For over 15 years WVMA has been providing top quality martial arts classes and private lessons. As a private academy we work with families, schools and organizations and strive to learn as much as possible about each student and their individual needs in order to achieve the best results.
Whether its sport martial arts, self defence or building self confidence we can help!
THE INSTRUCTORS
PROFESSOR SPENCE SHAW
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A martial artist since age 11 Prof. Spence has a vast knowledge of both the striking and grappling arts as well as mma. He's a perfect for WVMA as he possesses a wide variety of techniques, skills and tools as well as the teaching experience needed to provide a balanced education across the arts to each student. Born and raised in Campbell River he's native to the island. His happy, upbeat personality makes taking his classes fun entertaining while his passion and knowledge for the arts shines through. He currently holds a 1st degree black belt under Filip Matos in bjj and has competed in numerous tournaments over his long career. Best of all Spence is patient, kind and tactful on the mat, always assuring his students are comfortable, learning, safe and most of all having fun!
COACH RON DIO
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Infatuated with bjj for 10 years coach Ron has a deep understanding of the art. He's a current advanced nogi competitor and instructor for the WVMA teen/adult fundamentals grogram. His unique teaching style of evoking critical things through objective based drills and positional sparring makes it fun to be in his class and very engaging and hands on. This allows you ad your partner to help each other out a bit, discus, execute and interpret objectives freely. Kinda "out of the box" approach. Principal based learning is his focus however well educated in the deep science of correct bjj techniques. A fun and easy approachable instructor who's always eager to answer your questions. Currently training under Prof. Steward Cooper coach Ron is constantly training to improve all aspects of his bjj game.
COACH WYATT PILLEY
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Starting his martial arts career 5 years ago when coach Scott first tied on his new white belt on him Wyatt has come a long way and was awarded his bjj blue belt from Scott on the podium after winning a local tournament. Also a combative wrestler and striker he is always looking to round out his skill set. He started teaching private lessons to beginners and now has graduated to become an instructor at WVMA.
COACH SCOTT
A passionate and focused martial artist. Having started martial arts in his early 30's he's accomplished a lot in 10 years. He's competed in about 10 tournaments, won golds and an absolute open weight division and completed the Gracie Academy Combatives blue belt Program and received his sport purple belt and instructor certification from Gracie Barra followed by his brown belt from Prof. Filip Matos. Scott has also done bjj in 5 countries and is a certified autism approved instructor. Furthermore he acquired WVMA in 2019 while holding a purple belt rank and has held the position of academy director for over 5 years. He teaches bjj and striking with a goal of bettering our community one student at a time! Scott has a tactful and gentle approach with his students.
COACH TEREZA
Tereza was born in Czech Republic, lived in Germany for some years and Largely grew up in Toronto. A life long fitness enthusiast and practitioner she practically lives in the gym and the kitchen! She is a strength and conditioning coach as well as a diet and nutrition consultant. She also enjoys practicing and teaching yoga and mindful meditation. Tereza practices energy healing and is a level 2 Reiki practitioner. She has traditional Karate training and is learning the basics of Jiu Jitsu.
She works with clients on on one of all age ranges and abilities to increase physical fitness, diet, fat reduction and strength and flexibility. Also to become more mindful, centered, balanced and reduce physical and mental stress!
Jr Coach Daniel & Jr Coach Titus
Both Daniel and Titus have been training martial arts most of their lives. Not only have they acquired great knowledge of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing they exemplify what it means to be a true martial artist and roll models for the next generation. Their dedication and passion to the arts shows on the mat as they always go the extra mile to assist students.
