POWAY MARTIAL ARTS

POWAY KENPO KARATE

THE BOXING CLUB

POWAY JIU JITSU

World class training in Kenpo karate, Boxing,
Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu, MMA, women's self-defense,
and kids programs.

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ENROLL

POWAY MARTIAL ARTS

World class training in Kenpo karate self-defense, Boxing, Muay Thai, women's self defense, and kids programs.

POWAY KENPO KARATE

THE BOXING CLUB

Contact us for more information or to enroll in our Trial Program.

Get in touch to start training!

You can also email us directly at info@powaymartialarts.com

858.486.1003
info@powaymartialarts.com

"technique of the week"

more videos!

Here's what people
are saying about us!

“As a busy professional with a family, I need a gym that provides a great and efficient workout with a friendly staff. Mr. B, with his years of experience, has put together the perfect gym and staff for those who want to get in shape, learn how defend oneself, and have a great time doing it. People of all ages and fitness goals should check this place out.”
John O
“Just wanted to say thanks for all your help and support with Joseph. I was not able to make the tournament as a result of my job. However he showed me his first place medals and told me all about the tournament. He practiced hard at home in preparation of the tournament. His attitude and his demeanor have come a long way from when he first joined. He has a better attitude and his grades are perfect. He is a straight A student at Mt Woodson and is part of the GATES program. I appreciate all that you and your staff have done for him and the rest of the kids. He is very proud of his accomplishment in the tournament and his progress in class. He continually challenges himself to be good and his goal is the black belt. I am very proud of him and his accomplishments and his hard work. His first place medals were a great mothers day present for me and his grandmother. I just wanted to say thanks to you and your staff.“
Magda F
“As a teacher of 25 years’ experience I would like to highly recommend Barry Barker as an outstanding teacher. He is very knowledgeable and loves to teach and work with groups and individuals.”
Mary T
“Mr. B. is a marvel, a maverick, and a master – how could it get any better than this!?”
Mike F
“Poway Kenpo Karate is the best...our kids have trained at their studio for 4 years and still love it!!”
The Strommers
“Any outstanding organization must have tremendous leadership to be considered one of the best. In Barry Barker, Poway Kenpo Karate has such a leader. I’ve been around several other Martial Art Studios, and none even come close to what Barry Barker has built up at Poway Kenpo Karate. I’m just sorry I moved away and couldn’t have kids learning under Mr. B.”
Doug D
“Great place and great instructors.”
Sonali S
“Thank you for another outstanding year of instruction for our son. We are very pleased with the disciplined instruction which has enabled him to focus on and advance in a physical activity that we hope he will enjoy for a lifetime.”
Christine & Jan G
“To the Team at Poway Martial Arts, Although we hope to never have to beat the crap out of anyone, we are glad we have the skills to do it and the bruises to prove it! Thanks from the ladies of the Campbell family.”
Andrea, Tara & Jane C
“Amazing team, awesome supportive environment! Love this place! Passionate about what they do, and it shows! Love you guys.”
Lynn F
“They are the best because they have the best teaching staff ever.”
Jose
“Every instructor there loves what they do, and it shows throughout the way that they motivate you. I am an amateur martial artist who has competed overseas and would not join a gym if I did not think it was the absolute best. Which this place is.”
Joshua R
“I attended your Self-Defense class on Sunday at 2pm. I want to take this opportunity to thank you again for offering your time, support and generosity into teaching us women. I am very impressed with your organization. The two classes that I’ve taken so far have been very helpful and I am just amazed at how much I am able to learn.”
Aileen
“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Your free self-defense class for women, which I attended with my daughter, was beyond my expectations; very hands on & physical & we learned a lot. Wanted to thank you and your staff for volunteering your time to help women for such a good cause.”
Joy D & Autumn S
“After watching a karate demo in the Poway library one day in 1989, we took advantage of some trial lessons offered by Poway Kenpo Karate. Our son was five years old then, and nine years later he got his black belt in Kenpo Karate. How and why did he persist? It had to be the constant motivation, the excellent techniques and instruction, the numerous challenges, and the BELIEF in his potential that the Barker family and Poway Kenpo staff have provided. On top of that, we have created a bond of lasting friendship with the Barker’s and many other families (at the karate school).”
Aurora & Chris S
“Choosing Poway Kenpo Karate was the best thing we ever did for our 7 year old son. He was only 5 when we started and he has advanced to blue belt with lots of practice and awesome teaching. The facility, the teaching programs, and the level of teaching are spectacular. You can tell the Barkers care about each and every student – we are proud to be a part of the Poway Kenpo Karate family.”
Bryan & Sandy B
“They have something for everyone in the family.”
Deanne
