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Discovering the Cobra 'Freestyle' Martial Arts Concept
Founders and Background
Cobra Martial Arts and Fitness Centres were established in 1991 by brothers Sensei Craig Monie and Aubrey Monie, who began their martial arts training as children. Their expertise spans multiple martial arts styles, including Karate, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Freestyle Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Filipino Eskrima.
Community Response and Growth
In response to community demand, Sensei Craig founded Cobra Martial Arts with the support of his brother. The school quickly gained popularity and expanded across multiple locations, becoming a cornerstone for martial arts in Perth.
Developing a Complete Martial Arts System
Recognising Strengths and Weaknesses
Early in their training, the founders identified that each traditional martial art had its strengths and weaknesses. For example, boxing excels in handwork but lacks grappling and kicks, while Taekwondo emphasises high kicks but may overlook practical techniques like leg kicks, takedowns, and grappling.
Integration of Styles
Drawing from their diverse backgrounds, Cobra Martial Arts integrated the strengths of various disciplines into a cohesive system. This includes the precision handwork of boxing, the dynamic high kicks of Taekwondo and Karate, the powerful low kicks, knees, elbows, and clinching techniques of Muay Thai Kickboxing, the grappling and takedowns of Jiu Jitsu, and the weapon self-defence of Filipino Eskrima.
Creating a Comprehensive System
Cobra Martial Arts developed a curriculum that eliminates the weaknesses of individual styles, offering a practical and efficient martial arts system that is quick to learn for all ages and abilities, and effective in real-world situations.
Preserving Tradition and Values
Respect and Tradition
While embracing the modern mixed martial arts (MMA) concept, Cobra Martial Arts retains traditional values and structure from arts like Karate and Taekwondo. This includes teaching respect, discipline, and integrity within a safe, family-friendly environment suitable for students of all ages and abilities.
Impact on Community and Students
Focus on Positive Development
Over three decades, Cobra Martial Arts has focused on positively influencing the lives of its students. Beyond martial skills, parents seek Cobra's assistance in fostering self-confidence, discipline, respect, balance, coordination, focus, and handling bullying—a testament to the holistic approach of the academy.
Transformative Impact
New students often join after hearing positive community feedback about Cobra Martial Arts' ability to instill life-changing values, good character, and leadership skills. Many parents who bring their children to Cobra Martial Arts these days, were once students of Cobra 20-30 years ago as children. Testimonials from satisfied parents and students serve as a testament to Cobra's commitment to excellence and positive impact.
