Principal

Peter James has been involved in the Martial Arts for over 30 years.  He started training in Kenpo Karate in 1974, in the late 70’s he added Wing Chun Kung Fu and Bando Banshi Kick Boxing to his studies. In the early eighties, Peter trained in Tae Kwon Do. He was involved in a number of tournaments around Australia and has referee qualifications.

Peter commenced training in Japanese Swordsmanship (Kenjutsu) in 1987 and after a number of years was awarded the rank of Kyoshi. During the nineties he also studied several different styles of edge weapons in the USA and in Australia, these included fencing, rapier fighting and American and Asian knife work.

In 1998 Peter formed the WA School of Japanese Swordsmanship and the specialist organisation Combat Dynamics where he teaches a blend of the techniques from a number of styles. In 2003 Zen Ken Ren Seitei Iai was added to the WASJS syllabus.

In addition to sword and knife, Peter has studied a range of martial systems, and extensively in tactical weapons systems in America and in Australia with a variety of master instructors including Special Forces personnel. Peter trains and competes in Western Fencing (epee) to compliment his sword skills and has recently commenced a formal study of Vincentio Saviolo’s rapier system under Stephen Hand, this has lead to the forming of the Perth Rapier Academy. 

Peter has an extensive martial arts library and studies military history and associated strategy and tactics.  In addition to his martial arts qualifications Peter has qualifications in Engineering, Management, a Masters degree in Business, a Graduate Diploma in Adult Education and Level 4 Certification in Training, Level 1 Coaching Certification and Senior First Aid Certificate.  He works as a Business Consultant.