Adults Self Defense Classes
The only Martial Arts System in FTL that combines
Strikes, Takedowns, Ground and Self Defense
from Day 1!
Strikes, Takedowns, Ground and Self Defense
from Day 1!
1 TRIAL CLASS FREE!
Fill Out This Invitation To Get More Information and a coupon for a
FREE Martial Arts Uniform! ($99 value)
(24 HOURS DEAL ⏱ - UNIFORM UPON ENROLLMENT)
Fill Out This Invitation To Get More Information and a coupon for a
FREE Martial Arts Uniform! ($99 value)
(24 HOURS DEAL ⏱ - UNIFORM UPON ENROLLMENT)
We are proud to welcome
3 NEW WORLD CHAMPIOS IN THE HOUSE!!
All of them started as a beginner at IMAA!
NEW beginners classes NOW FORMING
3 NEW WORLD CHAMPIOS IN THE HOUSE!!
All of them started as a beginner at IMAA!
NEW beginners classes NOW FORMING
Learn to Fight and Defend Yourself in a Fun Setting
Our Multi-Style System is a martial art, a sport and fighting system that is designed to help people of any size defend themselves. It’s also a terrific way to tone and firm your body and reap the health benefits of martial arts.
Our Multi-Style System is a martial art, a sport and fighting system that is designed to help people of any size defend themselves. It’s also a terrific way to tone and firm your body and reap the health benefits of martial arts.
The Multi-Style Martial Arts Adult Program provides our students with a well-balanced “street smart” personal protection system. Most of the style of martial arts tend to focus on just individual areas of self-defense. Practicing a combination of the best of the best styles gives IMAA students the edge they need to overcome any obstacle or attack situation.
Judo and Jujitsu are two of the most effective and well known martial arts from Japan for the takedowns, mat grappling and self-defense. Original Judo had throwing, grappling and even striking. The focus on throws to the ground comes from the realization as per the battlefield example above - once you're on the ground, you're mostly finished. Plus, a good throw into the hard ground (as opposed to a training mat) is often all that's needed to incapacitate your opponent, at least enough to get away. All Police departments and Military use Judo and Japanese Jujitsu for their special force and personal protection programs.
Muay Thai is a physical and mental discipline which includes combat on shins is known as "the art of eight limbs" because it is characterized by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees, shins, being associated with a good physical preparation that makes a full-contact fighter very efficient.
The combination of the 3 art forms our Multi-Style System that combines the tradition, respect and efficiency of the Japanese arts with the devastating power of the Thai art.
"Our Multi-Style System is many things to different people. It is a fun sport, an art, a discipline, a recreational or social activity, a fitness program, a means of self-defense or combat, and a way of life. It is all of these and more."
"Our Multi-Style System is many things to different people. It is a fun sport, an art, a discipline, a recreational or social activity, a fitness program, a means of self-defense or combat, and a way of life. It is all of these and more."
Our adult martial arts program is strongly based on Judo, Jujitsu and Muay Thai
GETTING IN SHAPE IS IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND SIZES
GETTING IN SHAPE IS IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND SIZES
Studying martial arts provides you with a physical challenge combined with a mental one – and teaches you to defend yourself, too.
Judo and Jujitsu are unique forms of martial arts that teaches students to leverage their body weight to use in the ring or against an attacker.
Judo and Sport Jujitsu are both a sport and
a martial art – and it’s fun to learn.
ULTIMATE SELF DEFENSE FOR WOMEN
ULTIMATE SELF DEFENSE FOR WOMEN
Judo and Japanese Jujitsu are martial arts that specializes in throws and in ground-fighting with submissions. Despite their appearance, the Judo throws themselves are not very physically demanding. It can be amazing to see how small women Judokas can throw much larger people utilizing momentum and out-balancing. It is the base art of Ronda Rousey, the most famous female MMA fighter today (and Judo World Champion).
A great thing about our Multi-Style System is that is a complete art and the best is that the throwing abilities are combined with punch, kicks, ground abilities from day number one! Punch and kicks are sometimes not very effective to large opponents, a good throw of Judo can knock a person out, and at the very least make him easier to control in the follow-up on the ground...
A great thing about our Multi-Style System is that is a complete art and the best is that the throwing abilities are combined with punch, kicks, ground abilities from day number one! Punch and kicks are sometimes not very effective to large opponents, a good throw of Judo can knock a person out, and at the very least make him easier to control in the follow-up on the ground...
