Welcome to the vibrant world of martial arts right here in Colorado Springs! If you're a local resident or just visiting and looking for an activity that builds not only physical strength but also mental discipline, you've found the right place. Self Care Arts is more than just a martial arts school; it's a destination for comprehensive self-improvement, offering a rare and holistic approach to combat and wellness. This establishment stands out as a true gem in the Colorado community, providing unparalleled instruction rooted in decades of experience. Whether you're a beginner curious about self-defense or a seasoned practitioner looking to deepen your knowledge, Self Care Arts offers a unique and enriching environment to pursue your goals.
Nestled in the heart of Colorado Springs, Self Care Arts is a well-established and highly respected institution. It has earned a reputation for its deep-seated commitment to traditional martial arts training, with a strong focus on real-world applications. The school is led by Sifu Kelly, a master with an incredible depth of knowledge and a teaching career spanning over 50 years. His expertise isn't just theoretical; it's forged from a lifetime of practice, including championship competitions, bodyguard work, and experience as a bouncer. This real-world background is seamlessly integrated into every class, providing students with a practical and effective skill set. The emphasis is on "soft-style" martial arts, which prioritize technique and strategic movement over brute force, making the training accessible and effective for people of all sizes and strengths.
What makes Self Care Arts a truly rare find is Sifu Kelly's lineage. He has trained under some of the most influential and legendary masters in the martial arts world, a testament to his dedication and skill. His list of teachers includes a who's who of martial arts history, such as Ken Cohen, Sifu John Painter, B.P. Chan, William C.C. Chen, Dan Inosanto, and many more. This rich background allows him to teach a complete, holistic fighting system that draws from multiple disciplines. Students don't just learn one style; they learn a unified system designed for all combat ranges, from striking to grappling. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are well-rounded and prepared for any situation, making the school a premier choice for serious martial arts study.
The curriculum at Self Care Arts is vast and meticulously designed. The school offers a range of programs for various ages and skill levels, ensuring that everyone can find a class that fits their needs. For those new to martial arts, the introductory classes and online training provide a perfect starting point. The school is particularly renowned for its focus on specific, powerful styles. Wing Chun Kung Fu, known for its directness and efficiency, is a cornerstone of the curriculum. The school also teaches various animal styles of Kung Fu, including Crane, Monkey, Snake, and Tiger Kungfu, each with its unique principles and applications. Beyond striking, the program incorporates elements from Aikido and Judo for standing grappling and throws, as well as Jujitsu for ground combat. This blend of styles makes for a truly complete and effective self-defense system.
But the offerings don't stop at combat. Self Care Arts also embraces the healing and meditative aspects of martial arts. The school teaches real Tai Chi, focusing on both its martial applications and its benefits for health and well-being. Additionally, they offer restorative services like Deep Tissue Massage and Thai Yoga, highlighting the "Self Care" in the school's name. This balance of intense training and therapeutic practices creates a well-rounded experience for all students. The school also offers private lessons for personalized instruction and specialized courses like the Self-Defense Course, which is perfect for those who want to learn practical skills quickly. The learning environment is supportive and focused on individual growth, making it a great place to begin or continue your martial arts journey.
The school's commitment to a holistic system is evident in its integration of Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do principles and other arts like Thai Boxing and Silat. Sifu Kelly also teaches an extensive array of weapon disciplines, including Kali (knife), Katana, Dragon Pole, Jo Staff, Bo Staff, Cane, Broad Swords, and practical 'weapons of opportunity.' This incredible breadth of knowledge ensures that students are constantly learning and growing. The environment is one of serious study, yet it remains friendly and welcoming. The school's emphasis on footwork, retreat, and strategic movement ensures that students are learning a truly effective and street-ready system. It's an opportunity to learn from one of the few living masters who has dedicated his life to preserving and evolving these ancient arts.
If you're seeking a martial arts school that offers depth, authenticity, and a comprehensive curriculum, Self Care Arts is the perfect choice. The community is built around mutual respect and a shared passion for learning. The school hosts various events and programs, including Martial Arts Events and a structured Learning Program, which helps students stay engaged and progress systematically. The online options, including Online Courses and Online Training, also make it possible for students to continue their practice from the comfort of their home, adding flexibility to the training. The combination of traditional training, modern applications, and holistic wellness sets Self Care Arts apart from other schools in the region.
Sifu Kelly's vast experience and unique fighting system are what make Self Care Arts an extraordinary rare gem. Students have the opportunity to learn a system that is effective for all ranges of combat, from striking and kicking to grappling and ground fighting. His background as a master of multiple disciplines allows him to tailor instruction to individual needs, whether it's for self-defense, physical fitness, or personal growth. The school is not just a place to learn techniques; it's a place to learn a complete martial and self-care philosophy. It’s a great opportunity for anyone in the Colorado area to find a lifetime complete martial arts school.
Self Care Arts is a martial arts school that offers a wide range of training programs for all ages and skill levels. Located in a convenient spot in Colorado Springs, the school provides a welcoming and professional environment for learning.
Location and Accessibility
The school is located at 1626 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, USA. This central location makes it easily accessible for residents of Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas. The facility is designed to be accessible to all, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a dedicated wheelchair-accessible parking lot, ensuring that everyone can participate in their programs.
