The Newmarket Martial Arts Centre was established in December of 1995, under the directorship of Rick Willemsen. Mr. Willemsen is dedicated to the propagation of traditional Japanese Martial Arts along with their numerous benefits for men, women, children and families.
Sensei Rick Willemsen first began his training at age 21 at McMaster University in Hamilton with Sensei Philip McColl. In 1988 he moved to Brampton where he continued to train for the next ten years before opening the Newmarket Martial Arts Centre in 1995. In the year 2000, Mr. Willemsen re-started his training with Sensei Philip McColl at McMaster University, where he continues his training today.
Traditional Japanese Karate is the focus of his training, particularly Goju Ryu. In addition, Mr. Willemsen has studied Kobudo (Weaponry), Tai Chi Chuan, Escrima, Judo and Jiu Jitsu.
Over the years, Mr. Willemsen has been privileged to participate in a number of seminars with some of the most respected Martial Arts instructors in the world. The following are just a few:
O’Sensei Richard Kim of California
Sensei Peter Urban of New York
Sensei Morio Higionna Of Okinawa
Bill 'Superfoot' Wallace of the U.S.A.
Sensei Don Warrener of Hamilton, ON
Joe Lewis of the U.S.A.
Sensei Rick Marshall of Vancouver, BC
Mr. Willemsen has also participated and been certified in the National Coaching Certification Program, Instructors course for PPCT (Pressure Point Control Tactics) Management Systems for topics on Control Tactics, Rape Prevention, Harassment and Assault Prevention and of course, First Aid and CPR.
Mr. Willemsen and the Newmarket Martial Arts Centre are honoured to continually propagate the Martial Arts and contribute to the positive development of the growing town of Newmarket.