Independent Martial Arts Federation

- 3316 Minot Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76133

Introduction / Overview

In the vast world of martial arts, where different styles and philosophies often operate in silos, the Independent Martial Arts Federation (IMAF) stands as a beacon of unity and support in the Fort Worth, Texas region. Founded in 1999 by Robert Shook, Kirk Simmons, and Chuck Harrison, the federation was created with a clear and powerful purpose: to serve martial artists of all styles. The founders, who had over 70 years of combined experience, understood the frustrations of traditional martial arts organizations that often dictated where, when, and what practitioners could learn. Their vision was to establish a federation where the member came first, and their independence and growth were respected above all else. This mission is the very essence of the IMAF, which provides a supportive platform for practitioners, regardless of their style or affiliation. One customer review perfectly encapsulates this sentiment, stating the federation offers "Excellent support if you want to be a part of a federation that respects your independence and growth." This is a place where martial artists are empowered to pursue their passion without the politics, dictates, or exorbitant fees often associated with other organizations. The foundation of the IMAF is built on five guiding principles: to support all styles, to operate without arbitrary decision-making, to recognize rank based on demonstrated skills, and to promote the growth of both instructors and individual martial artists.

Since its inception, the Independent Martial Arts Federation has attracted nearly a thousand independent martial artists who have found a home in its principles. The federation’s service has been recognized by numerous prestigious groups, including the World Martial Arts Masters Society and the Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame, which speaks to its high standards and integrity within the martial arts community. The IMAF is a unique model, providing a central hub for a diverse range of martial arts, from Hapkido and Jujitsu to Kenpo, Goju, and even Escrima/Arnis. By focusing on rank recognition, school support, and training opportunities, the federation empowers its members to focus on their personal and professional development. For instructors, the IMAF provides the resources they need to grow their schools, while for individual martial artists, it offers a path for rank advancement and a network of like-minded practitioners. It's an organization that believes in a martial artist's independent journey and is there to provide the support, not the control, that is needed to succeed. This supportive philosophy is why it is so highly recommended by those who are part of it, as it allows them to truly flourish in their chosen art form.

Location and Accessibility

The Independent Martial Arts Federation is located at 3316 Minot Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76133, USA. This central location in Fort Worth makes it a practical and accessible base for martial artists from across the DFW metroplex. While the federation serves members globally, its physical location provides a central point for local meetings, seminars, and networking. The facility is committed to being an inclusive space, featuring a wheelchair accessible parking lot. This accessibility feature ensures that members and visitors with mobility challenges can easily and safely access the location. The presence of a restroom on-site also adds to the comfort and convenience for everyone. The combination of a well-placed physical address and a commitment to accessibility makes the Independent Martial Arts Federation a welcoming and user-friendly destination for the Texas martial arts community. Whether members are attending a seminar, meeting with fellow practitioners, or simply stopping by, the location is designed to be convenient and accommodating.

Services Offered

• Rank Recognition: The federation provides a system for recognizing and validating members' ranks based on their demonstrated skills, regardless of their style or affiliation.
• School Support: The IMAF offers support for instructors and their schools, helping them grow their businesses and professional careers.
• Training Opportunities: Members have access to a variety of training opportunities, including seminars, workshops, and courses in different martial arts styles.
• Resources for Martial Artists: The federation provides valuable information and resources, such as style-specific information, lineage charts, and a bibliography of martial arts literature.
• Consulting Services: The IMAF offers consulting to help members with various aspects of their martial arts journey, from improving training to proper advertisement for their schools.
• Promotion Opportunities: The federation helps facilitate rank advancement for members, including the opportunity to earn black belts and higher Dan ranks through its programs.
• Student and Instructor Packages: The IMAF offers membership packages tailored for both students and instructors, providing them with resources and support.

Features / Highlights

• Independent and Non-Dictatorial: The core philosophy of the IMAF is to respect the independence and growth of its members. It functions "without arbitrary decision-making, dictates and exorbitant fees."
• Support for All Styles: The federation serves a diverse range of martial arts, uniting practitioners of various styles from around the world.
• Focus on Growth: The IMAF is dedicated to promoting the growth of both individual martial artists and the instructors who lead their schools.
• High-Quality Standards: The federation's service and principles have been recognized by numerous prestigious martial arts organizations and halls of fame.
• Accessible Facility: The location includes a wheelchair accessible parking lot, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity.
• Convenient Payments: The federation accepts both Credit Cards and Debit Cards for easy and secure payment processing.
• Centralized Resources: The IMAF provides a central filing of all ranks and styles, and offers a wealth of informational resources to its members.
• Excellent Support: As attested by customer reviews, the federation provides excellent support, helping members achieve their goals in a respectful and positive environment.

Contact Information

Address: 3316 Minot Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76133, USA

Phone: (817) 874-8296

What is worth choosing

For martial artists in the Texas region, choosing an affiliation or a community to support their journey is a critical decision, and the Independent Martial Arts Federation (IMAF) presents a truly exceptional and worthwhile option. The most compelling reason to choose this organization is its foundational philosophy of respecting the independence and growth of every martial artist. In a world where many federations impose strict rules and high fees, the IMAF offers a refreshing and empowering alternative. This is a place where the member's needs come first, and the focus is on providing support, not control. The review that praises the "Excellent support" and the respect for "independence and growth" perfectly captures this unique value proposition. For instructors, this means they can grow their schools and teach their art without being stifled, while for individual practitioners, it means they can have their skills and rank recognized on a broader scale without sacrificing their freedom. The federation’s decades-long history, a testament to its stability and integrity, further solidifies it as a trustworthy partner.

Furthermore, the Independent Martial Arts Federation's commitment to uniting all styles is a major benefit. It provides a platform for practitioners of diverse martial arts to connect, learn from one another, and grow together. This cross-pollination of knowledge and the availability of a wide range of resources, from training seminars to consulting services, make the IMAF an invaluable resource for anyone serious about their martial arts journey. The accessible location in Fort Worth, along with features for those with mobility challenges, demonstrates the organization's dedication to inclusivity and community service. Ultimately, choosing the Independent Martial Arts Federation is a decision to partner with an organization that is truly dedicated to your success. It's a place where you are not just a member, but a valued part of a community that understands and supports your passion for martial arts, making it an ideal choice for any practitioner in Texas seeking a home for their martial arts journey.

Independent Martial Arts Federation

3316 Minot Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76133, USA