A black belt is a white belt WHO NEVER QUIT

Kaizen Karate & Self-Defense is a one-of-a-kind martial arts studio located in Windsor, Colorado.

We offer traditional karate, kickboxing, self-defense, and competition team classes for all skill levels.

Come join us as we take this martial arts journey and let us show you what you can become!

The Premier Martial Arts Studio in Northern Colorado! Offering Karate, Kickboxing, Self-Defense & more!

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Welcome to Kaizen Karate & Self-Defense in Windsor, Colorado! We are honored to have earned the 2023 Colorado Karate Association (CKA) 5A School of the Year!

We offer karate classes for kids ages 3 and up, kickboxing classes for teens and up, women's self-defense classes, birthday parties, parents night out parties, and nerf battles.

We are also proud members of the Colorado Karate Association (CKA). Once our students reach Black Belt Club level, they have the opportunity to compete in multiple tournaments throughout the year.

Since 2016, Kaizen Karate & Self-Defense has produced 67 CKA State Champions and more than 120 State Finalists (2nd or 3rd in their respective divisions) in sparring and kata with our competition team.

Karate training is an investment in your child's future

"Kaizen" is the Japanese term for “continuous improvement,” and we believe that epitomizes what we are all about. We opened our doors in 2014 with a mission to bring the life skill of self-protection to children and adults alike in the Windsor area.

Karate training is an investment in your child's future

"Kaizen" is the Japanese term for “continuous improvement,” and we believe that epitomizes what we are all about. We opened our doors in 2014 with a mission to bring the life skill of self-protection to children and adults alike in the Windsor area.

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A lifetime of training to share those teachings

Shihan Matt Schildt, the owner of Kaizen Karate & Self-Defense, has been a martial artist for 27 years.

Before opening Kaizen Karate & Self-Defense in 2014, Schildt trained in karate and Tae Kwon Do from 1984-91, then resumed his karate training in 2005 under Master Charles Orchard at Total Ryu Martial Arts. Schildt  taught for three years under Orchard in the Total Ryu children's karate class, and also trained for five years in Orchard's Adrenalized Confrontation Training (ACT), which is regarded as one of the best practical self-defense programs available, and has been taught to police and military personnel.

In 2016, two years after opening his own school, Schildt joined the Colorado Karate Association (CKA). He began training under Grandmaster Jerry Davis, Grandmaster Ben Ramsey, and Master Todd Jonas. In March 2021, Grandmaster Davis (9th Dan) promoted Schildt to 5th Degree Black Belt and Shihan (Master Instructor).

Shihan Matt was elected to the CKA Board of Directors in Oct. 2023 and is a voting board member in 2024. Grandmaster Davis promoted Shihan Matt to 6th Degree Black Belt in July 2024.