Welcome to American Vadha Kempo Academy. We are a family oriented dojo training students of all ages and abilities in the art of American Vadha Kempo Karate. Our philosophy combines modern self-defense techniques with traditional values from our martial arts system. Come join our family, take control of your life and follow the path less traveled!
Learn About Vadha Kempo Karate
What is Vadha Kempo Karate ?
You have probably heard of Martial Arts Systems such as Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu and MMA ( Mixed Martial Arts). But what in the world is Vadha Kempo ??
Vadha Kempo Karate is an American Martial Art & Self Defense System founded by Professor and Grand Master John Salvaggio in the mid 1970s. Grand Master Salvaggio revolutionized the traditional art of Vadha, which has its origins in India, by incorporating what he determined were the most practical techniques he learned from his studies of other arts such as Judo, Goju, Ju-Jitsu, Aikido, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu and Tai Chi (many of which Grand Master Salvaggio holds black belt rank in as well).
The result was the creation of a system that is a true “melting pot” incorporating some of the most practical and effective martial arts techniques from all 4 fighting ranges (Kicking, Punching, Elbows & Knees, Takedowns & Grappling).
Vadha Kempo’s strength also lies in its adaptation of both “hard” and “soft” techniques. There are times in self defense, as well as in life, when a difficulty must be met head on with unyielding resolve and strength, yet in other situations the best solution may come from yielding, or going around an obstacle. A Vadha Kempo practitioner is taught the skills needed to facilitate either resolution. A good analogy would be that of water and rock. Sometimes when flowing water meets a rock in its path it flows around the rock, other times it moves the rock.
In comparison to many of the other “traditional” arts, Vadha Kempo is a relatively “young” art. It is also a system that has typically been handed down from teacher to student(s) in small selective groups never allowing it to become well known or mainstream.
Continued Evolution of Vadha Kempo Karate:
Since beginning his study of Vadha Kempo in 1986, Grand Master Cassella has continued to refine and develop the techniques and concepts taught to him by his instructors into a curriculum that is relatively easy for a new student to understand and develop the required skills needed in all fighting ranges. Grand Master Cassella’s focus on the mechanics of a technique ensures that the student develops the proper form coupled with development of the timing and force required to maximize the probability of success should the time come when a particular technique is needed.
Upon achieving his black belt and Instructor Certification in 1997, Grand Master Cassella taught Vadha Kempo only to adult students, until in 2005 when he heard 3 words that changed his life forever….” It’s a Girl.” Since that time he began to develop a “kid friendly” version of Vadha Kempo to teach children the confidence and means of defending themselves in a way that sends a clear message to a bully, but is not as brutal as the true version of our system. Grand Master Cassella’s kids program has had tremendous success in promoting children’s self confidence and we are especially proud to have an almost even 50 -50 split of boys & girls in our program. Oh and by the way, the baby girl born in 2005, is now a beautiful, smart, talented and amazing young lady who holds a black belt in Vadha Kempo and continues to train and help teach with her daddy.