World Martial Arts Academy
About
World Martial Arts Academy offers comprehensive training in MMA and karate disciplines, supported by a diverse team of experienced instructors. The coaching staff includes Jinheng Li, founder and head instructor with a distinguished background as a former Beijing Wushu Team member and US Martial Arts Association Hall of Fame inductee, alongside other qualified professionals like Sifu Dan Smith with multiple black belts and coaches with various certifications. The facility provides practical amenities including competition mats, crash mats, stretching machines, exercise equipment, and a pro shop to support both training and competition preparation.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the authentic martial arts experience and cultural immersion provided by the academy. They highlight specific instructors by name, particularly Sifu Li's enlightening conversations and the thorough explanations from other coaches. Reviewers note the welcoming atmosphere where students gain knowledge with each visit, though some mention the gym's location requires navigating an alleyway behind street-facing stores. The overall sentiment emphasizes that the interior training quality far exceeds the modest exterior appearance, with many describing it as a hidden gem in Phoenix.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Raptor Fox
7 years ago
This place is awesome, the people here are super friendly, I have yet to meet the Sifu after 2 weeks. But the other instructors are great and explain everything very well. Don't let the looks of the place on the our side turn you way. Also, its located behind the street facing stores. You have to go through the alleyway to get to the back to where the school is.
IvouryJ.oseph Thomas
6 years ago
Every time I step through the door, I leave with more than I walked in with. Talking with Sifu Li is one the most enlightening experiences one can have with another human being. Namaste
Blake Emory
6 years ago
Amazing martial arts school!
Tom Detzel
5 months ago
Master Li is a treasure!
Chris Valiant
7 years ago
A proud Beijing Wushu (Chinese Martial Arts) temple hidden behind a non assuming run down plaza in a forgotten corner of 16th Street Phoenix, this School is a gem of cultural immersion. If admitted, students are provided with training and technique directly from the academy of wushu in Beijing. Beginning level instruction is given by the young captain of the international team, while progress is monitored on a monthly basis by the headmaster. The rundown parking lot and nearby neighborhoods belie the humble nobility of the hidden school inside. Customs and proper respect are taught by quiet inference, rather than direct orders. The gentle strength of the lessons leaves a lasting impact on children and adults alike. Phoenix is lucky to have this school and I recommend it highly for it’s genuine purpose and authenticity.
fitness_centerAmenities
scheduleHours
Monday: 4:00 – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 4:00 – 6:30 PM
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 4:00 – 7:30 PM
Saturday: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Raymundo Hernandez-Dominguez
Coach
Black Sash (2023)
10 years Wushu training. Previously trained Tae Kwon Do and Kickboxing. Teaches Intro to Modern Wushu. Specializes in Changquan, Daoshu, Gunshu.
Chris Lopilato
Instructor
Black Sash certification (2015)
Began Wushu in 2010. Has competed at ICMAC and CMAT events, winning multiple medals.
Dusty Schmidt
Coach
Over 10 years training. Founded/coached NAU Wushu Team. Specializes in Changquan, Jianshu, Qiangshu. Also studied Hung Gar, FanziQuan, TaiChi.
Dan Smith
Sifu
4th Degree Black Belt in Kenpo, black belt in TaeKwonDo/Hapkido/Jujitsu
Started training in 1990. Studies Tai Chi and Wushu with Master Li since 2014, focusing on Yang and Chen Tai Chi styles.
Manbir Singh Wazir
Coach
1st Degree Black Belt at WMAA
Practicing since age 7. Trained in TaeKwonDo, Hapkido, Kenpo, Tai Chi, and Sanda. Over 10 years teaching experience.
Jinheng Li
Founder, Head Instructor
Former Beijing Wushu Team Member, Beijing Wushu Flexible Weapons Gold Medalist, US Martial Arts Association Hall of Fame
Founded academy in 1984. Trained at Beijing Sports School. Specializes in traditional weapons, Northern Shaolin, Southern styles, Tai Chi, and is known for Rope Dart.
Tim Rickaby
Coach
Black Belt (2022)
Over 20 years training Wushu. Began teaching in 2023. Specializes in Nanquan and traditional Southern weapons.