Coldsteel...
Shaolin Kempo karate is a very good system. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it. Part of 'your' journey and discovery will be tracing the roots back not only of GM Villari but of 'his' system as well. The katas, pinans, combinations all exisited in one way or another before Fred Villari. (yes there are exceptions but the root system to black belt was there..
Again, I have mentioned this before on this forum..this does not take anything away from GM Villari as a martial artitst. I have punched in for him and felt it personally. He has left a nasty trail of destruction in his business pratices though. Nothing that has already been said here before..
Keep studying and practicing hard.
Seeing your in CT, feel free to come for a visit.
I am in South Meriden and am a former instructor in the Villari system.
Best of luck to you.
Todd Guay
CT Kempo and Fitness
South Meriden, CT