ABOUT US

ESTABLISHED 1995 – UFA is the longest running Martial Arts Centre in Penrith

Before you get to the history lesson and about our journey, why should you or your children train at UFA Martial Arts Academy?

There are many reason but we can sum it up in one easy statement
“WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT WE TEACH “

We love what we do and we want everyone who trains at UFA to reap the benefits like it has done for so many students and families who have trained with us over the years.

We want to help you to become the best, most confident version of yourself and that takes hard work and commitment from you and our friendly instructors.

You will earn every rank you wear and this will give you confidence in your ability, which will help you in almost any situation you may find yourself in.

Please read on so you can see how dedicated Steve Perceval is to the martial arts styles he teaches and UFA Martial Arts Academy.

Steve Perceval and Family

OUR JOURNEY...so far

We are very excited to offer you a brief history and information about UFA Martial Arts Academy and founder Steve Perceval.

UFA Martial Arts Academy formerly known as Nepean HapKiDo Academy and Ultimate Fighting Arts was established in 1995 making it the longest running martial arts centre in Penrith.

Steve Perceval the head instructor and founder of UFA Martial Arts Academy had a vision to create a professionally run, full time martial arts centre with a friendly, family atmosphere. 30 years on and Steve now teaches many children and grandchildren of his original students including his own grandchildren.

Steve started his HapKiDo training back in 1977 with Master Matthew Kim (Australian HapKiDo Association). Steve gave up his HapKiDo training for a number of years to raise a family before returning and achieving his HapKiDo Black Belt under Master Kim in 1993.  

Steve has achieved many professional successes in his life including the ranks of 5th degree Black Belt in HapKiDo, a 3rd degree Black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under John B Will, acquiring his own full time Martial Arts Centre in Penrith and becoming the first Australian to referee the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). Steve also travels internationally to referee MMA in many countries including China, Singapore, Japan, Philippines and New Zealand as one of the most experienced MMA referee’s in the world today.

Steve is passionate about teaching and passing on his knowledge, he has trained many people to Black Belt and has now a team of very capable instructors who are more than happy to share their knowledge with the students.

In 2023 Steve was asked if he wanted to become a member of the Alta 20 week Warrior Training Program as the coach for Team Western Sydney. The 20 week program is a way for people to start training in MMA, either for fitness, to tick off that bucket lit dream or to start their MMA fighting career.  Steve took on the role and enjoys training groups in MMA where they have an option to compete against an opponent who has completed the same program from another gym.  

We currently have Adults and Kids classes in HapKiDo & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Adult only classes in Combat 4 Fitness & Alta MMA 

  • HapKiDo is a traditional Korean Martial Art with practical self defence applications. HapKiDo uses a variety of hand and kicking similar to those found in Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu, Kick boxing and Muay Thai, break falls, throws and locks similar to those used in Judo, Jiu Jitsu and wrestling making it very good for self defence and a very formidable style to learn.
  • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu stems from Japanese Ju Jitsu which was adapted to create a complete ground fighting system by the Gracie family from Brazil. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu incorporates takedowns, sweeps, controls, escapes, arm locks and chokes to overcome larger, stronger opponents. This is also a very good self defence system and formidable style to learn.
  • Combat 4 Fitness is a Fitness workout created by Steve Perceval based on techniques and exercise used in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). In this 60 minute workout a person can expect a fast paced core and strength exercise regime while learning striking, including kicking and punching on pads. This workout is great for anyone male or female, young or old, as you work at your own pace.

  • Alta is an organisation who has created the most unique MMA training program for complete beginners, novices and anyone looking to start an MMA journey. This is done with gyms offering the Alta program, giving participants an opportunity to have a real MMA fight at the end of the 20 week program against an opponent who has completed the same program in another gym. This gives a person the chance to have an amateur MMA fight in a real cage on a fight show promoted by Alta. Steve is the head coach for Team Western Sydney and is currently in their 4th season. For the start of our next season or for more information contact the centre.  

Want to know more about the styles we teach, check out the sections for each of the styles on this web site and if you require any further information please don’t hesitate to contact us further.