I appreciate you visiting our academy and your interest in me as well as my school. When choosing a school that's right for you; you need to take the time and energy to visit them. Many schools and systems are good; however the style or systems by themselves are nothing. It takes your time, effort and dedication to make any system work. Try not to get wrapped up on any specific style, but get to know your potential instructors and their approach on teaching. Is that instructor truly qualified? Do they care about your well being? Are they willing to give it their all? And ask yourself the same questions. Teacher / Student relationship is an important one and you only get back what you put into it. Our academy has a great group of students as well as instructors; I wouldn't have it any other way. So give us a call, ask questions, and make an appointment to watch one of our classes and get a feel of what I am talking about. I look forward to meeting you and helping you with any questions you may have. Remember the hardest thing to do is to start, and the easiest thing to do is quit. Our school will help you to stay on the path. About Shihan Steve Schwartz
About Shihan Steve Schwartz
Shihan Steve Schwartz began training in the Martial Arts in 1981 at the age of eight. His training began with Karate and evolved into Jiu Jitsu, Boxing as well as Gung-Fu. At the age of 16 his parents relocated from New York to Sarasota, Florida. Once settled he continued his Martial Arts journey by enrolling at West Coast Martial Arts Academy and began his training under Hanshi Steven Roensch. West Coast Martial Arts Academy opened many doors for his training and Shihan Schwartz began training in many other areas of martial arts such as Aikido, Kali, Shooto, Muay Thai, Wing Chun, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, , and JKD. He has also been a full contact fighter in Boxing and Kick boxing as well as competing in Shoot Fighting from 1997 to 2003. He has traveled all over the country training and competing and has won numerous Karate, Jiu Jitsu and Shoot Fighting tournaments throughout his 29 year Martial Arts career. Shihan Schwartz now holds a 6th dan in Shuri Ryu Karatedo and a 6th dan in Shintoyoshinkai Combat Jiu Jitsu under Hanshi Roensch. Additionally, he holds a Gakusha grade in Okinawan Kobudo, the ancient art of weapons. He also has the high honor of being an Inner Door student of Professor Rick Hernandez studying full time the arts of Kuntao/Arnis/Baguazhang.
Shihan's sincere attitude, honest virtues, and hard charging dedication to Jing Shen Jie Fang Kuntao has earned West Coast Martial Arts Academy as the only school in the world Certified to teach Professor Hernandez's system.
Shihan Schwartz has also been recognized for his many accomplishments such as;
- "Black Belt Instructor of the Year" in 1999.
- "International Instructor of the Year Award" in 2007.
- "Meijin Award" in 2001 and again in 2007.
- Chief Instructor of Shinto Yoshin Jiu-Jitsu.
- Sihing Title in Kuntao/Arnis/Baguazhang under Professor Rick Hernandez.
In April 2006 Shihan Schwartz became the Chief Instructor and owner of WCMAA, Inc. d/b/a West Coast Martial Arts Academy. He prides himself on running a well organized and disciplined school where the students' education comes first. His vision and passion for the arts and the school are the driving force of West Coast Martial Arts Academy.