Teachers and Instructors

SHIHAN Peter James (Founder and Head Instructor)

Peter James Shihan started training in Kenpo Karate in 1974 with Daniel's Martial Arts Academy, in 1977/8 he attended Roger Smarts Wing Chun Academy and also studied Bando Banshi Kick Boxing. In the eighties, Shihan trained in Tae Kwon Do. He was involved in a number of tournaments around Australia and was also awarded referee qualifications. Shihan joined Shinto Seishin Ryu Kenjutsu under Sensei Morozumi's tutelage in the late 80's and after a number of years was awarded the level of Kyoshi. Following visits to various weapons schools and styles around the world, in 1998 Shihan formed the WA School of Japanese Swordsmanship. Since starting the school Shihan has trained achieved the level of Nidan in Seitei Iaido under the AKR. 

In 2014 Shihan was inducted into the Australasian Hall of Fame (AMAHOF) in recognition of his 40 years in the Martial Arts.

Shihan James also studied Western Fencing under Poish Coach Mirek Ziabello and in the US with Olympic Coach Joe Pechinski. Shihan has been involved in the Martial Arts for over 40 years. In addition to the WA School of Japanese Swordsmanship, Shihan runs seminars on tactical knife systems for a wide range of Martial Arts clubs. Shinhan James has an extensive martial arts library and studies military history and associated strategy and tactics. In addition to his martial arts qualifications Shihan James has qualifications in Engineering, Management, a Masters Degree in Business, a Graduate Diploma in Adult Education and Level 4 Certification in Training. He also has a NCAS Coaching qualification and Senior first aid certificate.

Sensei Andrew Zuchetti

Andrew Zuchetti Sensei has been training with the WA School of Japanese Swordsmandhip for over 12 Years.  He came to the school after a period involved in empty hand martial arts in Perth.  Andrew is an excellent instructor with a clear understanding of all aspects of the sword and its application.

Sensei Doug Spear

Doug Spear Sensei, Over the last 25 years, Doug Spear Sensei has led a distinguished career in a variety of martial arts. He has had the honour of training extensively with master instructors within Australia and overseas. His training has taken him around Australia, to the Budokan dojo in Kyoto Japan, and some of the elite fighting dojos in England and America.

In 1985, Doug was awarded the prestigious title of Student of the Year within the Zen Do Kai martial arts organisation. In 1998, he fought internationally in Judo and Karate at the World Fire-fighter games in South Africa. Throughout his career he has competed in full contact Kickboxing Karate, Shoot-boxing, Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournaments.

Since 2001 Doug has been training at the WA School of Japanese Swordsmanship achieving Shodan level in Kenjutsu in 2005 and Shodan level in Iaido in 2006. The WASJS has strong links with Japanese Sword schools within Australia and in Japan through the All Japanese Kendo Federation.

Doug has been a professional fire-fighter with the Fire and Emergency Services of Western Australia since 1992 and is known for his leadership qualities. It is these skills he has acquired in dealing with life and death situations that he has applied to both his martial arts and his every day life.