It was both an honour and a privilege to become a member of the Institute of Martial Arts and Sciences (IMAS) in 2023. Over the years, I have greatly valued my fellowship with IMAS Founder and President, Professor Jaimie Lee-Barron PhD, FIMAS. Professor Jaimie is not only a man of vision and insight but also a Christian brother. Under his leadership, IMAS has become one of the first officially recognised professional institutes for martial artists. It is listed in British Qualifications and works in partnership with organisations worldwide through its growing network of regional bases. IMAS is now firmly established as a rapidly expanding global institute.
At this point, I would like to hand over to Professor Jaimie, who will introduce this excellent ministry and share more about the work of IMAS:
My name is Jaimie, and I am both a lifelong Christian and a lifelong martial artist. I was delighted when my good friend and brother in Christ, Bishop Steven, invited me to write an article for the TICCN website about the work our institute carries out across the UK and internationally.
The Institute of Martial Arts and Sciences was founded to encourage education and research in martial arts, combat sports, self-defence, and related disciplines such as control and restraint and military close combat. Having been in existence for several decades, IMAS is now a respected international and multi-disciplinary organisation that collaborates with colleges, universities, professional bodies, martial arts schools, and individual practitioners around the world.
Our members—particularly our faculty—work diligently to research and publish scholarly papers, both in our own quarterly peer-reviewed journal and in other academic publications. IMAS also provides meaningful education, training, and recognised qualifications for martial artists, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. This work enhances the credibility of martial arts instructors both on and off the mat, while also raising the standard of instruction through the use of modern educational strategies and methods. As a result, instructors are increasingly able to take martial arts beyond the dojo—into schools, colleges, health centres, and even care homes—extending their positive influence and making the many benefits of martial arts more widely accessible.
IMAS includes a number of specialist divisions, such as:
- IMAS Instructors Training College – offering qualifications in teaching, learning,
coaching, and assessment. - The Praetorian Academy of Security Studies – staffed by experts in military and
police sciences. - The Faculty for Special Educational Needs – dedicated to promoting disability
awareness and ensuring martial arts training is accessible to all.
We also provide a wide range of courses, from short CPD modules in essential areas such as Health & Safety, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, and Safeguarding, through to longer programmes such as our Instructors Award and the prestigious Graduate of the Institute of Martial Arts and Sciences (Grad. IMAS).
Looking to the future, we are excited about new initiatives already in development, including a School for Stage Combat and Stunt Performance, as well as a junior division that has grown out of the IMAS Education Programme for Schools—teaching children and young people personal safety alongside the discipline of traditional martial arts.
Membership of IMAS is open to all martial artists, with three key categories:
- Associate (AIMAS) – for all martial artists of any grade or style.
- Member (MIMAS) – for black belts (or equivalent) who hold a bachelor’s degree or
equivalent professional qualification. - Fellow (FIMAS) – for martial artists of 5th dan or above (or equivalent) who also
hold a postgraduate degree or advanced professional qualification. Each application is
assessed individually under our robust Accredited Prior Experience and Learning
(APEL) policy.
One of the highlights of the IMAS calendar is our annual National Conference and Course, where senior faculty members present their latest research. These events attract some of the UK’s most senior martial arts masters and are hosted at universities or police training establishments.
The future of IMAS is bright as we continue to expand our vision while remaining grounded in our values. Guided by a strict code of ethics, we are committed to acting with integrity— always doing the right thing, in the right way, and for the right reasons.
At IMAS, there is a place for everyone. All are welcome. To learn more, including details on how to apply for membership, please visit our website: imas-online.org
IMAS: Preserving the old, promoting the new, and protecting the interests of martial
artists everywhere.
Whatever we do, we do in His Name.
Many blessings to you all in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 🙏
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