MARTIAL ARTS FOR BOTH CHILDREN AND ADULTS!

World Martial Arts Academy proudly serving Saint Louis since 1981
and the Crestwood area since 1993

World Martial Arts Academy has classes in Saint Louis, perfect for kids, teen, and adult martial arts lessons.

Who we Are And why You Should Train Here

Since we’ve opened, we’ve been dedicated to changing the lives of people one person at a time, through martial arts, education and coaching. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for all students and family members. We take pride in creating an environment for individuals to achieve, develop and succeed in their personal goals.

We strongly believe that martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender or experience levels. Throughout all of our programs, students will not only learn the necessary skill sets to protect themselves, we stand behind our realistic and practical approach, confident it will enable every member to achieve greatness and live their best life..

Get To Know Our World Class Instructors

About Us

Master Michael Parker Jr.

Master Michael Parker began his martial arts training in May of 1997 under the instruction of Master William Winkler. He received his 1st Degree Black Belt and certification in 2002 while in school. He continued training with small pauses during college, earning B.S. and M.A. Degrees in Historical Preservation from Southeast Missouri State University before returning as a full-time staff member. Master Parker currently holds a 5th Degree Black Belt with Kukkiwon Certification as of 2022.

Always seeking to learn more and grow, Master Parker has attended seminars and workshops run by U.S. National Team members and coaches, detailing sport poomsae and competition sparring. Master Parker has been a certified USA Taekwondo Class – C Referee since 2011.

Regarding competition and tournament experience,Master Parker is a national champion.Achieving 5 gold medals at the U.S. Open Taekwondo Hanmadang in poomsae and power breaking, along with silver and bronze medals in weapons poomsae and speed breaking competitions. Master Parker has also received gold, silver and bronze medals in the Missouri State Games, AAU Regional events, and various local tournaments. As tournament referee, Master Parker has officiated 2 U.S. Open Hanmadang’s.

About Us

Master Suzanne Winkler

Master Suzanne Winkler began her martial arts training in May of 1997 under the instruction of Master William Winkler. She received her 1st Degree Black Belt and certification in 2002, around which time she left her corporate job to pursue teaching at World Martial Arts Academy as a full-time staff member. Master Winkler currently holds a 5th Degree Black Belt with Kukkiwon Certification which she received in 2019.

Well versed in Kukkiwon standards, Master Winkler has attended several Kukkiwon sponsored seminars in 2008. She attended the 1st U.S. Kukkiwon Poomsae Seminar, the 1st U.S. Seminar for Hanmadang Referee Certification, and the Kukkiwon Instructor licensing seminar led by Grand Master In-Sik Hwang (Kukkiwon 8th Dan Chairman of Education Committee). Master Winkler has been a Certified USA Taekwondo Class – C Referee since 2009.

With regards to competition and tournament experience, Master Winkler is a national champion achieving 2 golds, 1 silver, and 1 bronze in Olympic style sparring at the U.S. National Championships, as well as 1 gold in poomsae at the U.S. Open Hanmadang.She is a 6-time Missouri State gold medalist in Olympic style sparring and poomsae. As a tournament referee Master Winkler has officiated both the Missouri State Games, and the U.S. Open Taekwondo Hanmadang, holding the position of ring captain for 2 tournaments and named referee of the year in 2016.

About Us

Grand Master William Winkler

The Director of World Martial Arts Academy-Crestwood, Grand Master William Winkler began his martial arts training in the 1980’s in Binghampton N.Y. under the instruction of Grand Master Sang Chul Lee (Former U.S. Team coach, and 1st U.S. Olympic Team Coach – 1988 Seoul Olympics). Master Winkler moved to N.Y. from St. Louis for work after graduating from Parks College of St. Louis University with a degree in aerospace engineering. Master Winkler achieved his 1st Degree Black Belt with Kukkiwon certification in 1990 under Grand Master Sang Chul Lee. Moving around for work, Master Winkler eventually found his way back to St. Louis working for McDonnell Douglas (Now Boeing). After consulting with Grand Master Lee regarding where to train in the St. Louis area, he began training under Grand Master Young Chul Rho (Founder of World Martial Arts Academy, and former president of the Missouri Taekwondo Association 1986-1998. In 1993 Master Winkler left McDonnell Douglas to pursue Taekwondo full-time, and under Grand Master Rho opened World Martial Arts Academy’s Crestwood location. Currently Master Winkler holds a 7th Degree Black Belt and certification.

Master Winkler is very well versed in sport Taekwondo and tactics, having trained with sparring champions from around the world, and under the U.S. Team Coach. He is a certified USA Taekwondo referee, and former president of the Missouri State Taekwondo Association (1998-2006). As president of the Missouri Taekwondo Association, Master Winkler was responsible for managing the Missouri State Games, a pipeline to the national games, and Olympic team.

Regarding competition and tournament experience, Master Winkler has the most tournament experience among the instructors of World Martial Arts Academy. He is a national champion with multiple gold medals in sparring and poomsae, in both the U.S. National Championships, and the U.S. Open Taekwondo Hanmadang, and AAU Nationals tournaments. Master Winkler has been the N.Y. State Champion in both sparring and poomsae (remaining undefeated during his time in N.Y.), and has been ranked among the top 12 athletes in the country (heavy weight division) in sparring.   

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