It gives me great pleasure to introduce myself, and the very unique martial art and eclectic system of fighting and self defense that is the CHEAH Integrated Martial Arts Academy (IMA). My name is Robbie Smith, I am an instructor from Australia in CHEAH IMA, now the Chief Instructor of CHEAH IMA here in the U.S, and I am commencing permanent classes to be held here at The Training Room, Jersey Shore Crossfit. In my classes you will learn the sheer practical approach to fighting and self defense, coupled with harnessing all a persons power in the execution of a wide range of techniques, through the “fighting science” of CHEAH IMA. I recently moved to the U.S and was fortunate enough to meet and start training with Mike and Jim here at The Training Room, who I believe to have a truly awesome holistic approach to fitness, and by adding a truly holistic martial art that is the CHEAH IMA system, will only enhance your overall training experience.

I have over 20 years experience in various martial arts, namely Goshin Ryu Karate, Kyokushin Karate, Judo, traditional Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu and Boxing, however most of my experience was gained by studying directly under Grand Master Wee Hin (Steven) Cheah, having achieved a black belt under him in 1992. I have had many years teaching since then as a high level instructor with CHEAH IMA. I’ve also had 10 years police experience, am a qualified detective and undercover agent, so I am able to draw on my wide police experience into my training, incorporating a tactical and safety point of view. Although I started out and continued studying other traditional martial arts, I was fortunate enough to find CHEAH IMA, which was originally known as Cheah Advanced Tae Kwon Do Academy, founded by Master Cheah in 1968. Grand Master Cheah was a pioneer and visionary in the development of a mixed style of martial art in Australia during the late 1960′s and onwards, with a very similar philosophy to what Master Bruce Lee was teaching here at roughly the same time, after migrating to Australia in order to create his own unique fighting system based on his traditional roots in Tae Kwon Do back in Malaysia. He didn’t do away with the traditional art, but enhanced it by bringing in a wide range of practical techniques from many different martial arts, that truly harnesses all of a person’s power by understanding the “science of fighting” by closely studying the science of human movement in the execution of each technique for the generation of dynamic speed, but also coupling that speed with the person’s whole body weight.  And what does acceleration times mass equal? Power. I’ve become quite close to Grand Master Cheah over the years, and it gives me great pleasure to share his teachings with you, which I have mirrored over many years.

You may have seen other Integrated Martial Arts schools advertised.  These schools offer separate specialized classes for many disciplines at the one venue, such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA, Judo, Karate, etc. CHEAH IMA is different in that it is one discipline, incorporating useful techniques from many styles into one.  I’m not saying CHEAH IMA is the best, but is one of the most practical due to it being founded on that eclectic philosophy and continual adaptation since the 60’s, making it an old modern art in itself. CHEAH IMA is not designed for competition fighting, but is a fighting system that will help you in any “real life” situation.  My belief, with every respect to all styles, is that training to competition fight, due to it being based around a set of rules, will make you more competitive in that discipline, but not necessarily a better “safer” fighter in a real life situation.  I will give you a practical example.  Its true that a lot of fights end up on the ground, and there’s no doubt Jiu Jitsu fighters are masters on the ground, however what if there are more than one attacker? What if someone else comes in and boots you in the head while your winning against one attacker on the ground? It’s not ideal to go to ground unless it’s a one on one situation and providing you are better at ground fighting than your attacker.  The problem is you never know at what skill level your attacker is at and which skill is his or her prowess. CHEAH IMA philosophy is to avoid going to ground at all costs due to external variables, however incorporates ground skills to get you back off the ground just in case this scenario occurs.

One of Grand Master Cheah’s greatest teachings is that not one martial art is supreme, that all have certain “bests” at executing certain fighting and self defence skills, and that we must gather all of these “bests” into our arsenal to be a truly dynamic martial artist. It is important to note that these skills have been incorporated as base skills.  Grand Master Cheah has personally developed each skill even further by modifying them to extract the most power/effectiveness out of each one.  We must be humble and flexible in our learning, which is a continual learning through the art. Being flexible with your learning and humble in your own ability is the key to being open and able to continually adapt your skill base, hence furthering your ability. It’s this simplistic and hard work approach that creates success in all areas of life, and it will be the best tool in developing you as you begin your journey as a martial artist. And the best thing is, is that anyone can learn, its within everyone’s reach. I’ve even taught paraplegics and people with other physical and mental disabilities.

There will be several CHEAH IMA open classes run each week which follows a grading system, as well as continual specialized women’s street defense classes specifically designed for women for sheer self defense practicality and tactical safety which are on pay as you come basis.  Also on a pay as you go basis is the CHEAH X Street Defense class mainly designed for men who wish to just focus on practical street defense.  I will also be offering private classes for the individual, in pairs and/or in small groups up to 4.  Click on the appropriate link for course content and fee structure.

Martial arts is a journey of self discovery in the development of mind, body, and sprit, and its philosophy improves your life on the whole. In the words of Master Bruce Lee,”…martial arts is more than just a way of fighting, it’s a way of life….” so come and begin your own personal journey with me. I believe CHEAH IMA will become a revolutionary martial art here in the U.S, and it’s exciting for me to be the first instructor of CHEAH IMA here teaching it’s foundation members…you!  First lesson is free so you have nothing to lose…but everything to gain!