What is Competition Team?

About the IMA Competition Team

The I.M.A. Competition Team was formed to train selected, committed athletes to compete at the national and international level.   These athletes have chosen to dedicate themselves to their karate development and training, often sacrificing participation in other activities to do so. 

Members of the I.M.A. Competition Team are prepared to increase their normal training schedule in order to prepare for a number of competitions.  Numerous local tournaments prepare our athletes for national competitions, such as the Junior Olympics, and the U.S.A. National Championships, and at the international level, in the U.S. Open. 

Finally, our top competitors who qualify for the US National Team are selected to represent our country at competitions around the world, such as the World Championships, the Pan Am Games, The World Cup. and numerous other prestigious tournaments.

The goal of the I.M.A. Competition Team is to provide a program that fosters mental and physical excellence and allows our elite athletes to excel in national and international competition. 

We strive to teach good sportsmanship, team unity, and the ethics of Karate-do. 

The students at our dojo train year round for the opportunity to compete in these events, and for the honor of representing both the I.M.A Dojo, and the State of Colorado.

Coaching Staff

The IMA Competition Team is led by Shihan Cyrus Madani (7th Dan) and Sensei Fariba Madani (4th Dan).  Shihan Madani is the chief instructor of IMA and has studied karate for over 40 years.  Shihan Madani is Vice President of the USANKF, a member of the USANKF technical committee, President of the Mountain States Regional Sport Organization, and an international referee.

Sensei Fariba Madani was the first female referee at the Pan American level for both kata and kumite.  She has achieved the distinction of being the first female referee from the US on the world level, as well as being the first woman ever to be elected as a member of the USANKF referee council.

 Sempei Trudee Kiyota (1st Dan) has successfully completed the USANKF Coaches Course.  Using her years of experience as a national competitor, Sempei Trudee coaches and organizes the team both at home, and as we travel.  

Sempei Sara Martinelli (1st Dan) is an assistant coach of the competition team.  As a former competitor in both karate and USA AAU Swimming, Sara uses her skills as an instructor to guide the athletes to high level competition.  Sara is also a USANKF licensed referee.

Want more information?

If you would like more information about the IMA Competition Team, we welcome your inquiry! Interested athletes or volunteers can speak directly to Shihan Madani for more information.

What is the USANKF?

The USA National Karate-do Federation is the national governing body for all Karate in the United States . 

It represents the United States Olympic Committee and the Olympic Karate movement.  It has within its technical, administrative, referee, medical and athlete corps an impressive group of competent, internationally certified, world class Karate-ka of the highest integrity. 

If you are not currently a member of the USANKF, please take the time to join.  Your membership will support the US Team and the future of Olympic Karate. 

More information can be found either at the IMA Dojo, or online at www.usankf.org

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