Our instructors are well-trained, professional martial artists who run their own schools and teach hundreds of students every week. They are highly qualified teachers who are comfortable working with any rank, age, and ability level. With their decades of experience, they know how to keep beginner, intermediate and advanced students motivated and hungry for more.
Master Carrie Waskowicz
Currently a 5th Degree Black Belt, Carrie Waskowicz has been teaching professionally since 2001 and training in the Villari’s Organization for over 2 decades. She successfully earned Championship Titles throughout her career competing in Forms, Sparring and Weapons divisions. Master Waskowicz is the Chief Instructor at Villari’s Martial Arts Center in Southington, CT and a Regional Manager for Villari’s Connecticut.
Ms. Melissa Trinks
Currently a 4th Degree Black Belt, Melissa Trinks has been teaching professionally for the past 8 years and training in the Shaolin Kempo Karate since the age of 9. Melissa is a Certified Instructor teaching all ranks and age groups including our youngest Little Dragons. She is an avid competitor in forms, sparring and weapons with a strong focus on the Bo Staff. Miss Trinks teaches primarily at Villari's Martial Arts Center in Windsor, CT.
Mr. Andrew Schlechtweg
Currently a 4th Degree Black Belt, Andrew Schlechtweg has been teaching professionally for over a decade. Andrew is the Chief Instructor at Villari's Martial Arts Center in Enfield, CT. He is an avid competitor in forms, sparring and weapons, with many championships in the weapons division.
Master Keith Horan
Currently a 5th Degree Black Belt, Keith Horan has been teaching professionally for over a decade and training in the art since the age of 8. Keith is the Chief Instructor at Villari's Martial Arts Center in Torrington, CT. He is an avid competitor in forms, sparring and weapons, with many championships in the forms division.
Master Chris Gray
Currently a 7th Degree Black Belt and Master Instructor, Chris Gray has been teaching professionally for over 25 years. Throughout his career he has competed successfully in Forms, Sparring and Weapons competitions earning Championship titles in all categories. Master Gray is Villari's Connecticut Regional Manager and Certified Instructor Trainer.
Master Dave Shirely
With of 40 years of martial arts training, Master Dave Shirley is one of the world's premier authorities in Shaolin Kempo Karate earning the rank of 10th Degree Black Belt from Grand Master Fred Villari. In 2006 he was named to Villari's Shaolin Kempo Karate's board of Seven Dragons. Today Master Shirley oversees the state of CT where he operates or manages ten locations for the Villari Organization.
-
I was feeling a bit bored in class recently, I’ve always been a natural athlete, playing baseball and football in school, so karate was easy for me. I checked out VillariTV and there’s a ton of extra sections devoted to weapons training, self defense, and sport karate. It’s a great way to supplement my training and keep me challenged.
I was feeling a bit bored in class recently, I’ve always been a natural athlete, playing baseball and football in school, so karate was easy for me. I checked out VillariTV and there’s a ton of extra sections devoted to weapons training, ...
-
I wasn’t sure if I was right for martial arts training, I lack coordination and I’m a slow learner. I’m glad a service like VillariTV is on the market, it’s allowed me to learn at a comfortable pace and the descriptive, professional instruction is excellent.
I wasn’t sure if I was right for martial arts training, I lack coordination and I’m a slow learner. I’m glad a service like VillariTV is on the market, it’s allowed me to learn at a comfortable pace and the descriptive, profes...
