Martial Arts in Villach: Close Combat & Self-Defense
Structured martial arts training at CFC Die Kampfkunstschule in Villach, Austria, under the training direction of Sifu Erich Ferlesch.
What is CFC?
A center for practical self-defense and close combat, built around one structured martial arts training path.
Who is it for?
For adults and teens aged 14+ who want to learn with depth and patience – children aged 5 to 13 train in CFC Kids.
What defines CFC?
martial arts experience since 1990, teaching since 1997, 25 years of operational security and former Lei Tai full-contact competition experience.
- Martial arts experience since 1990
- Personal instruction by Sifu Erich Ferlesch
- Structured progression instead of random techniques
Personal Training & 1:1 Lessons
Personal training. Full attention.
One-to-one instruction in close combat, self-defense and martial arts – individually structured and personally led by Sifu Erich Ferlesch.
- 1:1 training fully focused on your goals
- Single sessions, 5- or 10-session blocks – whatever suits you
- Structured training modules with a clear progression
- Targeted work on technique, self-defense, forms, weapons or special topics
- Wing Chun, FMA and HEMA – in a personal setting, without group pressure
- Flexible scheduling – location and times shared after personal contact
Pricing and availability are discussed personally.
All about personal training & 1:1 lessons →The school in facts
This is CFC in Villach
- Location
- Villach, Karawankenweg 13, 9500 Villach, Austria
- Founded
- 2002 as a duly registered association
- Instructor
- Sifu Erich Ferlesch – teaching since 1997, head of training
- Experience
- martial arts experience since 1990 practice
- Security practice
- 25 years of operational security practice – close protection, event security, property protection
- Full contact
- Former active Lei Tai kickboxer – World Championship competitor in Ulm in 2009
- Offering
- Self-defense & tactical close combat · martial arts (Wing Chun, FMA, HEMA) · combat sports (striking, HIIT)
Close-combat training in Villach
Training direction: Sifu Erich Ferlesch – based in Villach since 2002.
Training at CFC Die Kampfkunstschule covers Wing Chun, FMA – Filipino Martial Arts and HEMA – Historical European Martial Arts. Close combat and self-defense are CFC's specialisation; combat sports/striking and HIIT complement the offering. Close-combat training in Villach is not ring or competition training, but a clear program for real situations.
Your Martial Arts Master
Sifu Erich Ferlesch
Train with an experienced instructor in Wing Chun, close combat and FMA weapon combat. Sifu Erich Ferlesch is a former close protection officer (CPO) and combines martial arts experience since 1990 with 25 years of practice in operational security – tested in the full-contact ring and in real deployment. Not textbook knowledge, but concepts that truly protect when it counts.
About the founder
CFC Founder/HeadErich Ferlesch has trained martial arts since 1990, Wing Chun since 1995, and has been teaching since 1997. From 2000 he added the Filipino weapon art (FMA) and, in parallel, European historical weapon fencing (HEMA). Since 2002, as founder of CFC, he has run his own center for close combat & self-defense in Villach and Carinthia – school operations have been continuously documented since then.
Alongside this, over 25 years in operational security he gained solid, hands-on experience – in personal, event and property protection, both nationally and internationally. From 2001 to 2011 he passed this knowledge on as a lecturer to security companies and authorities, with a focus on situational threat defense and de-escalation management. This field experience in complex security situations remains the empirical foundation of his training to this day.
He hasn't only taught his concepts – he has tested them under pressure himself, at the 2009 Lei Tai kickboxing world championship in Ulm under full-contact conditions. Lei Tai is a full-contact platform fighting format that demands technique, determination and composure in a confined space. From the combination of classical Wing Chun, FMA, boxing and wrestling, today's structured training path emerged in 2012. He has been a certified self-protection instructor since 1999.
At CFC it's not about competition, but pure, highly specialized self-defense on the street – for real emergencies. Training is under the direction of Sifu Erich Ferlesch. His standard is simple: to pass on proven, professional knowledge that truly protects people when it counts.
„Practice beats every theory.“
The most important thing is the master's experience and his ability to pass his knowledge on to his students – everything else is just entertainment. Kung Fu means hard work. That is exactly why we teach year-round and consistently focused on application.
What makes us unique
Your advantage: 25 years of operational security practice flow into every lesson – not textbook theory, but proven practice you benefit from directly.
- You learn real self-defense for the street – no competition.
- Your training is under the training direction of Sifu Erich Ferlesch.
- You train concepts tested under real pressure – on the job and in the full-contact ring (Lei Tai kickboxing world championship, Ulm 2009).
What you learn at CFC
Three core styles, complementary training areas
Training at CFC Die Kampfkunstschule covers the three core areas Wing Chun, FMA – Filipino Martial Arts and HEMA – Historical European Martial Arts. Close combat and self-defense are CFC's specialisation; combat sports / striking is a complementary offering.
Core style
Wing Chun
Wing Chun as the Chinese close-combat discipline: clear structure, principles instead of strength, clean technical understanding. Wing Chun is one of the three core styles at CFC Die Kampfkunstschule.
