School of Freestyle Martial Arts

SCHOOL OF FREESTYLE MARTIAL ARTS

Perth's "School of Freestyle Martial Arts" is located on Government Road in Nedlands. Centrally located behind Karrakatta cemetery — there is plenty of parking available.

Operating since 2001, School of Freestyle Martial Arts has seen many local and out-of-area kids progress from Little Dragons to Black Belt. Some of the founding students now assist as instructors in the various classes — a testament to the sense of community built within the dojo.

Shihan Glen Phillips

Owner / Chief Instructor

SHIHAN GLEN PHILLIPS

Go Dan Ho — 5th Dan Black Belt

Shihan Glen is passionate about martial arts and is honoured to be able to share his knowledge and experience with his students.

Shihan Glen began his martial arts training in 1998 and was awarded the title of Zen Do Kai Black Belt of the Year in 2001. In 2006 he was awarded Zen Do Kai Instructor of the Year.

Shihan Glen has been the owner and chief instructor at the School of Freestyle Martial Arts (Phillips Dojos) since 2001.

Glen holds the current rank of:

  • Rank: Go Dan Ho, 5th Dan Black Belt in Zen Do Kai (now School Of Freestyle Martial Arts) — Title: Shihan
  • Rank: 4th Degree White/Red Arm Band in Muay Thai (Kickboxing) — Title: Mr Phillips
  • Rank: Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — Instructor under coach Justin Boylan under John Donohue
  • Rank: 5 Kya/Dan in Shin Sei Kan WA School of Japanese Swordsmanship — Title: Shokyu

GLEN'S OTHER QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:

  • Competitive Fighter
  • Registered with WA Sports Commission as a trainer in Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
  • Qualified Karate Instructor with the World Karate Association
  • Qualified Kickboxing Instructor with the World Kickboxing Association
  • State judge & referee (Qualified with WKA)
  • West Australian Zen Do Kai Black Belt of the Year — 2001
  • West Australian Zen Do Kai Instructor of the Year — 2006
  • Qualified First Aid Certificate Holder
  • Working with Children Check
  • Licenced Security Officer & Licenced Crowd Controller (1999–2002)
  • Private Body Guard & Driver

OUR INSTRUCTORS

Meet the team behind SOFMA — experienced martial artists committed to bringing out the best in every student.

Shihan Glen Phillips

SHIHAN GLEN PHILLIPS

Owner / Chief Instructor

Go Dan Ho — 5th Dan

Sensei Roy

SENSEI ROY

Instructor — Muay Thai & Fitness

3rd Dan Black Belt

Coach Dorn Nguyen

COACH DORN NGUYEN

Silver Backs — BJJ & MMA

1st Dan

Shihan Peter James

SHIHAN PETER JAMES

Shin Sei Kan — Japanese Swordsmanship

Kyoshi

25+ YEARS AND COUNTING

From a single franchise in Gingin to a thriving community dojo in Nedlands — the SOFMA story.

2001
Franchised as Allen's Martial Arts in Gingin — where the journey began.
2003
Moved to Nedlands Primary School, bringing martial arts closer to Perth's western suburbs.
2004
Opened the first dedicated dojo at 23 Government Road, Nedlands.
2006
Rebranded as Phillips Dojos. Shihan Glen awarded Zen Do Kai Instructor of the Year.
2014
Moved to current home at 14 Government Road, Nedlands — a larger, purpose-built facility.
2018
Rebranded as SOFMA — School of Freestyle Martial Arts. New identity, same family values.
TODAY
Still going strong with 25+ years of teaching, hundreds of students, and a dedicated team of instructors.

THE SOFMA FAMILY

Four specialised programs under one roof — each with its own identity and focus.

SOFMA

The core freestyle martial arts program for kids and adults. Defence-based training with traditional values.

LITTLE DRAGONS

Early learning program for our youngest warriors aged 4–6. Fun-focused introduction to martial arts.

SILVERBACKS

BJJ & MMA — "Tap or Snap"

Our grappling and mixed martial arts program. Ground fighting, submissions, and combat sport training.

SHADOW WARRIORS

Muay Thai

The striking arts. Muay Thai kickboxing with Sensei Roy — hands, elbows, knees, and feet.