I will develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that could reduce my mental growth or physical health.
I will develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others.
I will use common sense before self defense and never be abusive or offensive.
This is a black belt school, we are dedicated, motivated, and on a quest to be our best.
I will develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that could reduce my mental growth or physical health.
I will develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others.
I will use common sense before self defense and never be abusive or offensive.
This is a black belt school, we are dedicated, motivated, and on a quest to be our best.
As a child, our senior instructor Charles Falk was bullied. As he progressed and continued his training, he learned that martial arts encompassed so much more. His grades went up, he began to have respect for himself and others, and a new found confidence that made him less susceptible to bullying. The end goal is to not have to put yourself in a situation resolved with self defense, i.e. use common sense before self defense. In the end, our belief is that you’re no one’s punching bag, so the kids are empowered with realistic training that works!
Our team is committed to your success from the moment you walk through our doors. If you have the desire and drive to get your black belt, we are here to help you build your mental, physical, and emotional tools with comprehensive coaching and unwavering support.
Charles Falk is the Owner and Chief Instructor. He has trained for over 40 years in martial arts. The primary arts taught in his school include aikido, kenpo karate, kali, and ju jitsu. Sensei Falk has a focus on concepts rather than rote memorization. It is very important to him that his students know how to apply what they learn.
Charles not only enjoys training in the martial arts, he also loves to teach and help others benefit from the martial arts. This led him to open his first school in Albuquerque, New Mexico while still active duty Air Force. Since retiring from the service after 20 years, he brought his passion to teach to Wake Forest, NC. He has experience teaching police officers and members of the special forces community.
He realizes that every student is unique, both in the way they learn and process information and he’s able to share his knowledge and information so that everyone in the class gets it. He has helped children with shyness, ADHD, and special needs to learn martial arts… and most of all, he and his instructors are ready and willing to help YOU!
Belt Rank: 3rd Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate, Green Belt in Aikido
Where do you attend school: Wake Forest High School
Why did you start IMAA: I started karate to better focus in school and to learn how to defend myself and have been doing it for 8 years now, mainly working on Kenpo, but also learning Kali, Jui-Jitsu, and Aikido material as well.
What have you gained attending IMAA: Karate has helped me become more outgoing and confident in the dojo and in everyday life.
Honors/awards: A/B honor roll
Hobbies: I like to work out in my free time, something I’ve recently taken up, and I love teaching and watching the kids grow to eventually become a black belt.
Belt Rank: 1st Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate
Where do you attend school: Heritage High School
Why did you start IMAA: I started IMAA because I needed something different, exciting, and sustainable. After 5 years of dance, it got boring and repetitive, and I wasn’t a huge fan of team sports outside of recreational purposes. So I experimented with solo sports and even tried out a new dance studio which was the one right next to IMAA. After seeing the dojo, I wanted to try it and then I just stuck with it.
What have you gained attending IMAA: I have gained so much physically and mentally from IMAA. Physically I am in the best shape of my life. I’ve been able to do things that I was unable to do in previous years. Mentally is where I really see the change. I deal with social anxiety and I struggle with my self-esteem. Before, I didn’t have an outlet or a place where I felt good about myself. When I started martial arts I felt good… I felt like I had a place to belong. Now it’s my second home. I’m at the dojo as much as I can be. It is one of the only places where I truly feel like I can belong. I am comfortable and I’m never happier than I am when I’m doing martial arts.
Honors/awards: A honor roll, A/B honor roll, and Student of the quarter at IMAA
Favorite martial arts actor: Bruce Lee. I’ve always admired how he does his own stunts, especially with me being part of the demo team.
Favorite martial arts movie: Karate Kid (a little cliche, I know, but it’s a classic). I’m also a HUGE fan of the Cobra Kai series on Netflix.
Belt Rank: 2nd Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate
Where do you attend school: Thales Academy Rolesville
Honors/awards: I have received a perfect score on the National Latin Exam two years in a row.
Hobbies: I am a member of the robotics, cross country, and swim teams. After school, I plan to attend NC State University and major in electrical engineering. Outside of school I enjoy throwing knives, working on electronics, and riding my electric unicycle (a really cool toy).
Belt Rank: 3rd Degree Black Belt in Aikido
Where did you attend school: Wake Tech
Time on Leadership Team: 9 years
Time teaching: 5 years
Belt Rank: 1st Degree Black Belt in Kenpo and Yellow Belt in Aikido
Where did you attend school: Rolesville High
Why did you start IMAA: I started IMAA when I was young. I really wanted to learn cool looking moves while also learning helpful moves to keep others safe.
What have you gained from IMAA: I have gained many things like self-defense techniques from a knife attack or a choke from behind but I have also gained many friends that I work and attend class with.
Honors/Awards: A/B Honor Role, 3.95 GPA
Hobbies: Volleyball and Karate along with video games and collecting POP figures
Favorite Martial Arts Actor: Simu Liu
Favorite Martial Arts Movie: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
You’re walking to your car after a late dinner with friends. The parking lot is quiet, the streetlights are dim, and you suddenly feel someone
Self-defense often gets misunderstood as promoting conflict, but the truth is far from it. Self-defense isn’t about aggression, it’s about preparation. It’s a necessary skill
When faced with a dangerous situation, our bodies often react instinctively. This reaction, known as the “fight or flight” response, is deeply ingrained in human
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