- Who it is for
- Beginners and advanced students who want to learn a martial art from the ground up.
- Benefit
- Structure, sense of distance and timing at close range – independent of size and strength.
Self-defense
Self-protection and practical applications for real situations. Tactical close combat covers distance, movement, strikes, kicks, throws, joint locks and ground fighting – trained under pressure, without showmanship.
- Who it is for
- Adults, women and professionals with a real safety need in Villach and Carinthia.
- Benefit
- The ability to act under stress: recognize early, decide clearly, act consistently.
Weapon combat
Filipino stick and blade work (FMA) and historical European fencing (HEMA). Both are core styles at CFC Die Kampfkunstschule.
- Who it is for
- Anyone who wants to deepen movement, angles and reaction speed.
- Benefit
- Sharper timing and distance control that feeds straight back into unarmed close combat.
Combat sports / striking
Striking power, fitness boxing, mitt and heavy bag work, conditioning. Combat-sport training in Villach without competition – for fitness and capability.
- Who it is for
- People who want conditioning, striking power and stamina without competition.
- Benefit
- More strength endurance, body tension and staying power in training.
The common thread
A structured path to practical self-defense
CFC Die Kampfkunstschule does not teach a newly invented style. Our three core training areas are Wing Chun, FMA – Filipino Martial Arts and HEMA – Historical European Martial Arts.
Together, these areas support CFC's specialisation in practical close combat and realistic self-defense. Combat sports and striking training complement this path rather than replacing it.
Wing Chun
Core style – structure & close range
FMA – Filipino Martial Arts
Core style – Eskrima, Arnis, Kali
HEMA – Historical European Martial Arts
Core style – historical fencing
Close combat & self-defense
CFC specialisation
Combat sports & striking
Complementary offering
The development path
- Beginner
- Fundamentals
- Development
- Advanced skills
- Clear training levels
- Systematic progression
- Technique and understanding
- Training under pressure
- Personal guidance
- Long-term development
Training built on experience
Sifu Erich Ferlesch · martial arts experience since 1990 · teaching since 1997 · 25 years in operational security
“Self-defense is not a system on paper, it is a mindset. It has to work under real pressure – no show, no excuses.”
- martial arts experience since 1990 – started in 1990
- Former active full-contact competitor in Lei Tai kickboxing
- Teaching since 1997
- 25 years of operational security experience
- Training direction by Sifu Erich Ferlesch
What is Lei Tai?
In modern Chinese full-contact kickboxing, Lei Tai refers to competition on a raised platform without ring ropes. Depending on the ruleset, competitors use punches, kicks, throws and sweeps, while leaving the platform also affects the score. This competition format is closely related to Sanda, also known as Sanshou. Sifu Erich Ferlesch was an active full-contact competitor and took part in the 2009 Lei Tai Kickboxing World Championship in Ulm.
About us
Why train at CFC?
Our training follows the same principles: efficiency over showmanship, clean structure over improvisation, honest training over theory. Training at CFC Die Kampfkunstschule covers Wing Chun, FMA – Filipino Martial Arts and HEMA – Historical European Martial Arts. No competition, no marketing-driven combat sport – serious training for people who want to understand what they are doing.
Why CFC?
- Over 35 years of experience in martial arts and self-defense
- Taught personally by the head of the school
- A structured training system instead of a loose course menu
- Practice-oriented training
- Small groups and individual guidance
- Development from beginner to advanced
Who it is for
Who is this training for?
People with different goals train at CFC in Villach – from a first self-protection session to a long-term martial arts path. We meet you where you are.
Adult beginners
No prior knowledge or fitness required. You start with the fundamentals – guided from your first session.
Realistic self-defense
For people who want self-protection and close combat taught practically – factual, without showmanship or fear talk.
Martial arts enthusiasts & advanced students
Wing Chun, FMA and HEMA with structure and depth: technical understanding, weapon combat and training under pressure.
Children & teens
CFC Minis (5–8) and CFC Defenders (9–13): age-appropriate movement, coordination and confidence. From age 14 they join the adult training.
Clear expectations
What to expect at CFC
CFC is the center for close combat and self-defense in Villach. Training is under the direction of Sifu Erich Ferlesch, with martial arts experience since 1990.
What to expect at CFC
- Regular training as the basis of every development
- Active participation instead of passive consumption
- Personal development – technical, physical and mental
- A structured path from your first training module onwards
What CFC is not
- Not a pastime without a goal
- Not a short-term self-defense course
- Not a general fitness offer
Reviews
Experiences of our students
Genuine feedback from the Google profile of our school in Villach.
All reviews come directly from the Google profile of CFC – the center for close combat and self-defense in Villach. We do not write reviews ourselves.
„I've been a student since 2015 and took a break for personal reasons, during which I successfully completed the A-class. After returning I was immediately welcomed back and could pick up right where I left off. The training concept is especially well thought out: advanced and new students train together, and the instructor takes time to answer questions individually. Overall an excellently structured, high-quality program with a clear focus on understanding and practice. Absolutely recommended!"
