Cannington martial artists were left inspired after hosting Hollywood actor and world kickboxing champion Sensei Benny “The Jet” Urquidez at Cobra Martial Arts & Fitness Centre last week.
The 73-year-old Native American martial arts legend, known for his film roles alongside Jackie Chan and Jean-Claude Van Damme, ran a one-night workshop at the Cannington dojo on October 13.
Cobra founder and master instructor Sensei Craig Monie told the Examiner that he felt honoured when one of Urquidez’s management team reached out to offer he seminar.
“I was very excited and honoured, as he, Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris and Jackie Chan were my main childhood martial arts heroes in the 80s and 80s and I did not ever think I would actually meet any of them in person.”
Twenty-seven people took part in the seminar, with another 20 watching from the sidelines. Most came from Perth, while others travelled from Victoria, South Australia and Narrogin.
Mr Monie said Sensei Benny’s teaching style stood out for its balance between body, mind and spirit.
“It was very different to regular Western martial arts philosophy, which focuses on development of the body and to some degree the mind, but often neglects the spirit/soul,” he said. “Sensei Benny gives equal attention to development and teachings of the body – mind – soul complex, which aligns perfectly with my martial arts school’s philosophy.”
Mr Monie said even those who observed, rather than participated, felt a great energy from the experience.
“Sensei Benny told me before the seminar that he and his wife are energy healers,” he said. “I was energised for hours after the seminar and had trouble falling asleep that night. One of my black belt students who attended said they felt the same.”
The workshop went beyond martial arts training for students and instructors alike.
“His teachings remind us that human beings are a body-mind-spirit complex and that each aspect needs equal attention,” Mr Monie said. “He also made it clear that spirituality is not religion. It’s about following your own path; walking your unique walk.”
Sensei Benny is expected to return to Cannington in October 2026 with new techniques, strategies and wisdom for both martial arts and life.
“They can expect physical, mental and spiritual teachings not only for self-defence, but also for life’s battles such as health challenges, depression and family breakdown,” Mr Monie said.
He said schools like Cobra Martial Arts play an important role in teaching traditional values that help people face modern challenges.
“Proper martial arts schools that teach life skills, self-discipline and the body-mind-soul connection are some of the only places left in society where these values are still being passed on,” he said.
