I.M.A.F

IMAF: Uniting Martial Arts Disciplines in Belgium

Written by: Adrian Del Lago

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Reading time 6 min

Uniting Disciplines: IMAF-België vzw and its Mission in the Martial Arts

International Martial Arts Federation – Belgium (IMAF-België vzw) aims to unify all Budo schools and members, regardless of the discipline in Traditional and Modern Martial Arts they practice. This allows affiliate members who wish to practice different disciplines to pay the membership fee and insurance once.

Promoting Excellence in the Martial Arts

Through the regular organization of seminars, workshops and trainings supervised by competent instructors, both local and foreign, IMAF.-België vzw seeks to improve and promote the practice of Traditional and Modern Martial Arts. In collaboration with IMAF Europe HQ, IMAF Belgium organizes International Seminars where Grand Masters from inside and outside the country are invited to maintain a high level in the respective disciplines.

Five Elements Shaolin Kempo

Shaolin Kempo: The Ancestral Martial Art

Shaolin Kempo, also known as SHAOLIN SSU CH"UAN FA, SIU LUM QUANFA, SHORINJI KEMPO, vacuum boxing, Chinese boxing or Chinese temple boxing, is an ancient martial art that was practiced in the Shaolin Monastery in the HONAN province of China This art was developed by the monk Boddhi Dharma in the 5th century AD and was initially taught only to monks. At first, it consisted of a series of movements designed to maintain physical health. Over time, it evolved into an organized combat system to defend the monastery and others.Due to the numerous wars in China and the outstanding success of the monks, over time, people not related to the monastery were also allowed to be trained in this art of defense.

Hideakun Dojo

Origins of Karate and its Evolution

Karate means "empty hand." It refers to the "art of fighting without weapons", using parts of the body that can function as weapons, such as the fist, elbow, knee, leg, foot, etc. The origin of unarmed fighting in Southeast Asia dates back to ancient India. Itinerant Buddhist Zen monks had to defend themselves against bandits and studied the attack and defense movements of animals to develop self-defense techniques. Around 500 AD, Bodhidharma (Daruma) traveled to Henan province in China, where he shared his knowledge at the Shaolin Temple. This combat art is known as Kempo.

Kai-jitsu Ryu

Kobudō: The Classical Martial Arts of Okinawa

Kobudō (Japanese: 古武道, Kobudō) is a term referring to the more modern (after approximately 1900) forms of the ancient Japanese martial arts of the island of Okinawa. Contrary to popular belief, kobudō weapons are not derived from agricultural tools.

Zanshin Karate

Ryushinkan Koryu Karate Jitsu Jissen Ryu: More than a Martial Art, a Lifestyle

Within our karate school, we practice Ryushinkan Koryu Karate Jitsu Jissen Ryu. Ryushinkan is distinguished by its unique style elements, such as the "cho uke", a butterfly-style defense. These techniques are exclusive and not found in other styles such as Goju, Shotokan or Kyokushinkan.

Meijin Ryu

The Way of Karate: Tradition, Unification and Modernity

The most important aspect is the Tao or Do, the path, humility, respect, discipline and improvement of mind and character, with the aim of elevating the Karateka to a higher level and expanding his perspective. Our tradition seeks to unify, exchange knowledge between different martial arts in order to enrich Karate in a broader context but with a modern touch. Our style is recognized by IMAF, BLOSO, WKF, among others.

Ronin Dojo

Karate: More than a Technique, a Lifestyle

Karate is one of the most profound and transformative martial arts. Through consistent practice, you develop your body and mind, gain discipline and self-confidence, and become a capable advocate. No matter what age you begin your warrior path, your dedication and motivation are your greatest assets.

Shaolin Dojo

Karate Jitsu: Combining Defense and Elegance

Karate Jitsu effectively complements Karate, regardless of the specific style you practice. Adds defensive techniques that come from Goshin-Jitsu schools, including sweeps, dodges, counterattacks, throws, submissions and more. Karate Jitsu techniques are applied when an opponent attacks with kicks, punches, weapons or attempts to grapple. For all these forms of aggression, there are adequate defense techniques.

Shinshin Toitsu Aikido

Aikidō: Harmony Through Energy

Aikidō, translated as "the path of harmony with Ki", is a refined Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba in the early 20th century. Aikidō is not only a fighting art, but also a philosophy that focuses on using the opponent's strength and energy to achieve harmony and control. This makes it a unique form of self-defense and conflict resolution.

Sora Sen

Origins and Development of Karate

Japanese karate originated in Okinawa before establishing itself in Japan in the early 20th century. During its evolution, Chinese martial arts techniques, particularly Chinese Kenpo, were incorporated into the original forms of self-defense developed in Okinawa.

Taka Dojo

Exclusive Martial Arts School

We are a traditional martial arts school that values ​​original ceremonies and personalized attention. We offer a wide variety of disciplines to meet both fitness and self-defense needs. We foster a positive but disciplined environment where respect is essential, not only towards martial arts and the school, but above all towards oneself and others.

ROBA - KOTODAMA RYU

Physical Self-Defense and its Laws

Physical self-defense involves the use of force to protect oneself from external threats. It can be carried out armed or unarmed. In Belgium, three fundamental laws apply:

  1. Avoid the use of force if possible; evasion and flight are preferable.
  2. The force used must be proportional; A firearm should not be drawn because of a push or a verbal altercation.
  3. The force must cease as soon as possible. Possession of firearms is not specifically prohibited, but a license is required.

For more information, you can contact us at +32 486 071 401 or through imaf.belgium@gmail.com.

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kazeiro

Author: Kazeiro

Kazeiro is the administrator of this website and 7th dan shihan of Takaharu Tenshin Ryu. He has over 45 years of experience practicing traditional Japanese martial arts. He is the writer of the book: Vital Strategies of the Way of the Warrior and responsible for the Takaharu Tenshin Ryu school for the West.

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