Shaolin Kempo Karate draws on the diverse kung fu animals- tiger, leopard, crane, snake & dragon -to create a comprehensive self-defense system accessible to all. Our Kickboxing program combines the best of high-intensity cardio programs with experienced martial arts instruction for the workout that packs a punch!
SAFE Women's Self-Defense empowers women to tap into the "fight" side of their survival instincts and embrace the power of their voices, bodies and minds. Effective immediately, we will require everyone who attends class (students and instructors) to wear masks (in addition to providing proof of vaccination, already required) as long as the public order (see below) is in effect.
SAFE Women's Self-Defense empowers women to tap into the "fight" side of their survival instincts and embrace the power of their voices, bodies and minds. Effective immediately, we will require everyone who attends class (students and instructors) to wear masks (in addition to providing proof of vaccination, already required) as long as the public order (see below) is in effect.
Services
Moderate-level cardio drill of martial arts strikes, kicks and footwork. Each class will feature one skill focus to develop further. Exclusive members-only pre-recorded kickboxing workouts and Shaolin Kempo Karate content in our online library. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and stay tuned for more content soon!
High-intensity classes taught by professional martial arts instructors in a fun, energetic format. Great for beginning and advanced students alike! We are now open for in-person classes for adults who provide proof of vaccination. Per the current public order, we require mask wearing in classes for all students & instructors.
Our style is Shaolin Kempo Karate (SKK), the original mixed martial art. We combine the four ways of fighting-- with hands, with feet, grappling and felling-- to create a practical and accessible system of self-defense. We combine linear and circular movements through studying the kung fu animals: tiger, leopard, crane, snake and dragon.
Our in-person classes operate in 2 pods ("Tigers" & "Dragons") who meet every other week, attending class via Zoom on the alternate weeks. Students are socially distanced by household and only share equipment within their household. At the moment, kids class pods are full and we don't have capacity to take on any additional students.
We are currently open for in-person classes for adults who provide proof of vaccination. Per the current public order, we require mask wearing in classes for all students & instructors. Check out our virtual classes page for ongoing options to participate from home. This hybrid course combines in-person classes with pre-recorded content and readings.*
Reviews (9)
Sarah Maughan
Dec 12, 2020
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My 11 year old and her friends took a girl empowerment workshop. The girl empowerment public class that is offered wasn't going to work at the particular day and time with our schedule, so Trisha worked with me to set up a private workshop- which I really appreciated. The class was really great. The girls did a group discussion with the instructor at the beginning, and then went on to learn some self defense moves that they were able to practice at the end of class. I highly recommend Villari's to any parent looking for a self defense class for their child.
Karina Huhta
Aug 22, 2020
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I took the women's SAFE course, and there is truly no one better to learn such an important lesson from. The staff were some of the most supportive, compassionate, and helpful people I've ever met, and their continuous support that they gave to each and every girl who entered has had such an incredible impact on me. You go in a little shaky, maybe nervous, and come out feeling ready to take on the world. :) I truly can't speak highly enough of the people who work here, and can't recommend more highly that every girl takes this class.
Christine Devine
Feb 02, 2020
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I took the SAFE course here at Villari's and absolutely loved it! It's perfect for women of all experiences and skill level. If you know something about self defense: there's always something new to learn or a skill to hone. If you're new to self defense: you won't feel left behind in the class and you learn lots!
The teachers, Ali and Trisha, are fantastic! They understand how our culture is and made sure that we all knew the myths as well as actual statistics throughout the course. Ali and Trisha taught in a very knowledgable and skillful way that made every minute a fantastic experience. There
The teachers, Ali and Trisha, are fantastic! They understand how our culture is and made sure that we all knew the myths as well as actual statistics throughout the course. Ali and Trisha taught in a very knowledgable and skillful way that made every minute a fantastic experience. There
K. Hack
Dec 03, 2019
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I took the SAFE Women’s self defense class and loved it. The instructors, Ali and Trisha were knowledgeable, patient, made the class relatable, and provided so much good information. Our trained make attackers were great at helping us practice and learn what we were taught without intimidation. I would highly recommend taking this course to feel more empowered and prepared in the event something should happen.
Jessi Kendall Bsn Rn
Nov 24, 2019
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My kids love this place and so do I!! Big fan of the come-as-you-are atmosphere. I appreciated how well the instructors adapted to a class full of many different personality types, appreciated my extremely energetic and outgoing daughter and also brought shy and hesitant students out of their shells. It's cool to watch the kids learn to work together and develop leadership skills at the same time. PLUS, the class and instructors are ACTUALLY diverse and in many different respects which means a lot to us. I like that the focus is on personal growth, respect, self discipline, in addition to learning
Susan Robinson
Sep 09, 2019
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My husband, daughter and i were members of Villari's Martial Arts Cooperative for almost 4 years. During that time we were actively involved in kickboxing and SKK for both adults and kids. We initially joined on a bit of a whim, thinking it would be a fun, family activity that would maybe help us to get in better shape. We ended up staying because of the high calibre of instructors at the studio, the rigor of all the classes (you WILL get in better shape!), the welcoming atmosphere and the convenience of having a studio right in downtown Madison. My daughter, who was only 8 at the time, loved the
K. Spahn
Sep 07, 2019
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My daughter and I recently attended the two day SAFE class and I am so glad that we did and it far exceeded my expectations. Each class started with approximately an hour of discussion with the rest of the time spent learning and practicing the techniques taught. The instructors were skilled and thorough in their teachings. We were also able to practice the techniques with men which provided a realistic view of difference in size and stature that we realistically need to be prepared for. I must mention however that these men were extremely calm, polite and respectful and never approached us without
Michelle Schildgen
Dec 11, 2016
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I started searching for a workout that would keep me interested for longer than a month... I was interested in kickboxing because I heard that you can lose weight like nobody's business. I compared ~3 different kickboxing classes to Villaris, and ended up at Villaris. It was a no-brainer. It's not just a dance aerobics. They go at a pace that everyone can join in on. Every class is different. Their schedule is great for even the busiest of people... I HIGHLY recommend you go here!!
I started working out at Villaris to get the beach body I had always wanted, for a trip to Brazil (you know what
I started working out at Villaris to get the beach body I had always wanted, for a trip to Brazil (you know what
Justin Terry
Nov 24, 2016
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I have been taking classes at Villari's for well over a year now, and what started as "the closest place to exercise near my house" has now turned into a place I spend a hefty portion of my time at every week. I can honestly say the staff at Villari's is the most genuine and welcoming bunch of people I have ever dealt with at a business. Each instructor makes you feel at home and tailors each class to the needs of every student. Villari's has certainly changed my life for the better, not only in my physical fitness, but my self-confidence and discipline as well.
