Building Tomorrows Leaders Today!

                                                          

Respect Leadership Improved Health Self-Confidence Improved Focus 

Integrated Martial Arts is a BLACK BELT school. Our goal is for every student to become a BLACK BELT. By working toward this goal we create an environment in which the student develops  excellent self-defense skills as well as "LIFE SKILLS" (proper attitude, respect, ethics and work habits) through high, but realistic and attainable goals.)

IMAF Black Belt club members with Children's  Instructor Mike Horn and Assistant Instructor Chris Praml

"A Black Belt is just a White Belt that never quit!"

Curriculum - Similar to our adult martial arts programs, our children's program is a blend of the martial arts of Jeet Kune Do, Tae Kwon Do,  Filipino Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/MMA. The children will learn to defend themselves in all situations and fighting ranges. The children's curriculum specifically teaches:

  • Basic and advanced striking techniques

  • Proper tumbling techniques

  • Defensive fighting from the ground

  • Footwork and balance

  • Strength & Conditioning

  • Strategies to defense against Strangers and Bullies

 

 

As important as these skills are, the PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT or "LIFE SKILLS", of each student drives our program. We have structured our children's program to incorporate motivational themes such as "Message of the week",  Achievement Patches, "Student of the Week" etc. all in an effort to instill exceptional character our  students.

The children receive excellent physical conditioning, such as jumping rope, Rope Climbing, as well as push ups/sit-ups etc. Unlike most other martial arts schools, our Physical conditioning program for the children is designed by Debbie Edwards, an ISSA PERSONAL TRAINER, and Sifu Amy (right), IMAF's head children's instructor and a CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER so you know our program is SAFE, EFFECTIVE and FUN!

 

I.M.A.F. offers a number of age appropriate programs for children and juniors.

  • " Tiger Cubs Karate" (3 & 4 yr old) - a pre- martial arts skill development program that introduces children to the wonderful and exciting world of martial arts through skill oriented games. Children have fun while developing skills that they will use in every day life and school. This program will improve their ability to focus and concentrate, their strength, balance, coordination, respect for others etc.

  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

 

  • Little Ninja's - (5 - 7 yr old) -  focuses on "8 essential skills" (focus, memory, balance , coordination, strength, control, attitude. Class times are 45 minutes. The children learn their martial arts skills in context of these "8 essential skills" for a well rounded and fun program! Children feel great about themselves and have a sense of accomplishment that is hard to match in other sports activities.

  •  
  •  
  • Kids & Junior Karate - Basic Training -(8-9  &  10-14 yr old)- an excellent program to introduce you child to the wonderful benefits of Martial Arts. Children learn basic striking and defensive skills, boxing combinations etc. all in a fun and dynamic class environment!   Children must attend twice per week (28 classes between promotions) and can progress up through the rank of Green Belt before deciding to commit to the Black Belt track program.

  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  • Kids & Junior Karate - Black Belt Training - (7-9  & 10-14 yr old) Once the student has achieved their Dragon Patch (see Little Dragon program below) and they and their family express serious interest in going the distance to the Black Belt level, they are eligible for the elite Black Belt training program via the "BLACK BELT CLUB".  The club is not for those students that train recreationally, miss class or don't train hard. If the student does not make the club it is in no way a negative to that student. They continue to get excellent training and recognition for their efforts in every class. The club is the track for those students whose ultimate goal is black belt! - The Black Belt Club is I.M.A.F.'s path to Black Belt! BBC students receive a special Black uniform with BBC patch that distinguishes them from non BBC students! Students need 28 classes between belts to be considered for testing ( Black Belt candidates need 50 classes between their last brown belt test and black belt). Attending the weekly BBC only class is mandatory.

  •  
  • \

 

 

  • Masters Program - IMAF's elite competition training program. Students must be Black/Red Belt or Black Belt. Students receive advance training in the three arts that IMAF offers, Jeet Kune Do, Doce Pares Eskrima and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. These students will be able to enter competitions in these arts as their training is geared toward that aspect. These students do not have to compete but may participate in the program for the outstanding experience. Students woill attend special classes for the Masters Program members.

 

 

 

IMAF Black Belt Club taking a Ti Chi class with IMAF's Tai Chi instructor Sifu Tom Walker

 

IMAF Character Development Programs

A core component to our martial arts program is the I.M.A.F. character development "Life Skills"  programs. We strive to motivate our students by setting attainable goals that keep them focused and help develop "real world" life skills that will stay with them for years to come and act as a positive influence in their life. This is done through our "belt progression" system as well as our special programs.

"Random Acts of Kindness" - students are required to complete a set number of "Random Acts of Kindness" as one of their requirements for their next belt testing. These are documented in a booklet given to the student and must be signed by the parent. The head instructor will review the books on a periodic basis to ensure the students are keeping up with the program.

Little Dragon Program - Bruce Lee, the founder of Jeet Kune Do, was known as the Little Dragon. This was as a result of his dedication to the martial arts which resulted in his incredible abilities. We have created this program to recognize those students that exhibit the dedication to excel not only at the martial arts but more importantly at home and in school as well.

For the student to be eligible for this award, recognized by the dragon patch, they must exhibit outstanding character by showing respect to others, trying hard in class, etc. Once they meet this goal, we take input from the PARENTS as to how the children are behaving at home and how hard they try at school. This first achievement patch takes on average from 8 months to a year.

Demonstration Team - The I.M.A.F. demo team performs demonstrations at special events, schools, gatherings etc.. To qualify for the I.M.A.F. demo team the student must have their "dragon patch", maintain excellent grades in school, attend classes regularly and be a Black Belt Club member.

G.O.L.D. (Guidance On Leadership Development) Leadership Program - After the student has attained their "dragon patch" and has been accepted into the Black Belt Club, they are eligible for the GOLD Leadership program. Here the student is nearing their black belt and is ready to demonstrate the leadership skills necessary to become a black belt. They will be given an opportunity to develop leadership skills by leading the class through drills , participating in leadership projects and special training and asked to help with special tasks that will set an example to other students.

Competition Team-

IMAF's Brazilian jiu Jitsu Team is made up of children of all ages. Training is intense but the learning experience can't be beat.

 

 

while by no means the only goal of our children's martial arts training, some of our students enjoy the thrill of competing. The confidence and personal development of martial arts competition cannot be matched by other sports where sportsmanship and character development seem to be absent! (Just look at the spectacles at many soccer and hockey games). Martial Arts competition builds self confidence,  and respect for others in an organized atmosphere that demands respect for your fellow competitor.. IMAF competitors are expected to display outstanding sportsmanship and respect for their fellow competitor. Inquire about our COMPETITION TEAM  PROGRAM for more details about this great opportunity..

 

 

Jack, , middle, showing his second place finish after a recent NAGA tournament

Team IMAF - Children group - displaying "1st" Place swords from a recent NAGA  tournament

James Goldman passing opponents guard towards a win.

 

 

Sam Bucca & James Goldman taking 1st place at a recent NAGA tournament

Chris and IMAF children's team with JJ Machado

Team IMAF after a successful tournament

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew Hauptman (left) winning the Children's Light weight kickboxing championship at a recent tournament

 

 

 

 

Rachael Aliparo (on right) on her way to a Gold Medal in Full Contact kickboxing at the 2005 PIMA Invitational - Teen Division)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zach Borker (right) posing with a competitor from another school as he wins the children's Eastern  Regional Stick Fighting Championship.)

 

 

 

 

Friendship and respect are what it's about!! - Something rarely found in other organized sports these days!

 

The I.M.A.F. Children's program - Building Tomorrows Leaders Today!