„I've been a student of Sifu Erich Ferlesch for over 10 years now and still look forward to every single lesson. The teaching is always hands-on and practical, thanks to his many years of experience in the security field. It's also a great experience every time new people join, because you can see just how much you've improved."
„I've been a student of Sifu Erich Ferlesch for 8 years, and he always leads the training personally, which I really value. He is very patient and works individually with every student. More self-confidence, recognizing danger, timing, sense of distance and body awareness have all improved through consistent training. The training is realistic and conceptually built for self-protection – 100% recommended!"
„CFC stands for close combat and self-defense at the highest level. In private training you get to know the consistent side of Wing Chun. Sifu Erich Ferlesch conveys the philosophy of the 'effective street' perfectly."
„After just a few private lessons with Sifu Erich Ferlesch I learned more than in months elsewhere. You feel in every second that over 36 years of practical experience are behind every move."
„There are no unnecessary frills here. Thanks to his decades of field experience in operational security, Sifu Erich Ferlesch knows exactly what works on the street. The training is intense and extremely practical."
FAQ
Practical self-defense training: frequently asked questions
Is CFC Die Kampfkunstschule a fighting style of its own?
No. CFC Die Kampfkunstschule does not teach a newly invented style – training covers the styles taught at CFC: Wing Chun, FMA – Filipino Martial Arts and HEMA – Historical European Martial Arts. Out of these grows the CFC specialisation in close combat and self-defense in Villach.
What does FMA mean?
FMA stands for Filipino Martial Arts – the martial arts of the Philippines, also known as Eskrima, Arnis and Kali. At CFC, FMA is a training area at CFC Die Kampfkunstschule.
What does HEMA mean?
HEMA stands for Historical European Martial Arts – historical European fighting arts with longsword, rapier and historical fencing. At CFC, HEMA is a training area at CFC Die Kampfkunstschule.
Who is practical self-defense and close-combat training for?
For adult beginners, experienced martial artists, teenagers and children who want structured, in-person training. What matters is not your starting point or fitness level, but your willingness to practise regularly at our school in Villach, Austria.
Do I need prior experience?
No. Training at CFC Die Kampfkunstschule has clear entry levels. You start with the fundamentals and are guided in person.
Is practical self-defense training suitable for beginners?
Yes. Beginners start with awareness, movement, distance and fundamental techniques. Small groups allow direct correction, controlled progression and training at your own pace without requiring prior experience.
How do I get started at CFC in Villach?
Via the “Start Your Training” button you choose your entry: the group introduction session (75 minutes) or Personal Training with Sifu Erich Ferlesch (45 minutes). You book your appointment directly online; further appointments by arrangement at the school at Karawankenweg 13 in Villach.
What should I bring to training?
Comfortable sportswear, clean non-slip socks and drinking water. Protective gear is provided when needed.
What clothing do I need?
Ordinary sportswear is fine for the trial lesson. CFC training wear only becomes relevant once you train regularly.
How often should I train?
One consistent session per week builds a stronger foundation than irregular bursts of intensive training. Additional sessions can be added later as your skills, confidence and fitness develop.
Is there training for children?
Yes. CFC Kids from age 5, grouped by age and maturity: age-appropriate movement, coordination, confidence and respectful conduct.
Is there training for women?
Yes. Self-defense for women is part of the self-defense area: recognizing situations early, setting boundaries, understanding your options and building physical skills.
How is CFC different from other close-combat schools in Villach?
Through the structured path of the training at CFC, small groups and the personal guidance of Sifu Erich Ferlesch in Villach – instead of a loose collection of techniques.
Is Wing Chun good for self-defense as a beginner?
Wing Chun can give beginners a structured introduction to close-range self-defense. At CFC it is one of three core training areas, alongside FMA and HEMA. Students develop structure, distance, timing and controlled application step by step.
What makes CFC different from other martial arts schools in Carinthia?
CFC offers a structured training path at CFC Die Kampfkunstschule under the continuous personal guidance of Sifu Erich Ferlesch, with small groups instead of a loose course selection. The focus is on realistic self-defense rather than competition or show.
How long does it take to apply self-defense reliably?
That depends on your individual training effort. With regular training, at least once a week, students build increasing confidence in application across the training stages (fundamentals, development, advanced skills).
Can I start self-defense as a woman without any experience?
Yes. The self-defense area at CFC in Villach is explicitly open to women without any prior experience. You first learn to recognize danger early, set clear boundaries and keep distance before physical techniques are added. No particular fitness level is required.
What does getting started at CFC in Villach cost?
The first CFC training module commits you to nothing. There is no subscription and no automatic membership. You will see the current fee directly in the booking flow; the trial lesson is already a first modular training service.
Send us a message – we reply personally
Questions about training, pricing or a trial lesson? Fill out the form – we usually reply within 24 hours.
We reply personally and discuss together which way to start suits you best.
Take the first step into CFC training
Get to know CFC in person and take the first step into your training in close combat and self-defense.