March 4, 2008

The stuff of legend

Ernie Reyes opens West Coast Martial Arts national headquarters in Campbell

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Editor

Martial art master Ernie Reyes’ career is the stuff of legend. Reyes rose from humble beginnings to become a world-class martial artist receiving awards and film credits and opening dozens of martial arts studios. But he was just as excited on Feb. 9 when he celebrated the grand opening of the national headquarters in Campbell.

The winning partnership and friendship of West Coast Martial Arts founders Ernie Reyes and Tony Thompson has resulted in 45 locations spurring students with athletic prowess successful life skills.

“This is an exciting day,” said West Coast Martial Arts manager and head instructor Kevin Ruby. “We have 45 schools, but this is our national headquarters. I love my job. Where else can you go to work in pajamas?”

At the grand opening, kids and families crowd the three floors of the state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot facility including a cardio-kickboxing room, several large matted rooms for classes, a second floor viewing room complete with flat screen TV and all the accruements needed to turn out world class athletes. Outside in the parking lot at San Tomas Aquino Road and Campbell Avenue, the World Action Team and other martial arts students show their moves on the black top.

Later, Master Ernie Reyes and partner Tony Thompson presented a high-octane program with students demonstrating Tae Kwon Do, the art of kicking, cardio kickboxing, American boxing, Filipino knife and stick fighting and Japanese and Chinese weapon training. The national headquarters also offers women’s safety seminars with practical street self-defense techniques. And then there are the tournaments and competitions where the kids and adults strive to succeed in fitness and life. But what strikes people most is the positive energy and family atmosphere that the two have fostered since the beginning.

“We’re all about martial arts and family,” said co-founder Thompson who with Reyes formed the West Coast World Martial Arts Association in 1977.

Thompson and Reyes’ created a winning team for the martial arts world with 45 schools and over 8,000 members from 4 years old to over 60. In 2007, Reyes was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Martial Arts Industry to add to his other honors.

They’ve got the right moves at West Coast Martial Arts. Photo by Jeanne C. Carbone

He acted in “Secret Bodyguard,” and was a stuntman in “Street Fighters.” He was the technical director for “The Last Dragon” and choreographed “Red Sonya” and “Surf Ninjas” as well as his son, Ernie Reyes Jr. in “The Last Electric Night.” He was featured on TV in TNT’s "Greatest Masters of the 20th Century," which was produced and hosted by Wesley Snipes. The Discovery Channel's Fight Quest stars Jimmy Smith and Doug Anderson visited the World Martial Arts Headquarters adding the Reyes fight styles on Feb. 28. Numerous accomplishments withstanding, Reyes is as enthused as ever of training the next generation of martial artists.

“The World Action Team has been fortunate to have traveled to different parts of the world,” said Reyes. “The greatest satisfaction comes when we have brought joy, happiness and a smile to different faces of people around the world. We know we have touched their hearts because of the power to blend traditional and modern day martial arts. This brings out the true power of martial arts creating "Peace and Harmony" for all mankind.”

Reyes’ parents emigrated from the Philippines in 1929, first working in the fishing canneries of Monterey, and then settling in Salinas where they worked the fields to support a family of eight children. In college, a sprained ankle ended the possibility of a basketball scholarship for Reyes. He graduated from San Jose State University earning a degree in business administration.

In 1968 he propelled himself on the do-jang floor and never looked back, winning tournament competitions and becoming an instructor. His friendship with Thompson became the partnership that spawned West Coast Martial Arts.

But the open house all about celebrating the grand opening which Reyes, now 61 and fitter than a man half his age with the abs to prove it, says, “this is a dream come true.” And if you talk to any of the attendees you’ll find that same enthusiasm and positive thinking.

Students show their moves at the new Ernie Reyes West Coast Martial Arts at San Tomas Aquino Road and Campbell Avenue grand opening on Feb. 9. Photos by Jeanne C. Carbone

“Our two children, Julie, 12, and James, 8, just started,” said Jill Moreci whose husband Joe has a black belt.
“They love it. It’s a very positive place, upbeat and energy. And there’s lots of opportunity. It’s a great place.”
Kim Do, 28, has his own success story of how he became involved in martial arts.

“My parents brought me 20 years ago,” said Do. “I had been diagnosed with ADHD as a kid. They thought karate would help focus all that energy and it did. Now I’ll be leaving to do stunt work for a film. It is a dream come true for me.”

Reyes’ life is full of accomplishments and awards but as he looks around at his crowded new Campbell facility with the students who are an extended family, you know he is at peace with the world.

“Many people go through life searching for happiness,” said Reyes. “I am absolutely certain that martial arts are a key to that success. All we have to do is turn the key and unlock the door. In other words, unlock your mind, unlock your heart and discover martial arts vast treasures of unlimited potential to create positive change.”

Ernie Reyes West Coast Martial Arts is located at 90 No. San Tomas Aquino Road, Campbell. (408) 374-1177. Mention their grand opening and receive a month free.