Our Multi-Style Jujitsu System
Our Multi-Style Jujitsu System
Combination of the best of the best techniques
Combination of the best of the best techniques
The program includes Judo, traditional Jujitsu from Japan with elements of Muay Thai, Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu comes from Judo) and others. We are proud to say that International Martial Arts Academy is a Martial Arts University and we are one of the few schools in Florida that can recognize students with international recognized ranks in Judo and Jujitsu.
The Multi-Style Jujitsu System is composed of 5 parts:
• Strikes, kicks, elbows, and Knees.
• Throws and takedowns.
• Mat techniques, joint-locks, chokes, and pins.
• Complete personal protection system Street Jujitsu & weapons disarm.
• Weapons training from XMA & Kobudo.
Benefits Of Our Multi-Style Martial Arts System
The Multi-Style Jujitsu System is composed of 5 parts:
• Strikes, kicks, elbows, and Knees.
• Throws and takedowns.
• Mat techniques, joint-locks, chokes, and pins.
• Complete personal protection system Street Jujitsu & weapons disarm.
• Weapons training from XMA & Kobudo.
Benefits Of Our Multi-Style Martial Arts System
- Practical self-defense and danger-avoidance tactics
- Good physical and mental health and longevity
- Increased cardiovascular health and endurance
- Improved strength and flexibility
- Increased self-confidence and peace of mind
- Whip your body into AMAZING shape.
- Explosive Combat-Training
- Total-Body Fitness
- Good physical and mental health and longevity
- Increased cardiovascular health and endurance
- Improved strength and flexibility
- Increased self-confidence and peace of mind
- Whip your body into AMAZING shape.
- Explosive Combat-Training
- Total-Body Fitness
THE BEST TOTAL BODY WORKOUT
THE BEST TOTAL BODY WORKOUT
There is no better workout than martial arts workout! You burn between 800 and 1200 calories in every one-hour of our classes.
Our MULTI-STYLE MARTIAL ARTS SYSTEM program is a total body workout, designed to exercise every muscle in your body.
Every single muscle.
Plus you’re getting cardio, and gaining flexibility at the same time…and all that other stuff we already mentioned. That’s why martial artists look so darn good.
Martial artists are now pinups in dorm rooms everywhere and the new fitness standard. We welcome you to come in and try a class as well. We know we can help anyone look and feel better. Lots of former cross-trainers are now students for the awesome total body workout, cardio, flexibility, and perfectly proportioned physique it gives you. But if you’re going to take our classes, why not do it right?
Our MULTI-STYLE MARTIAL ARTS SYSTEM program is a total body workout, designed to exercise every muscle in your body.
Every single muscle.
Plus you’re getting cardio, and gaining flexibility at the same time…and all that other stuff we already mentioned. That’s why martial artists look so darn good.
Martial artists are now pinups in dorm rooms everywhere and the new fitness standard. We welcome you to come in and try a class as well. We know we can help anyone look and feel better. Lots of former cross-trainers are now students for the awesome total body workout, cardio, flexibility, and perfectly proportioned physique it gives you. But if you’re going to take our classes, why not do it right?
Try a MULTI-STYLE MARTIAL ARTS SYSTEM class and like other IMAA classes, you will get a great workout.
A MULTI-STYLE MARTIAL ARTS SYSTEM certified instructor will show you the right way, place, and time to kick punch, take downs, mat work and self defense.
A MULTI-STYLE MARTIAL ARTS SYSTEM certified instructor will show you the right way, place, and time to kick punch, take downs, mat work and self defense.
We know there are other great exercises, fitness programs, and fun fitness classes…but none of them are IMAA. What other exercises, fitness programs or fitness class will help you defend yourself against an attacker?
At the International Martial Arts Academy, you will not only get the benefits of physical fitness, you will have skills and confidence that carry over and benefit you every day, in every aspect of your life.
Martial Arts is a way of life. After an hour of training you will feel calmer, more focused and the stress level is going to be much lower.
Mokuso 黙想 is a Japanese term for meditation, especially when practiced in the Japanese martial arts. Mokusō is performed befor or after the training session in order to "focus" & "clear one's mind". This term is more formally known to mean, "Warming up the mind for training hard." It was designed to channel your breathing in order to prevent injury, keep you focused, and prepare you for training.
LESS STRESS = FEEL CALMER & FOCUSED = MORE PRODUCTIVE
LESS STRESS = FEEL CALMER & FOCUSED = MORE PRODUCTIVE
Our Instructors Team
Hall of Fame Shihan Daniel Ruocco
Chief Master Instructor - 6th Degree Black Belt - Master Club
Multi-Style Martial Arts Athlete: Judo - Jujitsu - Combative Martial Arts - Street Jujitsu, Muay Thai, Kendo...
