getting away on a little mini-vacation. However, not to worry, we will be back for teaching and training classes on Monday, July 7th, 2025.
Just one more thing: Advanced students, consider using this time to reflect on your upcoming test examinations. Above all else, please remember that this July is our advanced testing month, including Junior Black Belt and Degree testing.
As always, FKKA Members, consider making up any missed classes and have a wonderful Independence Day Weekend.
Best Always:
Academy Instructors
(Team FKKA)

FKKA’s 1st Place Champion Winner

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 14:57:26 -0700

On Saturday, June 14, 2025, our FKKA Instructor Jordan Ota won a 1st place Gold Medal at the battle in the Capital Championships. As Mr. Ota faced off against six awesome competitors, his training expertise really shined through his overall performance to assure a win for gold.
Over the years, many Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate competitors have competed for high placement in tournament circuits, and have proven themselves well trained for the competitions. We, the FKKA Owners, are very proud of all FKKA Team Members, whether they have chosen competition or not. Please keep in mind that, tournament competition is always optional.
Excellent performance, Jordan Ota, and keep up the great work! We are proud of YOU!!!

2025 Holiday Regal Cinema FKKA Promotions

Thu, 5 Jun 2025 14:57:08 -0700

On Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Team FKKA had a great time meeting and greeting people at the Holiday Regal Cinemas located on West Lane, during the opening night of the newest Karate Kid movie. The Cinema management had asked Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate to place a table within the Cinema to sign people up for karate classes. We were thrilled to offer everyone interested in joining our Karate Academy the opportunity to try a free class before deciding to join us.
We are happy to announce that people of most age groups really rose to the occasion and have now become permanent team members of the Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association. We offer a very special thanks to the Cinema management for thinking of Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate and for this unique and wonderful opportunity to meet and greet many community families. In addition, we thank all participating FKKA team members for their outstanding community support, time and energy.

A FKKA TESTIMONIAL FROM JASMIN PREDROZA

Sat, 31 May 2025 08:17:59 -0700

On Thursday, May 15, 2025, Jasmin Pedroza, an outstanding student of Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate, offered this testimonial as she neared her official FKKA Black Belt testing. “I am absolutely confident that I would recommend the FKKA to my friends and family," Jasmin Pedroza wrote, "The FKKA fosters an inspiring and inclusive environment, all while serving the community by teaching self-defense. I couldn’t ask for a better dojo or Grandmaster. I find myself very lucky to be attending this school and to have come so far.”

Another Successful Stance Class Workshop!

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 14:36:21 -0700

FKKA Students of many different age groups had a terrific time learning system stances at the latest workshop. Grandmaster Flaherty led the workshop attendees in stances from white belt to Black Belt and beyond, while at the same time offering detailed measurements for each participant’s body type, size and weight levels. The detailed stance instruction was well received.
The attendees, parents and onlookers were thrilled to witness firsthand how strong stances make stronger martial artists. Students, especially our karate kids, enjoyed experiencing the strength and stability of not being pushed over by their class partner.
We, the Instructors are proud of our class stance students, the parents, grandparents and spectators. As always, “Keep Being Great!”

Reaching for higher karate levels and ranks!

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 15:17:13 -0700

Students of all karate levels in search of FKKA higher belts or Black Belt Degrees should always consider the following recommendations:
1. Come to classes! Arriving at all your assigned classes early demonstrates to your Academy Instructors a passion for learning and developing in the martial arts.
2. Practice! Testing for belts and Black Belt Degrees, students of all ages should consistently commit to practicing the test material inside and outside of the Academy. We remind students and Instructors daily to practice often. As stated many, many times, “The more you practice, the better you will get!”
3. Get the details! It’s the student's responsibility to learn the details being taught by higher level Black Belt Instructors - not to rush ahead of the teacher’s instruction, as some students are doing, but rather, to learn by following the movements and lectures of each qualified instructor. More importantly, students of all levels and ranks are afforded the opportunity to ask questions if they have any concerns about their own detailed learning and performances.
Finally, if students and Instructors do the opposite of these “Top 3” great recommendations, they will not be ready for testing privileges. It is highly recommended by top leading Black Belt Instructors that you come to your assigned classes, practice, and perform the karate/system details before testing, and then bring this practice with energy and passion to each test examination.
Early Congratulations! (Best, to you all.)

Off to a great start for 2025!

Wed, 5 Feb 2025 16:38:11 -0800

We, the Academy Instructors, are proud to announce that Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate is off to a great start in 2025. Our wonderful karate families and outstanding student members and Instructors have return for another excellent year of belt and Degree promotions. We look forward to seeing each member join in the Academy’s annual and monthly martial arts programs, all designed to offer insights into higher learning and personal achievements and development.
Early congratulations, everyone, and welcome back to our Team FKKA, where we are making a positive difference in the communities we serve by teaching family karate.
Best,
Academy Instructors
(Stockton, CA.)

Consider Earning Your FKKA Ring!

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 11:08:57 -0800

Besides our 10-Year Award, Flaherty's Kenpo Karate Association is proud to offer all FKKA students the opportunity to earn our “outstanding service” rings. Our beautiful silver ring is presented to each student who has consistently put in 15 years of training/in-class participation. In addition, students of any levels or Black Belt Degrees can earn our FKKA “Gold Ring” after completing 25 years.
Check out our KarateToday.com’s Ring page to view our ring recipients, along with additional information.
Thank you, everyone, for your time!
Best,
Academy Owners
Team FKKA

Welcome Back Everyone!

Thu, 2 Jan 2025 14:45:42 -0800

Hello everyone, and welcome back to Flaherty’s Kenpo Karate Association. Let’s get ready for another year of belt and Black Belt Degree promotions, awards and recognition, self-defense learning and training. And, above all else, don’t forget to invite your friends and family members to join us.

Sincerely Yours:
Grandmaster & Mrs. Flaherty
FKKA Owners