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Villari's Martial Arts Centers
5 ★★★★★ 29 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Somerville, Massachusetts
Part of Villari's Martial Arts
Affiliated dojo — reviews and the dojo's own info point to a recognized Karate style organization or franchise (think Shotokan/JKA, Kyokushin, Goju-Ryu, Isshinryu, Tiger Schulmann's or Villari's). If lineage matters to you, ask which style and organization the dojo belongs to, and under whom the head sensei earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- Free trial / intro class most dojos welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- 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 5–6) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- 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 villarisomerville.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 617-625-5070
Hours
| Monday | 10 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 10 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 10 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Master Brad is really great with little kids making them feel welcome, little them have fun, and also helping them stay focused.”
“This martial art style is a combination of Japanese Karate and Chinese Kung Fu with an emphasis on self defense for all body types.”
“The adult classes are definitely not your intense militaristic type of class; we learn a lot of practical techniques, but in general the vibe is pretty relaxed.”
Other martial arts here
“A academia é muito bacana, espaço diferenciado e ótimos professores, fazendo com que os alunos consigam realmente aprender os princípios do jiu-jitsu.”
“This martial art style is a combination of Japanese Karate and Chinese Kung Fu with an emphasis on self defense for all body types.”
“This martial art style is a combination of Japanese Karate and Chinese Kung Fu with an emphasis on self defense for all body types.”
What students say
“Like any young boy he was attracted by being a karate master and being the best fighter but very soon his focus shifted to the belts.”
“The supportive environment, where everyone helps each other and feels like a family, has been a cornerstone of this transformation.”
“Classes begin with a short meditation, a physical work out with stretching, practice of forms and structure and wind down again with meditation and discussion.”
“I have seen my son's confidence and self control improve since starting.”
“In my short 10 months of being at Villari’s Somerville, I've gained a remarkable boost in self-confidence and have shed a lot of my depression.”
From the reviews
In my short 10 months of being at Villari’s Somerville, I've gained a remarkable boost in self-confidence and have shed a lot of my depression. I now truly believe in my ability to achieve my goals.
After doing yoga for 5-6 years, I wanted to try something new. After some googling, I stumbled on this convenient location, went in for a free trial class - and I've been coming here ever since. Master Brad is an amazing teacher, and he runs a fantastic operation for both children and adults.
I joined this program not too long ago but I'm truly impressed with how they teach the kids. As a result, my daughters confidence increased. My daughter has always had an interest in Karate and this was the best program for her!
Here is what Ana (my mom) says about Villari’s Martial Arts Centers, Translated by Andy. “My daughter suffered bullying in school to the point she wanted to take her life. She was in the hospital for 6 months. And when Andy looked for this place in the internet, Andy and I came to talk with Master Brad.
New to Karate? Start at Villari's Martial Arts Centers
Villari's Martial Arts Centers 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 Villari's Martial Arts Centers
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.
More Karate dojos near Somerville
Red Tiger Academy of Martial Arts
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