About Us

 

West Coast Academy of Martial Arts (WCAMA) is a family focused, professionally run Self Defence school. We teach realistic self-defence, equipping or students with the confidence and the skills to be able to protect themselves in a real-life situation. Our Martial Arts Style incorporates techniques from Hawaiian Kempo, Boxing, Freestyle Wrestling, MMA, Kempo Jujitsu and Jiu Jitsu. We provide programs for both children and adults at all fitness and skill levels. We offer both Beginners and Advanced Classes to cater for the varied experience and skill levels within our school.

 

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 Our Instructors

 

Our professional instructors all have a broad range of skills and experience in Martial Arts. They are all Senior First Aid trained, Police Cleared and have Working with Children Checks.

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 Head Instructor/Head Coach: Rodney Parkes

Rodney has over 20 years’ experience in a range of Martial Arts styles, starting his martial arts journey in 1999. He is currently recognised as a 4th Degree Black Belt in Freestyle Martial Arts, a BJJ Brown Belt (Will Machado), and a Certified Instructor in multiple organisations. Rodney has taught internationally, delivering self-defence workshops in the USA, including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Wrestling sessions at Brazilian Top Team Back Bay in Boston. He is also a Freestyle Wrestling coach under the banner of Gladiator Wrestling.

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He cross-trains in a variety of martial arts on a weekly basis under some of Australia's most experienced martial artists and coaches. Some of the key current coaches who regularly influence his training are John Will, Paul Marston, Justin Boylan, and Alan Landy. Rodney likes to put certain skills under the microscope, which is why he has trained in such a wide variety of styles.

 

Main Disciplines Trained

• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (2014 to current).

• Freestyle Wrestling (2019 to current).

• Combatives (2014 to current).

• MMA (2015 to current).

• FMA: current focus Grappling Skills (2019 to current).

• Hawaiin Kempo (3 Years remotely).

• Boxing (3 Years).

• Zen Do Kai (2 Years).

• Kempo Jiu Jitsu (2012 to 2014)

• Ninjitsu (2008 to 2014).

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National Academy of Sports Medicine Courses (USA) 

• Certified Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning Specialist.

• Qualified Flexibility & Core Training Coach.

• Resistance Training Coach.

• Speed, Agility & Quickness Coach.

 

Extra Courses​/Qualifications

• Play by the Rules PBTR-Child Protection. 

• Australian Sports Commission: Community Coaching General Principles.

• MDTA: Online Combative Course (Karl Thornton).

• MDTA: Optimal Situational Awareness Course (Karl Thornton).

• Accredited Instructor with Martial Arts Australia.

• Hyper Pro Training Certified Trainer (Roland Osbourne).

• Gladiator Wrestling Level 1 Coaching Course (Alan Landy).

• Senior First Aid.

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Program Manager & Instructor/Coach: Rachael Parkes

Coach Rachael has been training the past 15 years in a range of Martial Arts Styles. Rachael is a 2nd Degree Black Belt in our System, BJJ Blue Belt (Will Machado) and helps to teach our children’s classes for our 5 to 13 year old’s. Rachael has a broad range of experience and brings a wealth of knowledge to our Academy. Rachael brings many years of professional experience to West Coast Academy of Martial Arts which is a real asset to the WCAMA community.

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Main Disciplines Trained

• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (2016 to current).

• Freestyle Martial Arts (2014 to current).

• Freestyle Wrestling (2022 to current).

• Boxing (2 Years).

• Kempo Jiu Jitsu (2012 to 2014).

• Ninjitsu (2010 to 2014).

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Professional Qualifications/Experience

• Qualified Child Care Worker.

• Health Promotion Practitioner (BSc).

• Trainer & Assessor.

• PN Level 1 Certified Nutrition Coach.

• Crime Prevention Officer City of Rockingham.

• DFES Community Engagement Officer.

• DFES Senior Environmental Officer.

• DFES Project Manager.

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National Academy of Sports Medicine Courses (USA) 

• Certified Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning Specialist.

• Qualified Flexibility & Core Training Coach.

• Resistance Training Coach.

• Speed, Agility & Quickness Coach.

 

Extra Courses​/Qualifications

• Hyper Fight Club Certified Trainer (Roland Osbourne).

• Accredited Instructor with Martial Arts Australia.

• Gladiator Wrestling Level 1 Coaching Course (Alan Landy).

• Senior First Aid.

 

Full-Time Instructor: Ashley Parkes

Ashley has trained in martial arts since the age of 4, growing up immersed in the environment of West Coast Academy of Martial Arts. Over the years, he has developed strong skills across multiple disciplines and is a fully certified instructor at WCAMA, recognised by Martial Arts Australia. Ashley has been training for over 14 years bringing many years of experience as he has grown up with Martial Arts.

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Ashley currently teaches our Pre-Junior, Junior, Teens, and Fight Club Programs. Known for his passion for teaching, he works tirelessly to improve his own martial arts skills, regularly training across a variety of styles to ensure his students receive high-quality, well-rounded instruction.

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Main Disciplines Trained

• Kempo Jiu Jitsu 2011 to 2015 – Sozokan Academy

• Freestyle Martial Arts March 2015 to current – WCAMA

• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – BJJ August 2022 to current – WCAMA

• Freestyle Wrestling – Coach/Competitor February 2024 to current

 

Extra Courses / Qualifications

• Senior First Aid

• Working With Children Check

• Certified Instructor – Martial Arts Australia

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Grading

Student’s progression is reflected through our 9 coloured belt system, which takes them from white to black belt. Students will be invited to grade from the head instructor when they have attended enough classes and display the appropriate skill level and attitude for that belt. Tip Testing is a grading technique we use to motivate and reward students for reaching milestones in between belt grading. Tip Testing is carried out every 6 weeks, and students must complete at least 10 classes before they can be tested.

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​How Do I Find Out More?

​Contact us to for more information or to ask any specific questions about our school. The best way to learn more is to book an appointment with us to learn more about our school, view the facility and let us know how we can meet the needs of you or your family members.  From here we can book you in for a free trial class.