St. Matthews Martial Arts

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.

Our teen and adult martial arts program utilizes the Four Ways of Fighting and the Five Shaolin Animals. We have designed our curriculum to teach tools that feel natural and easy, as well as more challenging techniques to help students learn and grow. Our class isn't about learning one right way to defend oneself.