Our story
A Charleston tradition, built one student at a time.
Masters Studios of Self Defense has served the Lowcountry since 1984 — a real school with real instruction and a traditional curriculum, never a franchise funnel.
A simple chronology
Our roots
Our Charleston school began on September 4, 1984. Co-founders Mike St. Amand and Philip Beauregard built a local school rooted in patient, considered instruction. Mike moved to Charleston in 1985 and studied at China's Shaolin Temple, continuing Kempo, Kung Fu and Tai Chi practice with teachers including Bob Nohelty, Yao Li and Joshua Grant.
After an earlier affiliation with Fred Villari, an independent Masters identity was established in 1991. Today local schools carry generations of learning forward — West Ashley belongs to our history, and three schools serve Greater Charleston now.
We teach real instruction and a traditional curriculum. The goal is confidence, discipline, self-esteem, fitness, flexibility, self-control and well-being — progress at one's own pace, never a promised fast black belt.
The way we teach
Five training principles
01
Mental Focus
Awareness, listening, following directions, and learning to process new movement.
02
Physical Conditioning
Punching, kicking, blocking, stances and movement; strength, stretching, balance, range of motion and breathing.
03
Technique
Appropriate defensive skills and traditional forms including Kempo, Kung Fu, Wushu and weapons.
04
Strategy
Combining technique and conditioning with judgment appropriate to the situation.
05
Lifestyle
Confidence, health, pride with humility, and sustained practice over a lifetime.
Our self-defense philosophy
Restraint when provoked. Defense when attacked. Confidence and control to avoid confrontation where possible.
A first step
Come learn our way.
Meet the teachers behind our tradition and find your place on the mat.