Our Story
ABOUT THE STUDIO
Twenty-five years of martial arts instruction in Plattsburgh, rooted in the internationally recognized Villaris Shaolin Kempo Karate system.
Our Mission
"To provide every man, woman, and child the highest quality martial arts training so that they become empowered to live richer, more rewarding and meaningful lives — and in so doing contribute to a stronger community."
— Grandmaster Fred Villari
Master Instructor
MASTER DAVID BOISE
8th Degree Black Belt · President, Plattsburgh Villaris
Master David Boise has been the area's leading martial arts instructor for over 25 years. An 8th Degree Black Belt in the Villaris Shaolin Kempo Karate system, Master Boise has trained hundreds of students of all ages — from young children building confidence and discipline, to adults pursuing self-defense, fitness, and black belt achievement.
Now operating as Plattsburgh Villaris with a private lesson model, Master Boise continues a 25-year legacy at 95 Margaret Street — more focused than ever on delivering elite, individualized instruction to every student who walks through the door.
The System
GRANDMASTER FRED VILLARI
Grandmaster Frederick J. Villari revolutionized the way martial arts are taught. Training with his father from a young age, he later studied under Professor William K.S. Chow — the same lineage that defines the Villaris system today.
His insight was simple but profound: no single fighting style is complete. By combining the Four Ways of Fighting — hands, kicking, felling, and grappling — he eliminated the weaknesses inherent in any one system and created a unified art that is both practical and comprehensive.
The result: over 10,000 black belts, 15 million students, and more than 500 schools worldwide. The 1995 Villaris national tournament at the World Trade Center in Boston drew 10,000 spectators to watch 5,000 participants — a testament to the system's reach and respect.
Villaris Shaolin Kempo Karate traces its origins back over a thousand years to the Shaolin Temple in China. Grandmaster Villari is still actively teaching and demonstrating the martial arts today.
10,000+
Black Belts
15M+
Students
500+
Schools
Philosophy
THE FOUR WAYS OF FIGHTING
Grandmaster Villari concluded that there are only four ways to fight. The Villaris system masters all four — eliminating the weaknesses that leave practitioners of single-style arts vulnerable.
HANDS
Punching, striking — open or closed hand — or use of any part of the arms, elbows, and forearms.
KICKING
Using the feet, legs, knees, or shins. Shaolin is renowned for its devastating kicking techniques.
FELLING
Knocking an opponent off his feet by throwing, tripping, pulling, pushing, shoving, or scooping.
GRAPPLING
Wrestling, holding, breaking, locking bones or joints against nerve centers. The ultimate close-range control.
Disciplines
THE SYSTEM
Shaolin Kempo Karate integrates six distinct martial arts into one unified system — each contributing something the others lack.
Shaolin
China — Shaolin Temple
The backbone of the Villaris system. Circular movements, speed, and conditioning built around the five animals — Tiger, Crane, Snake, Dragon, and Leopard. Develops strong internal energy, tendons, and ligaments for superior fighting ability.
Karate
Okinawa / Japan
Linear and angular movements with quick shuffles and inline fighting techniques. More mechanical and explosive than Shaolin, concentrating on external power. Fewer moves are required to get the job done.
Kempo
Japan / Hawaii
A mixture of hard and soft movements that blend together. Taught through the lineage of Professor William K.S. Chow — the same tradition Grandmaster Villari trained in directly. Practical and adaptable.
Chin Na
China
The ultimate form of neutralizing an opponent — utilizing holding, seizing, locking, throwing, felling, and delivering controlled pain. No other martial art gives such precise control over an attacker.
Kobudo
Okinawa, Japan
Traditional Okinawan weapons training — bo staff, nunchaku, sai, and tonfa. Advanced students integrate weapons kata into their broader martial arts practice.
Immortal Monkey
China
Known for its art of illusion. The monkey cannot be hit — lightning-quick movements with the ability to change direction rapidly. It never exhausts its energy and has superior longevity.
The Team
OUR INSTRUCTORS
Master David Boise
8th Degree Black Belt
President & Master Instructor
The area's leading martial arts instructor for over 25 years. Master Boise has trained hundreds of students of all ages and continues to teach group classes for children and adults, as well as private one-on-one lessons at Plattsburgh Villaris.
Michael Flanagan
3rd Degree Black Belt
Chief Instructor
A cornerstone of the Plattsburgh Villaris teaching staff, Michael brings deep technical knowledge and a student-first approach to every session.
Irene D'Angelo
Black Belt
Instructor
A dedicated instructor with years of experience in the Villaris system, Irene brings precision and patience to her students' development.
Kathryn "K.C." Olds
Black Belt
Instructor
K.C. is known for her technical clarity and ability to break down complex techniques for students at every level.
Marty Drolette
Black Belt
Instructor
Marty brings energy and enthusiasm to the dojo floor, helping students push past plateaus and build real confidence.
Laura Scott
Black Belt
Instructor
Laura's calm, methodical teaching style makes her especially effective with newer students building their foundational skills.
READY TO BEGIN?
Private lessons are available for all skill levels. Submit a request and we'll reach out within 24 hours to schedule your first session.