“Poway Kenpo Karate has been one of the most positive, fun and rewarding experiences for our son. All of the instructors are highly qualified, with positive and encouraging attitudes and seem to enjoy their students. Under the teachings, guidance and examples set by Mr. and Mrs. Barker there is an atmosphere of respect, camaraderie, support and friendship amongst the students at the school.”
Jeff & Karen R
“They’re the friendliest gym with the best instructors”
Catherine T
“True to the arts and an asset to the community! The BEST!”
Laddie H
“My son and I have been attending Poway Kenpo Karate for over a year now. We thoroughly enjoy working with this great group of people. Mr. and Mrs. Barker and their family are wonderful! The instructors and other students are extremely supportive and friendly. It is truly like having a second family.”
Denise M
“My brother and I were your first students I believe when you opened in the old pizza place in Poway before you moved to the dojo in the strip mall. I ultimately brought my son Matthew to you there. I was thinking of that and looked you up and wanted to say hi. I hope you are well. I have lived around the world and now settled in Texas. I will always remember you teaching us and more so my little boy who is now 30 years old. He is a manager at Old Town State park and I am so proud of the man he has become. I feel you helped him along the way at an early impressionable age. Please know you had a huge positive impact on myself and my son.”
Bobby
“The instructors and program are both fantastic. I’m so glad my daughter is a student at this school!”
Lou Ann L
“Serious training. Barry does a great job instructing the young ones (and those of us that are adults and making old people noises). He has a gift for explaining things that has been honed by his decades of martial arts training.”
Steve
“The kids enjoy always attending their class. They have so much fun and learn at the same time.”
Jesus A
”Because they are extremely respectful, both to students and parents, the children love them, and they have so much fun while learning.”
Marichelle B
“Poway Kenpo Karate is a great program. Martial Arts helps to teach discipline and self-protection–helps you plan to finish work you start on, build a future and be able to protect yourself in an emergency.”
Elyse M
“Poway Kenpo Karate quickly made me realize there is a lot more to learn and it helped me during my professional kickboxing career. I have also noticed how the Kids excel in school and sports because they have the mental edge and discipline that they will have the rest of their lives.”
Adam G
“They have been great examples to my son on the way to carry yourself.”
Barbara D
“Poway Kenpo Karate, an incredible place to learn, a great place to grow in life! Poway Kenpo Karate is an Amazing place! I’ve had the pleasure of being in the martial arts for 27 years now; been blessed to see and know so many martial arts instructors from around the world and I can tell you right now, that you will never find a more pleasant and more qualified place to train in the west coast.”
Master Eric King
“I’m one of the Barker’s Black Belts and I’ve been training at Poway Kenpo since childhood. The Barkers have been like a second family to me. It’s a great place to train.”
Tyson
“We would like to take this opportunity to show our sincerest appreciation in the care and professionalism you have shown our son in the instruction of Karate. He is involved in competition diving, and we have noticed that the concentration and focus that he has learned from you tremendously helps him in his diving. You are an excellent example for the youth in your class and serve as a good role model for them to follow. Your instruction on how to treat other living things and how to take care of themselves are something that perhaps more people in this world should learn.”
Donald & Stephanie S
“I attended your free self-defense class with a bunch of friends this past Saturday. Thank you so much for volunteering your time! I really appreciate your efforts for me and all of the other people who you’ve given extra tools to defend themselves! You are all amazing.”
Jennifer W
“This weekend I attended the Self Defense Class you gave on Sunday. I learned so much and went away feeling empowered to fight off an attacker. I wanted to thank you for offering this free class to all of the women in our community. We had a good time, met a lot of great people, and felt grateful to you and your staff for offering their time on Sunday to teach us how to defend ourselves.”
Sally B
“I am so impressed with the program your group put on for the self-defense class. I really got a lot out of it and feel privileged to know what I now know. I think it is so wonderful what you offered this for the community. What a fantastic opportunity!“
Melissa B
“I attended your free self-defense class with a bunch of friends this past Saturday. Thank you so much for volunteering your time! I really appreciate your efforts for me and all of the other people who you’ve given extra tools to defend themselves! You are all amazing.”
Jennifer W
“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Your free self-defense class for women, which I attended with my daughter, was beyond my expectations; very hands on & physical & we learned a lot. Wanted to thank you and your staff for volunteering your time to help women for such a good cause.”
Joy Day & Autumn Scott
“As a teacher of 25 years’ experience I would like to highly recommend Barry Barker as an outstanding teacher. He is very knowledgeable and loves to teach and work with groups and individuals.”
Mary T

