About Us
Empowering kids, teens, and adults to grow in strength, discipline, and self-belief.
About Us
Helping kids grow in confidence, focus, and character — in a safe, supportive environment.
Our Philosophy
We believe children grow best when they feel safe, supported, and encouraged.
Our programs are designed to build confidence, discipline, focus, and respect — not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well.
Every child is different, which is why we take a thoughtful, age-appropriate approach to teaching.
What Our Students Appreciate Most:
✔ A safe, positive, and structured environment
✔ Supportive instructors who truly care
✔ Steady progress that builds real confidence
✔ A respectful community with strong values
Meet Master Armen Heroian
Chief Master Instructor & Martial Arts Luminary
Master Armen Heroian began his martial arts journey in March of 1974 when he enrolled at Fred Villari’s Studios of Self-Defense. Demonstrating exceptional dedication and skill, he began teaching full-time on October 12, 1981, in Hudson, Massachusetts.
In 1983, Master Heroian relocated to California. By April 1986, he was working directly with Fred Villari’s Studios of Self-Defense, further deepening his leadership within the organization. On June 22, 1987, he opened his Glendale, California location. In January 1991, he moved to his present location, where he has continued to lead and inspire students for decades.
A 10th-degree Black Belt, Master Heroian has shaped and transformed lives for over four decades. A dynamic martial arts veteran since 1975, he holds mastery in Shaolin Kung Fu, Karate, Jiu Jitsu, and Kempo. His accomplishments have earned global recognition, including induction into the prestigious Black Belt Hall of Fame in 1985. He was later honored as “Man of the Year” by Black Belt and Great Grandmaster Fredrick J. Villari and selected as a notable member of Oxford’s Who’s Who.
In 1992, Master Heroian expanded his leadership role by becoming President and Western Regional Manager of Villari’s Martial Arts Centers. His guidance and influence have been instrumental in elevating Villari’s as a premier martial arts training organization.
Villari’s Martial Arts Centers have long been recognized for teaching Shaolin Kempo Karate — a powerful and effective blend of martial arts disciplines designed for practical self-defense and personal development.
Today, students train not only to learn self-defense but to experience the holistic benefits of martial arts. Training provides a complete physical workout while cultivating discipline, focus, confidence, and resilience.
In an era defined by constant change and competition, the mental clarity and inner strength developed through martial arts training are invaluable. Villari’s Martial Arts in Glendale, California remains committed to creating an environment that fosters self-awareness, self-assurance, and lifelong confidence.
Students of all ages are invited to experience the tradition, discipline, and empowerment that define Villari’s Martial Arts — and to begin their own journey toward unlocking their full potential.
Meet Great Grandmaster Frederick J. Villari
Instructor & Martial Arts Luminary
Great Grandmaster Frederick J. Villari is was a renowned martial arts pioneer who founded Shaolin Kempo Karate, a system combining Chinese Shaolin, Mongolian wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu , and Western boxing. He developed the "Four Ways of Fighting"—striking, kicking, felling, and grappling—to create an adaptable, effective self-defense method used in numerous "Villari's Studios of Self Defense" worldwide.
Key Details About Fred Villari:
System Foundation: His system focuses on circular movements, speed, conditioning, and utilizing internal energy.
Background: He studied various arts to create his unique style, focusing on practical, real-world Fighting
Organization: He established a network of schools for "Fred Villari's Studios of Self Defense," with locations such as in Glendale, CA.
Rank: He was a 15th degree black belt.
Our Commitment To Our Students
We’re committed to:
Putting safety first
Communicating clearly
Being fully transparent
Respecting your time and your decisions
