About Shaolin Kempo Karate
Shaolin Kempo Karate was founded and developed by Grandmaster Fred Villari after many years of studying and mastering numerous different styles of martial arts, including Shaolin Temple Boxing, Jiu Jitsu, Kung Fu, Kempo, different styles of Karate, as well as the secret art of the White Tiger (Chin Na). After studying and mastering these many different styles and ways of fighting, Grandmaster Villari concluded that there were really only four ways of fighting.
1. Striking - with your hands (punching, striking - open or closed hand) or use of any part of the arms, elbows, forearms, etc.
2. Kicking - with foot, leg, knee, shin
3. Felling - that is to knock an opponent off their feet by throwing, tripping, pulling, pushing, shoving, or scooping them
4. Grappling - by either wrestling, holding, breaking, locking bones or joints against nerve centers
The Shaolin fighting system is the backbone of the system since Grandmaster Villari felt it was the best for promoting overall good health, wisdom, and longevity. Shaolin is well-balanced, incorporating mind, body, and spirit into one. In the realm of fighting, Shaolin is renowned for its devastating kicking and punching techniques. It incorporates the movements of five animals: Tiger, Crane, Leopard, Snake, and Dragon. The Shaolin theory of fighting is based on circular movements, speed, conditioning, and developing strong internal energy, tendons, and ligaments. These are essential for producing a superior fighter.
Karate was also highly favored by Grandmaster Villari. He regarded it as simple and quick to learn and execute. Known for its linear and angular movements with quick shuffles and in-line fighting movements, karate-type blows are more mechanical in execution than Shaolin blows. They are also more explosive. Karate concentrates more on external power and fewer moves are required to get the job done.
Grandmaster Villari also utilized the art of Kempo, a mixture of hard and soft movements that blend nicely, though it is not sophisticated enough by itself. Kempo lacks the grace of Shaolin with its integrated leg maneuvers, the quick shuffles and footwork of Karate, and the explosion of hard Karate.
Grandmaster Villari is one of the pioneers of martial arts in the Western World. Before Grandmaster Villari, teaching the martial arts to the masses was taboo. He demystified the prejudice that only a few select people should have the opportunity to learn these skills.