Academy of Integrated Martial Arts

PHILOSOPHY

OUR ART

At AIMA, we practice the system of Mano-Mano. Mano-Mano literally means "hand-to-hand" or "man-to-man". At AIMA, we practice Mano-Mano to learn how to co-operate with others, as opposed to competing with others. In the Mano-Mano system, there are various styles that we teach.

Styles of Mano Mano

Sikaran

An extremely effective kicking system. Sikaran is the cornerstone to the Mano-Mano system.
Sikaran is a Filipino martial art whose history dates back to the early 1500's. Traditionally, it was an art where farmers used their legs to drive their opponents outside a designated ring (generally a rice field). Traditional practitioners of Sikaran use 90% kicking and only use the hands for parrying and blocking. The word Sikaran is derived from the Filipino root word sikad, which means kick.

Sikaran has been tested in most Asian tournaments. Grand master Meliton Geronimo won as an individual champion in 1964 in Japan. Thereafter he headedm coached and became the chief instructor and the head of the Filipino team that prticipated in succeeding Asian karate tournaments. Under Geronimo's tutelage, the Filipino team introduced the Sikaran style in the sic Asian tournaments. The Filipino contigents received awards for being the best "fighting team: for this feat.

Arnis de Mano

Arnis (AKA Kali, Escrima) is a weapons based martial art, where two ratan canes are used. Arnis is the national sport of the Phillipines. Due to its combat effectiveness, there is little need to practice solo on routine exercises - most drills and exercises are partnered to maximize the learning benefits to the students.

Training with empty hands is automatically acquired after training with weapons. Students can also train with weapons of different size, weight and shapes without any hindrance. The grace of Arnis coupled with its effectiveness makes Arnis one of the fastest growing martial arts in North America.

Boksing

Boksing (AKA Panantukan, Pananjakan, Suntukan), is similar to western boxing. However, Boksing has incorporated many self-defence concepts, such as the use of elbows, locking and trapping techniques. Boksing differs from American Boxing, in that the art is traditionally practiced without equipment - the practitioner employs various parts of his body (fist, forearm, elbow, knees, and legs) to neutralize parts of the opponent's body.

Buno

Buno is a general term used to describe the Filipino art of wrestling and grappling. Ditso consists of stand-up grappling and wrestling, utilizing off-balance techniques, throws, to force an opponent to the ground. Dumog is a ground grappling art, utilizing locks, chokes, and strikes to submit opponents on the ground.