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. The result is a martial art that is practical, effective, and graceful.
Shaolin Kempo Karate was developed with self defense in mind. Great Grandmaster Villari realized, through his extensive knowledge of various martial arts disciplines, that each system had something unique to offer, but that each system also had its weaknesses. By combining a diverse mix of traditional martial arts, he was able to create a system that was greater than the sum of its parts.
At its core, Shaolin Kempo Karate revolves around the core concepts of the Four Ways of Fighting.
Using closed and open hands, elbows, and forearms to strike an opponent
Using the feet, knees, and shins to deliver a blow
Knocking an opponent to the ground using pushing, pulling, tripping, and throwing
Wrestling, holding, joint locking, and breaking
Shaolin Kempo Karate is a well-balanced system that strives to eliminate vulnerabilities, making it the ultimate, and nearly unbeatable, original mixed martial art. In addition to the Four Ways of Fighting, Shaolin Kempo Karate also utilizes the principles of the Five Shaolin Animals.
The Tiger confronts opponents head on with ferocity from a place of strength
The Leopard uses speed and angular attacks to take an advantageous position and strike the opponent where they are weak
The Crane uses superior body mechanics and angular movements to reflect the opponent’s energy
The Snake uses fluidity and unexpected attacks to take the opponent by surprise
The Dragon combines Tiger, Leopard, Crane, and Snake techniques and uses them at precisely the right moment
That said, the best way to learn more about Shaolin Kempo Karate is to try it for yourself.
Try A Free Class