At United Family Martial Arts, we pride ourselves on offering a safe and fun learning environment for all of our students. Each of our locations feature padded training areas and CPR/First Aid trained staff. We always staff our classes with an effective student teacher ratio in mind to make sure each individual gets the attention they need.
Ranging from 3,000 to 9,000 sq. feet, our facilities include male and female change rooms, washrooms, showers and homework areas. Our instructors encourage family involvement so each location features a parent and guest viewing area.
We believe in a positive teaching approach that always reminds the student of what they are doing well and how they can make adjustments to improve themselves. All of our locations put the needs of the student first and discuss serious issues each week in our Lesson of the Week mat chats.
It's an honour for us to be a part of each and every student's learning experience and we thank you in advance for taking the first step towards making United Family Martial Arts part of your Family. We would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the wonderful individuals that make up our staff.
Mr. Nash started martial arts at the young age of 4. Since then he has been crowned a world champion by multiple leagues. Including WKA (World Karate Association), NBL (National Black Belt League) and NASKA (North American Sport Karate Association). Now a 4th Degree Black Belt and head instructor at our main Hamilton location, Mr. Nash remains an active competitor and a dedicated instructor.
Casey Nash
Mrs. Nash began the martial arts in 1990 and started teaching 3 years later. She has been a #1 rated Black Belt competitor on the NASKA circuit since 1994. In 2001, shortly after joining the United staff, Mrs. Nash was inducted into Black Belt Magazine's - Black Belt Hall of Fame as Competitor of the Year. For 3 years now, she has been voted "Top Female Competitor" by Sports Martial Arts.com, and still remains one of North America's most decorated female instructors.
Gordon Waddell
Mr. Waddell became the head instructor at United's Hamilton West Location in 2002. He has worked with some of the best Point and Continuous fighters in the business, as a member of the Canadian WKA Team. Mr. Waddell takes great pride in the values that martial arts teaches and is thrilled to pass them on to each and every student, including his own children.
Jeremy Elliott
It is truly a family affair at our Niagara Falls location. Mr. Elliott, along with the assistance of his wife and sons, has captured numerous NBL titles in the traditional and contemporary self-defense divisions. Jeremy is known for his modern approach to self-defense situations that cater to all ages. The Elliott family runs a fabulous facility with a United Family flair that keeps their members asking for more.
Kathy Sanderson
Reaching her Black Belt with her oldest son was definitely a highlight for our Mississauga head instructor. Mrs. Sanderson is always a positive role model and strives to reinforce the values that all parents look for in their children. She remains active in her training and always gives her all to her students. Make no mistake; there is a serious martial artist behind that motherly smile!
Joey DaCunha
Mr. DaCunha began his martial arts journey at the age of 8. He started teaching in 2004 and is now the head instructor at United's Hamilton Mountain Location where he strives to pass on the valuable lessons he has learned over the years. Mr. DaCunha enjoys competing in both Point and Continuous Sparring and holds an NBL (National Black Belt League) Continuous World Title.
Shane Baker
Training since 1994, and a 2nd Degree Black Belt since 2002, Mr. Baker is one of United's leading instructors. He is a 2 time Canadian Champion and holds 6 NBL (National Black Belt League) World titles in both Point and Continuous Sparring. Mr. Baker began teaching in 1999 and still competes throughout North America.
Ben Persson
Holding a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Karate, Mr. Persson has over 15 years experience in martial arts. He has also trained in Tae Kwon Do and has competed at many major tournaments in Southern Ontario. Originally from Thunder Bay, Mr. Persson moved to Hamilton in 1992. He holds a diploma from Mohawk College in Industrial Engineering and Technology and has been a full-time martial arts instructor for 5 years.
Rhonda Moore
Earning her 1st degree Black Belt in March 2009, Rhonda continues her path towards her 2nd degree Black Belt. Balancing her busy professional career, Rhonda manages to keep her weekly training schedule up as well as being a strong role model for her two children. Rhonda enjoys the family involvement in the sport, the values and life skills that it teaches as well as maintaining a close connection with her children.
Ryan Shields
After joining our United family in 2007, Mr. Shields has become a valuable and versatile instructor. Training since the age of nine, Mr. Shields has a true love of the traditional side of the martial arts. He currently holds a 2nd degree Black Belt along with an NBL World Title in Self-Defence.
Thomas Roberts
A member of the UFMA family for more than a decade, "Mr. Thomas" has made a successful transition from student to competitor to Instructor. A 2nd degree Black Belt with a passion for weapons, Thomas loves watching students achieve their goals at home, school and in the karate school.
Richard Steckham
Mr. Steckham has been a member of United's family since the age of seven. As a competitor, Mr. Steckham has 7 WKA and NBL World Titles to his credit in Sparring and Weapons. Now as a teacher, he is passing his knowledge of the martial arts onto the next generation of students.