West Coast Martial Arts RENO
About
West Coast Martial Arts RENO offers comprehensive training across multiple disciplines including MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and karate. The gym features a diverse team of experienced instructors led by owner and master instructor Denice Challender-Slater, a 7th degree black belt, alongside other accomplished coaches like Grand Master Mikeal "Bear" Smith and head instructor Enzo. This breadth of expertise allows students to pursue various martial arts paths within one welcoming facility.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the family-like atmosphere where students are treated as individuals rather than clients. Parents highlight how their children develop self-discipline, integrity, commitment, and confidence alongside martial arts skills. Specific instructors receive frequent mention, particularly Denice for her exceptional ability to connect with students of all ages and create valuable life lessons. Reviewers emphasize that the experience extends beyond physical training to positively impact nearly every aspect of life, with many families returning for multiple years due to the supportive environment.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Nicole Sibillia
10 months ago
We have loved watching our kids grow mentally and physically through West Coast Martial Arts in Reno. The team is dedicated to helping develop their students into strong community members, especially Denice! They’re amazing! Highly recommend their studio all ages!
Avo “AvocadoDojo” Cadodo
11 months ago
My son loved this studio and staff. Everyone is friendly, encouraging and knowledgeable, beyond that the personal aspect, where members are treated like family, not clients. Would still be attending if we hadn’t moved out of town.
Chuck Blackett
4 years ago
Our two children (one boy and one girl) are (or have) participated in the Ninja program at WCMA, and they both love it. Our 8-year-old has now graduated and is continuing in the kid’s program. We have been coming to the studio for over two years, and it is an amazing program. Self-defense aside, KJN Denice has created a program and family that has been so valuable in nearly every aspect of life. Our children have learned self-discipline, integrity, commitment, and can carry themselves in confidence. Ms. Denice is an amazing human and instructor. We lack the words to completely describe how amazing she is with the kids of all ages. it is something you must see and experience for yourself. All of Ms. Denice’s team of instructors also are amazing. SBN Parminder, BSBN Kaitlyn, BSBN Ben, BSBN Shane, CGN Enzo, keep up the astounding work!! It is because of you all that our family always leaves better than when we come in. So happy to have started the WCMA program and look forward to seeing how much our kids grow.
Shaina Richardson
10 months ago
Our kids have practiced under KJN Denice for 5 years. They started at their nearby elementary school, where she brought her “mobile marital arts” studio to them once a week after school. There they developed their love for marital arts and eventually moved over to the Studio as full time students. Ms Denice and her studio quickly became a mainstay in our family. She’s SO GREAT with the kids, developing their sense of self and growing their confidence. The kids are all advancing in belts and are always excited to go to class. We’d highly recommend this studio for kids of all ages!
Rachel Grimm
11 months ago
It’s a special skill to teach kids, keep them interested, and communicate in ways that resonate and that’s what Miss Denice does. Both my kids started when they were 4 and both loved martial arts for many years. Not to mention all of the other life skills and discipline they learned. It was time very well spent.
scheduleHours
Monday: 4:00 – 7:30 PM
Tuesday: 4:00 – 7:30 PM
Wednesday: 4:00 – 7:30 PM
Thursday: 4:00 – 7:30 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 9:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Mikeal "Bear" Smith
Self-Defense / Close Quarters Combat Instructor
Grand Master, 7th degree black belt, 5-time Hall of Famer
National Self-Defense Master. Teaches Tuesday night CQC class. Operates Nevada Self Protection Center.
Denice Challender-Slater
Owner / Master Instructor
7th Degree Black Belt
Training and teaching for over 30 years. Roots with West Coast World Martial Arts Association. Founded Martial Arts on the Move (1997) and INTUITION safety program.
Keith White
Master Instructor (KJN)
Black Belt
Experienced in Tae Kwon Do, Shotokan, Jiu Jitsu, Krav Maga, and Lynxx. Referred to as the 'Elephant' for his memory.
Sheree Wesely
Master Instructor (KJN)
Black Belt
Teaches Tuesday/Thursday morning classes.
John Ponzo
Senior Black Belt Instructor (SBN)
Black Belt
Lifelong Martial Artist and musician. Original Black Belt under West Coast Reno. Owns All About Music.
Enzo
Head Instructor (SBN)
3rd Degree Black Belt
Head instructor teaching alongside KJN Denice. Trained his entire life. The Martial Arts on the Move logo is his footprint.
AJ
Black Belt Instructor (BSBN)
Black Belt
Experienced Black Belt who helps teach and is involved in demo team aspirations.
Tegan
Black Belt Instructor (BSBN)
Black Belt
Training with West Coast for over 11 years. Working towards 3rd degree black belt. Helps out on the mat.