Tell Us How We’re Doing

Your experience at Poway Martial Arts means the world to us. Whether you’re a student or a parent, your feedback helps us continue to improve and lets others know what makes our facility special. If you’re willing, please take a moment to share your thoughts below. Thank you! 

Learn More Than Martial Arts!

Learn More Than
Martial Arts!

We are a family-owned and operated facility with over 40 years in business, serving Poway California. We offer traditional and non-traditional martial arts instruction and training for all ages from beginner to advanced, amateur to professional, or just for the great fitness and self-defense aspects gained.

Get started in Kenpo Karate Self-Defense, Boxing, Fitness Boxing, Muay Thai, Women's Self-Defense programs, and our Youth Self-Defense Programs. 

We look forward to having you come in!

Everyone has the fire,
but the champions know
when to ignite the spark.

Everyone has the fire, but the champions know when to ignite the spark.

The Boxing Club Poway Martial Arts

Mr. Jordan

Senior Instructor

Barry B Barker (aka MrB) became interested in martial arts after watching Bruce Lee as a child. He first enrolled in martial arts at an Ed Parker Kenpo Karate School in San Diego, California in 1973.

He is now a 9th Degree Kenpo Black Belt in the American Kenpo Alliance (AKA) Kenpo system havingbeen a full-time school owner and teacher since founding and running Poway Kenpo Karate/PowayMartial Arts since October 1, 1984.

MrB is also a Licensed Acupuncturist, Author of 3 books (Mind-Body-Spirit), owner of the BarryBBarker.com Kenpo Video site, where his entire system is on video as he teaches online students all over the USA and multiple countries. He’s also an avid Salsa dancer and a Latin dance teacher. MrB has 5 adult children, 6 grandkids, and 95 Black Belts as of 2025. (See ‘Black Belt Family Tree’).

As an avid learner and student of martial arts, Mr. Barker has also sought additional training over the years to continue and enhance his own skills and, along with Kenpo Karate, running a sport fighting gym since 1998 with professional staff teaching Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Western Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts.

MrB Additional training:

Ed Parker, Advanced Kenpo Theory

• Jeff Speakman, Kenpo Seminar

• Joe Lewis, several Fight Training Seminars

• Steve Nasty Anderson, several Fight Training Seminars

• Orned Chicken Gabriel, 2 Years Personal Training & many Fight Training Seminars

• Brian Adams, Knife & Stick Fighting Seminar

• Dave Hebler, Power & Speed Seminar

• Richard Post, Knife Fighting Seminar

• Rick Hughes, many Classes & Seminars

• Willy Steele, many Classes & Seminars

• Toke Hill, Olympic Style Sparring Seminar

• Mike Stone, Martial Arts Seminars

• Eric Lee, Martial Arts Training Seminar

• Parker Linekin, many years of Seminars and Training

• John Denora, Daito Ryu Seminar

• George Dillman, Pressure Point Seminar

• Prof. Wally Jay, several Small Circle Jiu Jitsu Seminars

• Royce Gracie, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Seminars

• Nelson Monteiro, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 2 Years Training & Seminars