Services Offered
- Adult Classes
- Kids Classes
- Introductory Classes
- Group Classes
- Private Lessons
- Online Courses & Training
- Self-Defense Course
- Crane Kung Fu
- Monkey Kung Fu
- Praying Mantis Kung Fu
- Snake Kung Fu
- Tiger Kungfu
- Wing Chun Kung Fu
- Our Martial Arts Training
- Martial Arts Application
- Martial Arts Events
- Learning Program
- Massage Therapy & Deep Tissue Massage
- Thai Yoga
Features / Highlights
- Holistic fighting system covering all combat ranges.
- Taught by Sifu Kelly, a master with over 50 years of experience.
- Incorporates diverse disciplines including Wing Chun, Tai Chi, Judo, Jujitsu, and more.
- Focuses on soft-style martial arts, emphasizing technique over strength.
- Offers a unique blend of martial training and self-care services.
- Rich lineage of training under top masters from around the world.
- Courses for self-defense, fitness, and personal development.
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot.
- Amenities include a restroom for convenience.
Contact Information
Address: 1626 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, USA
Phone: (719) 357-3167
What is worth choosing
Self Care Arts is the premier choice for anyone in the Colorado Springs area seeking authentic, high-quality martial arts instruction. What truly sets this school apart is the depth and breadth of Sifu Kelly's expertise. With over five decades dedicated to teaching, he offers a level of insight and real-world experience that is incredibly rare. The curriculum is a complete fighting system, seamlessly integrating striking, close-quarters combat, grappling, and throws from a variety of respected arts. This isn't just a place to learn a few techniques; it's a place to master a holistic system designed for practical self-defense and lifelong health. The combination of a world-class instructor, a comprehensive curriculum, and a supportive learning environment makes Self Care Arts a truly extraordinary gem. Whether you are looking for physical fitness, mental discipline, or an effective self-defense system, this school provides a unparalleled opportunity to learn from one of the few true masters today.
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This is a traditional school geared for street self defense. Sifu Kelly's mountain dragons mma program teaches all ranges of combat, as well as focusing on soft-style martial arts (relying on techniques and not strength). He teaches footwork, retreat, pursuit, getting of the line etc...Stand up is Wing Chun, Standing grappling is Aikido, and Judo to ground and jujitsu on the ground. He teaches arts like real Tai chi (martial and healing), as well as Baguazhang and Xing Yi. He has trained with some of the top martial arts teachers. A true rare fine if you are looking for a lifetime complete martial arts school.
April 05 · Jay WillWhat truly sets this school apart is the immense depth and breadth of Sifu Kelly's expertise. With over 50 years dedicated to teaching, he is a proven master, bringing valuable real-world experience from championships, bouncer, and bodyguard informs his profound instruction.He is one of the few masters today who studied and trained under some of the top masters such as: Ken Cohen (Gao Han), Sifu John Painter, B.P. Chan, Park Bok Nam, Sensei Tsunako Miyake, Master Jou, Cha Soo Young, Tsung-Hwa, William C.C. Chen, Yoji Kondo, Karl Geis, Dan Inosanto, Francis Fong, William Cheung, Paul de Thouars, Will Maier, Larry Hartsell, John Clayton, Shouyu Liang, Fredrick Lovret, Steven Hayes to name a few.Sifu Kelly teaches a holistic fighting system designed for all combat ranges:Striking: Incorporating the powerful kicking of Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, and Kickboxing.Close-Quarters: Mastering the directness of Wing Chun Kung Fu.Grappling & Throws: Utilizing techniques from Aikido/Shodokan (standing), San Shou Kuai Jiao (takedowns), Judo (throws/pins), and Jujitsu (groundwork).His unique approach further integrates foundational principles from Jeet Kune Do (Bruce Lee's Art), Thai Boxing, Silat, Preying Mantis, and a wide array of weapon disciplines including Kali (knife), Katana, Dragon Pole, Jo Staff, Bo Staff, Cane, Broad Swords, and practical 'weapons of opportunity.'This unparalleled combination of arts, distilled through Sifu Kelly's experience, makes this school an extraordinary rare gem and a great opportunity for serious martial arts study.
June 10 · J WPrinciple based instruction providing for a good foundation in martial arts. Sifu Kelly may be a little bit quirky, but once you get to know him better that becomes an endearing quality, especially for some one who has devoted his life to the martial arts. It is true that some classes may be a bit eclectic, but this is rooted in his desire to make well rounded martial artists. If wanting to learn one style, private lessons may be for you just narrow down what discipline of his many that you wish to learn. Check your ego at the door, only an empty cup may be filled.
January 21 · Robert LuerssenMy son was bullied for the past 10years in Cheyenne mountain school district 12. We were fortunate enough to find Sifu Martin at Self Care Arts. In the past year my son has learned self defense, confidence, and discipline. My son’s training enabled him to disarm a fellow student at school that had a knife, in the classroom. If you have a child in the public school system, I highly recommend enrolling them with Self Care Arts. Sincerely, Annie.
January 22 · annie clumNot your usual martial arts. He takes a very old-style approach, unlike your typical gym martial arts. The teacher, Martin Kelly, is very experienced in a variety of martial arts. His teaching is very thorough and best learned at an enjoyable pace. This is probably one of the best martial arts I have studied. I ventured out to learn more and 100% recommend at least trying out this style of martial arts to see if it works with you.
January 12 · Alex Garcia