West Coast Martial Arts Academy - El Dorado Hills
5007 Windplay Dr, #2, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
About
West Coast Martial Arts Academy - El Dorado Hills offers martial arts, mixed martial arts (MMA), grappling, Muay Thai, boxing, and self-defense training. Classes include self-defense fundamentals, boxing techniques, Muay Thai training, and special events and seminars as part of a complete MMA program. The school is described as a premier, family-oriented, mixed martial arts school serving adults, teens, and children ages 3 and up.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Class options Monday–Thursday in the late afternoon and evening, and Saturday mornings
• Price: 22 days for $22, including a free uniform
West Coast Martial Arts Academy - El Dorado Hills was founded in 2004 by 9th-degree black belt Master Gary Merlo and 3rd-degree black belt Tami Merlo, who run the program and provide 9th-degree black belt instruction. The academy offers specialized programs for Jr Dragons (ages 3–6), a Youth Program (ages 7–11), and Teen/Adult classes, with small class sizes and a structured curriculum that accommodates beginners through advanced practitioners. The stated goal of the program is “to inspire our students to be self-confident leaders who are respectful of others and able to defend themselves and others if needed.” The academy is described as a top-rated kids martial arts school in El Dorado Hills and as El Dorado Hills’ premiere MMA academy, and it integrates grappling, Muay Thai, boxing, and self-defense into its MMA program.
One testimonial from a parent, Mallory McCoy, describes a 4-year-old child attending for six months and comments on the owners, instructors, and the child’s confidence and focus. Another testimonial from Mandeep Singh notes a consistently positive atmosphere, mentions that Gary and Tami run the program and work closely with kids, and recommends the school. A third testimonial from Denise Lee describes a child starting at age 3, continuing to attend at almost 5, and comments on Gary, Tami, and the other instructors. The academy invites families to “Come join our MMA Family!” and encourages people to “Check us out on Social Media!!” A quote displayed by the program is “IT'S NOT WHETHER YOU GET KNOCKED DOWN, IT'S WHETHER YOU GET UP” – Vince Lombardi.
Last updated June 26, 2026.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Class options Monday–Thursday in the late afternoon and evening, and Saturday mornings
• Price: 22 days for $22, including a free uniform
West Coast Martial Arts Academy - El Dorado Hills was founded in 2004 by 9th-degree black belt Master Gary Merlo and 3rd-degree black belt Tami Merlo, who run the program and provide 9th-degree black belt instruction. The academy offers specialized programs for Jr Dragons (ages 3–6), a Youth Program (ages 7–11), and Teen/Adult classes, with small class sizes and a structured curriculum that accommodates beginners through advanced practitioners. The stated goal of the program is “to inspire our students to be self-confident leaders who are respectful of others and able to defend themselves and others if needed.” The academy is described as a top-rated kids martial arts school in El Dorado Hills and as El Dorado Hills’ premiere MMA academy, and it integrates grappling, Muay Thai, boxing, and self-defense into its MMA program.
One testimonial from a parent, Mallory McCoy, describes a 4-year-old child attending for six months and comments on the owners, instructors, and the child’s confidence and focus. Another testimonial from Mandeep Singh notes a consistently positive atmosphere, mentions that Gary and Tami run the program and work closely with kids, and recommends the school. A third testimonial from Denise Lee describes a child starting at age 3, continuing to attend at almost 5, and comments on Gary, Tami, and the other instructors. The academy invites families to “Come join our MMA Family!” and encourages people to “Check us out on Social Media!!” A quote displayed by the program is “IT'S NOT WHETHER YOU GET KNOCKED DOWN, IT'S WHETHER YOU GET UP” – Vince Lombardi.
Last updated June 26, 2026.
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