• Carlos Valente, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 1 Year Training and Seminars

• Vic Zamora, Boxing Personaln Training

• Vincent Soberano, Muay Thai Personal Training

• Melchor Menor, Muay Thai Seminar and Classes

• Nelson Siyavong, several Muay Thai Seminars

• Kaewsamrit Muay Thai Training Camp, 2 Weeks Bangkok Thailand

• Cepeda Brothers, Arnis de Mano Classes

• Krav Maga, Certification Seminar

• CDT, Certification Seminar

• Cung Lee, San Shou Seminar

• Jim Tian, Tai Chi Chuan several years

• Frank Primicias, Lo Han Chi Gung Seminars

• Chen Sitan, Taiji Seminar

• Rey Leal, Tai Chi Personal Training

• International Training Program, Chengdu University of Chinese Medicine in Chengdu, China

Mr. Barker has been recognized more formally in other ways. Some of those recognitions are listed below:

Mr. Jordan

Senior Instructor

Barry B Barker (aka MrB) became interested in martial arts after watching Bruce Lee as a child. He first enrolled in martial arts at an Ed Parker Kenpo Karate School in San Diego, California in 1973.

He is now a 9th Degree Kenpo Black Belt in the American Kenpo Alliance (AKA) Kenpo system havingbeen a full-time school owner and teacher since founding and running Poway Kenpo Karate/PowayMartial Arts since October 1, 1984.

MrB is also a Licensed Acupuncturist, Author of 3 books (Mind-Body-Spirit), owner of the BarryBBarker.com Kenpo Video site, where his entire system is on video as he teaches online students all over the USA and multiple countries. He’s also an avid Salsa dancer and a Latin dance teacher. MrB has 5 adult children, 6 grandkids, and 95 Black Belts as of 2025. (See ‘Black Belt Family Tree’).

As an avid learner and student of martial arts, Mr. Barker has also sought additional training over the years to continue and enhance his own skills and, along with Kenpo Karate, running a sport fighting gym since 1998 with professional staff teaching Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Western Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts.

MrB Additional training:

Ed Parker, Advanced Kenpo Theory

• Jeff Speakman, Kenpo Seminar

• Joe Lewis, several Fight Training Seminars

• Steve Nasty Anderson, several Fight Training Seminars

• Orned Chicken Gabriel, 2 Years Personal Training & many Fight Training Seminars

• Brian Adams, Knife & Stick Fighting Seminar

• Dave Hebler, Power & Speed Seminar

• Richard Post, Knife Fighting Seminar

• Rick Hughes, many Classes & Seminars

• Willy Steele, many Classes & Seminars

• Toke Hill, Olympic Style Sparring Seminar

• Mike Stone, Martial Arts Seminars

• Eric Lee, Martial Arts Training Seminar

• Parker Linekin, many years of Seminars and Training

• John Denora, Daito Ryu Seminar

• George Dillman, Pressure Point Seminar

• Prof. Wally Jay, several Small Circle Jiu Jitsu Seminars

• Royce Gracie, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Seminars

• Nelson Monteiro, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 2 Years Training & Seminars

• Carlos Valente, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 1 Year Training and Seminars

• Vic Zamora, Boxing Personaln Training

• Vincent Soberano, Muay Thai Personal Training

• Melchor Menor, Muay Thai Seminar and Classes

• Nelson Siyavong, several Muay Thai Seminars

• Kaewsamrit Muay Thai Training Camp, 2 Weeks Bangkok Thailand

• Cepeda Brothers, Arnis de Mano Classes

• Krav Maga, Certification Seminar

• CDT, Certification Seminar

• Cung Lee, San Shou Seminar

• Jim Tian, Tai Chi Chuan several years

• Frank Primicias, Lo Han Chi Gung Seminars

• Chen Sitan, Taiji Seminar

• Rey Leal, Tai Chi Personal Training

• International Training Program, Chengdu University of Chinese Medicine in Chengdu, China

Mr. Barker has been recognized more formally in other ways. Some of those recognitions are listed below:

poway martial arts

Mr. Gabe

Senior Instructor