Master Joan Richert founded St. Matthews Martial Arts in 1993. In that time the school has produced four masters, taught countless black belts, and brought the benefits of martial arts to thousands of people. The school boasts a curriculum that holistically incorporates self defense and fitness. Martial arts also provides mental benefits like Self Discipline, Self Control, and Respect for others.
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Great Grandmaster Frederick J. Villari opened his first school in 1968, but Shaolin Kempo Karate has roots that date back centuries. Shaolin Kempo Karate combines the Five Animals of Shaolin Kung Fu, the core competency of Kempo, the hard-hitting linear explosiveness of traditional Karate, and the power of Western boxing, as well as the felling and grappling arts of Jujutsu, Chin Na, and Mongolian wrestling.
At St. Matthews Martial Arts in Louisville, KY, you will have the chance to learn from some of the most talented and experienced instructors in the Shaolin Kempo Karate system. My favorite part of teaching is when someone understands or grasps a concept and then succeeds in making it their own. Master Joan Richert is a 10th Degree Black belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate.
Great Grandmaster Fredrick J. Villari is the founder of our Shaolin Kempo Karate system. He studied many martial arts throughout the world from Chinese Shaolin to Mongolian wrestling and Western Boxing and combined the lessons and principles from each to develop his famous Four Ways of Fighting. This allowed him to create a martial art that was diverse and adaptable, so that it could remain relevant in the modern era.
Whether you want to learn a martial art, get in shape, or obtain the skills to protect yourself in a dangerous situation, St. Matthews Martial Arts in Louisville, KY, can help you achieve your goal. We offer an array of classes for students at all levels from beginner to advanced. We believe in nurturing a supportive environment where everyone feels welcome and accepted.
Our dojo is rooted in the Shaolin Kempo Karate discipline, but our instructors are also well-versed in other martial arts. By studying multiple techniques, students develop a well-rounded appreciation of martial arts and are able to craft their own unique style. Classes are offered on set weekly schedules, by private lessons, and through special seminars.
Reviews (14)
Nanci Dively
Feb 03, 2020
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I love St Matthews Martial Arts! My daughter has been training there for 2 years. The instructors are wonderful and really great with the kids. I love that they do more than just karate with the fun days, presentation tournament, bully prevention and self defense classes they also offer. I highly recommend it!
Claudia Reinhardt
Jan 18, 2019
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St. Matthew’s Martial Arts Dojo offers a wonderful learning environment for children, teenagers, and adults. The Masters and instructors are very patient, understanding, knowledgeable, and friendly; however they do provide a safe and structured space for beginning through advanced martial arts learners. If you are someone looking for individual or small group martial art lessons for you, your children, or your entire family this is the Dojo for you. Their summer camps are loads of fun according to my six year old. Also, every last Saturday of the month they have a Fun Day from 5pm-8pm for a reasonable
Amy M.
Jun 22, 2018
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Justin Chelf
Sep 14, 2017
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WHOA! If I was rating based on coolness factor it would be level 100+. They have mastered the art of teaching kids and adults martial arts and so much more. You could read every review on their page but words alone do not do justice. I do not know if they still offer a FREE class but either way you will not know what you are missing out on until you give it a shot!
Steve H.
Jan 29, 2017
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Every person working there is as helpful as possible. They work to create a very inclusive and enjoyable environment for everyone. My son loves going. I know nothing about martial arts, but they are very focused on positive aspects. It doesn't seem militaristic at all. Nothing but great experiences there for the past few months wee been going.
Shan K.
Dec 06, 2016
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I can't even begin to say how happy we have been to have found this dojo. My son has been coming here now for over two years, we were referred here by a friend. We had been to three other places in the years previous, that were ok, but never a perfect fit. My son had been interested in martial arts since he was about 8yrs old so I really wanted to find a good place for him to practice. We felt welcome and comfortable from the beginning, all the instructors were so nice. Things I loved about this place, teaching in a manner that the kids seemed to learn pretty quickly, and actually knew the
Keith Lankford
Dec 21, 2015
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My sons go here and have had a great experience. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient people and they bring a lot of fun to the students. My sons love it and they've stuck with it because of the level of engagement given to them. The individual attention really stands out. Less about earning belts and more about gaining self-confidence and control.
Taylor Hardin
Nov 10, 2015
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Sarah Harlan
Sep 10, 2015
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Our son trained at St. Matthews Martial Arts starting in kindergarten. He's now a freshman in college, a third-degree black belt, and has taught classes, helped with birthday parties, and been an excellent punching bag during self-defense classes! What's most awesome about this dojo is that they are concerned with the whole child/teenager/young adult--not just their physical training and progression, but their character development as well. They are, quite simply, the best!
Jenny Heath
Sep 01, 2015
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Chad C.
Jun 04, 2014
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Aaron Hawk
Oct 26, 2013
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I have known these guys and trained with them since 2005 and as an experienced martial artist and martial arts instructor I can say that they offer the best combination of teaching talents available. If I still lived in the area, I'd be right there with them! You can go to other studios in the area, but you won't get the quality of education offered at St Matthews anywhere else!
Nick Temple
Oct 07, 2011
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Great atmosphere with people who are friends. Master Joan and Master Alan (and the rest of the staff) are incredible instructors, and the payments are month-to-month (rather than a multi-year contract like some places). For kids, it's the only Creative Connection licensed school in Louisville ... the Power Cards are fun!
Tom C.
May 25, 2011
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Mister is not into competing against others.He is a gracious winner and loser.He prefers challenging himself.St. Matthews Martial Arts encourages and appreciates this attitude. It is not high energy,flashy,or corporate martial arts studio around town.It is not a "belt factory" as some studios are known.
The staff is very low key,kind,and encouraging towards the student. They emphasize respect,self control,honor,discipline.The classes are broken into age groups.They also offer weapons classes and sparring classes after a certain degree of ability has been achieved.
My friend has achieved
The staff is very low key,kind,and encouraging towards the student. They emphasize respect,self control,honor,discipline.The classes are broken into age groups.They also offer weapons classes and sparring classes after a certain degree of ability has been achieved.
My friend has achieved
