International Martial Arts Academy

At IMAA, family has always been at the heart of everything we do.

We've been a little quieter than usual on social media lately, but behind the scenes we've been working on exciting changes, refreshing our visual identity, and finding new ways to make IMAA an even stronger community built on authentic martial arts training, meaningful relationships, and shared success.

While medals and achievements are important, what truly matters to us are the people behind them. The friendships formed, the confidence built, and the sense of belonging that makes our dojo feel like home.

As we move forward, we'd love your feedback:

A) Training tips & educational content
B) Karate history, philosophy & traditions
C) Student spotlights & success stories
D) Behind-the-scenes dojo life

Comment A, B, C, or D below, or tell us what else you'd like to see. 👇

This Youth Day, we celebrate the courage, determination, and potential of South Africa’s young people.

At IMAA Brackenfell Martial Arts Academy, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to grow in confidence, discipline, respect, and resilience. Through martial arts, our students learn valuable life skills that help them face challenges, achieve their goals, and become strong leaders for the future.

Today, we honour the youth who inspire us with their energy, commitment, and willingness to keep learning and growing.

Happy Youth Day, South Africa.

The Stephens family's latest success is a reminder that great achievements are built through dedication, support, and the relationships formed inside the dojo.

International Martial Arts Academy delivered an outstanding performance at the Cape Town Trials Championships 2026, held in Melkbosstrand this past weekend.

Leading the way was an incredible mother-and-daughters trio whose achievements perfectly reflect the discipline, commitment, perseverance, and family values that define our dojo.

🏆 Aimee Stephens
🥇 Gold – Points Fighting
🥈 Silver – Light Contact
🥈 Silver – Kick Light

🏆 Avril Stephens
🥇 Gold – Light Contact
🥇 Gold – Kick Light

🏆 Raquel Stephens
🥇 Gold – Light Contact
🥉 Bronze – Kick Light

We are incredibly proud of the Stephens family. Their results are the product of countless hours of training, determination, sportsmanship, and a commitment to always striving to be better than they were yesterday.

Aimee is an exceptional martial artist whose dedication to both karate and kickboxing continues to inspire those around her. She has proudly represented South Africa at the World Goju-Ryu Karate Championships (2024) and represented Karate South Africa at the WKF Youth League in Fujairah (2026), competing against some of the world's top young athletes.

And the story continues. Their younger brother, Zachary Stephens, is already following in his sisters' footsteps and making impressive progress in karate. Together, the Stephens family embodies the dedication, resilience, humility, and passion that martial arts develops.

At IMAA, family and community are at the heart of everything we do. We believe that martial arts is about far more than medals and trophies. It is about building confidence, character, respect, discipline, resilience, and lifelong friendships.

We welcome people from all walks of life—whether their goals are fitness, confidence-building, self-defence, competitive success, or the study of traditional martial arts rooted in authentic lineage and legacy.

The success of the Stephens family reflects the values we strive to cultivate in every student who walks through our doors.

Because when we say IMAA Family, we mean it. 💙🥋

📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.imaa.co.za
📞 083 696 8802

AUTHENTIC MARTIAL ARTS. REAL RESULTS.

Anyone can teach techniques. True martial arts instruction develops discipline, confidence, resilience, respect, and character that lasts a lifetime.

At IMAA, you're not just joining a class — you're becoming part of a community led by highly qualified, experienced instructors who are passionate about helping every student reach their full potential.

Whether you're looking to build confidence, learn self-defence, compete at a high level, improve fitness, or give your child the tools to succeed in life, your journey starts here. Train in the authentic tradition of OGKK Goju-Ryu Karate, one of the world's most respected karate organisations, where excellence, discipline, and genuine mastery are cultivated through direct lineage and the highest standards of instruction.

Stop watching from the sidelines. Take the first step.

📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.imaa.co.za
📞 083 696 8802

Comment "START" below and we'll help you find the right class for you or your child.

More than medals. More than winning.

A gentle reminder that growth, courage, and passion will always matter more than a podium finish.

Senior Kyu Grading – 23 May

A grading is more than just a new belt — it’s a reflection of hard work, discipline, focus, and growth. We’re proud of every senior karateka who stepped onto the floor and gave it their all. 👊

Parents and friends — tag your karateka below and show them some support!