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!"
What are the
benefits of Martial Arts training
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
-(8-10
& 11-14 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
- 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!