Lone Wolf Kenpo Academy: Karate, Kickboxing, and Tai Chi on Highway 9
Sylvia Lynn first came to the Boulder Creek dojo because her seven-year-old son was taking classes. Before long, she was training six days a week, often for two or three hours at a time.
A 2020 Santa Cruz Mountain Bulletin profile reported that Sylvia became the first student to earn a black belt through the Kessler Dojo in Boulder Creek. At the time, she held a third-degree black belt and had been teaching for about six years. The rank is a dated part of that account, not a claim about her current credentials.
In the same profile, Sylvia described seeing shy girls grow more confident through training. She also discussed sliding-scale or free arrangements, donor help for families and women's self-defense instruction as ways to keep cost from closing the door. Lone Wolf's current site still advertises free women's self-defense classes, although it doesn't publish a date for the next one.
Today Sylvia manages Lone Wolf and teaches. Mark owns the academy. His published biography says he began martial arts at age five and has taught for more than thirty years.
What's taught
Karate for children five and up, and karate for adults, are the core. Classes are graded so a beginner isn't put in with people who've been at it for years, and the school keeps class sizes limited so nobody spends the hour at the back of the room.
Cardio kickboxing runs alongside it, several days a week at a range of levels. It's a workout class built on pads and bags rather than a sparring class. It's strenuous, so it's worth talking to your doctor first if you're coming back to exercise after a long gap.
There's also Pilates, adults only and in small groups, with private sessions available on request, and Tai Chi taught privately for beginners of any age.
The school advertises free women's self-defense classes. Call to find out when the next one runs.
If you're after a dedicated classical Pilates studio with reformers and towers, Treetop Pilates is at 13350 West Park Avenue, Unit A1. Different setup, same town.
Cost and getting started
The school's advertised rates are $90 a month for adult classes and $75 a month for kids' classes. Phone (831) 703-4372.
No class timetable is published, so call to find out what runs when.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lone Wolf Kenpo Academy?
13089 Highway 9, Boulder Creek, CA 95006. Phone (831) 703-4372.
What are the hours?
Monday through Friday, 9am to 8:45pm. Those are the studio's open hours, not a class schedule, so call for class times.
What age can children start?
Five and up.
What styles are taught?
Kenpo karate for children and adults, cardio kickboxing, cardio fitness, Pilates for adults, and private Tai Chi.
How much does it cost?
The school advertises $90 a month for adult classes and $75 a month for kids' classes. Call to confirm what those cover.
Are there free self-defense classes?
The school advertises free women's self-defense classes. Call for the next date.
Is this the same as Treetop Pilates?
No. Lone Wolf offers Pilates classes as part of a martial arts studio. Treetop Pilates at 13350 West Park Avenue, Unit A1 is a dedicated classical Pilates studio with reformers, towers, and other apparatus.
No class timetable is published, so call before turning up. Hours and rates can change.
For other places to train in and near town, see gyms near Boulder Creek. Check the academy's site or call before a trip, and tell us if this page is behind.
