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Underground Self-Defense
4.8 ★★★★★ 44 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Madison, Wisconsin
Plan your first class
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes (ages 4–14) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's Karate classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Private lessons private, one-on-one instruction available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule undergroundselfdefense.coop — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (608) 251-7755
Hours
| Monday | 4:30–7:30 PM |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 4–8:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM–1:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I can only speak to the experience of bringing my kids, but it's been exactly what I hoped for: a low-stress environment that's friendly to kids with different neurologies.”
“Whether you are a beginner, returning to training, or looking for something deeper than a typical fitness class, this is a place where you can grow safer and stronger with others.”
“There are a lot of hard topics that come up with women's self defense, but everything was taught in an understanding way that encouraged everyone to speak up and tell their story.”
“I would highly recommend this to any woman age 14+ and Villari's also offers a teen version for girls 14 and younger.”
“The girls did a group discussion with the instructor at the beginning, and then went on to learn some self defense moves that they were able to practice at the end of class.”
Other martial arts here
“This course uses trained "attackers" who are men that are trained for this course and also teach martial arts or kickboxing at Villari's.”
“The girls did a group discussion with the instructor at the beginning, and then went on to learn some self defense moves that they were able to practice at the end of class.”
What students say
“Whether you are a beginner, returning to training, or looking for something deeper than a typical fitness class, this is a place where you can grow safer and stronger with others.”
“I can only speak to the experience of bringing my kids, but it's been exactly what I hoped for: a low-stress environment that's friendly to kids with different neurologies.”
“Each class started with approximately an hour of discussion with the rest of the time spent learning and practicing the techniques taught.”
“I took the women's SAFE course, and there is truly no one better to learn such an important lesson from.”
“I must mention however that these men were extremely calm, polite and respectful and never approached us without asking beforehand if it was alright.”
From the reviews
I took the SAFE course here at Villari's and absolutely loved it! It's perfect for women of all experiences and skill level. If you know something about self defense: there's always something new to learn or a skill to hone. If you're new to self defense: you won't feel left behind in the class and you learn lots!
I took the women's SAFE course, and there is truly no one better to learn such an important lesson from. The staff were some of the most supportive, compassionate, and helpful people I've ever met, and their continuous support that they gave to each and every girl who entered has had such an incredible impact on me.
At Underground Self-Defense, what started as just martial arts training it became a place of personal development, self-discovery, and community. Through the years, I built long-lasting friendships, and found a space where training was both challenging and genuinely fun.
My daughter and I recently attended the two day SAFE class and I am so glad that we did and it far exceeded my expectations. Each class started with approximately an hour of discussion with the rest of the time spent learning and practicing the techniques taught.
New to Karate? Start at Underground Self-Defense
Underground Self-Defense comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or set foot in a dojo, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and the sensei scales the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable dojos build fundamentals (stances, blocks, punches, and kicks) for weeks, and kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, with pads and control. Third, all levels and ages really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first Karate class at Underground Self-Defense
Nervous about walking into a Karate dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and a good sensei expects beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic stances, blocks, punches, and kicks — not hard sparring. Step to the side whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot. What to bring: water, and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi and the belt your dojo awards you. Kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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