Trained in Japan, Thailand, Europe & US. With Over 45 Years Of Experience In Martial Arts.
Chief Master Instructor - 6th Degree Black Belt - Master Club
Multi-Style Martial Arts Athlete: Judo - Jujitsu - Combative Martial Arts - Street Jujitsu, Muay Thai, Kendo...
Trained in Japan, Thailand, Europe & US. With Over 45 Years Of Experience In Martial Arts.
Shihan Daniel Ruocco: A Legacy of Martial Arts Excellence
Dr. Daniel Ruocco is the distinguished Chief Master Instructor and founder of the International Martial Arts Academy (IMAA). His martial arts journey began at the age of six in Capri, Italy, and has since evolved into a global career spanning continents, disciplines, and elite competitive arenas. A former high-level competitor, Dr. Ruocco has taught martial arts throughout Europe, Japan, Thailand, and the United States.
He holds a 6th Degree Black Belt in Multi-Style System, a 6th Degree Black Belt in Jujitsu (JA, USJA), and a 4th Degree Black Belt in Judo (USJA). In addition, he holds ranks in Karate, Kickboxing, Ashihara Karate, Kenpo, Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, Kobudo, and Kendo—demonstrating exceptional mastery across a broad spectrum of martial arts disciplines.
Dr. Ruocco is a certified USA Judo National Coach, international Jujitsu coach, Jujitsu America instructor, and a licensed Sport Jujitsu referee with Jujitsu America. A lifelong student himself, he maintains a strong connection to traditional Kodokan Judo, training at the prestigious Kodokan Institute in Tokyo whenever visiting Japan. His discipline and leadership extend beyond the martial arts world—he is also a veteran of the Italian Army.
In 1999, Dr. Ruocco earned a Doctorate in Sports Science, with academic concentrations in psychology, child education, anatomy, and biology. His doctoral dissertation, Spine Malformations in the Developmental Years, reflects his scholarly commitment to the physical health and safety of young athletes.
In 2004, he founded the first International Martial Arts Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. As enrollment grew, the academy expanded—first relocating to a larger facility after two years, and eventually into a 4,000-square-foot campus. Under Dr. Ruocco’s leadership, IMAA has earned national and international recognition for its excellence in instruction and community impact.
Among his many honors, Dr. Ruocco has received some of the martial arts world’s highest accolades, including:
• Instructor of the Year (2006, Hall of Fame Martial Arts)
• Police Tactics Instructor of the Year (2007, Hall of Fame Martial Arts)
• Instructor of the Year (2010, Jujitsu America)
• Blue Ribbon Award for outstanding contribution to martial arts
• Distinguished Service Award (2017) for dedication to martial arts education
• Top Martial Arts School Award (2009, EFC Black Belt Schools & International Board of Directors)
• Best Martial Arts School / Program in Broward County (annually since 2008)
Dr. Ruocco’s leadership in the martial arts community includes his appointment to the Jujitsu America Sport Jujitsu Competition Committee in 2014 and his role as Director-at-Large on the Jujitsu America Board of Directors beginning in 2019. In 2021, he became a lifetime member of the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation and Traditional Kodokan Judo.
In August 2021, he expanded his vision by opening a second location—IMAA South Fort Lauderdale. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Ruocco and his team played a vital role in community support, delivering virtual martial arts classes via Zoom to help students maintain both physical fitness and emotional well-being.
In 2022, IMAA’s competitive team took first place at the Jujitsu America Nationals. In 2023, Dr. Ruocco served as Coach of the USA Jujitsu Coalition in the United Kingdom, where he accompanied three IMAA students who returned as world champions. Under his leadership, Team USA triumphed over the UK and Australia in the team competition.
Today, Dr. Ruocco remains dedicated to advancing the transformative power of Judo, Jujitsu, and martial arts in the community. With two state-of-the-art academies in Fort Lauderdale, he continues to inspire, instruct, and shape future champions.
Personal Philosophy
“Everything you need in life can be worked on in the Dojo—
A strong BODY, a sharp MIND, and a vital SPIRIT.”
Some of our Success Stories
1 FREE TRIAL CLASS!
Fill Out This Invitation To Get More Information and a coupon for a
FREE Martial Arts Uniform! ($99 value)
(24 HOURS DEAL ⏱ - UNIFORM UPON ENROLLMENT)
Fill Out This Invitation To Get More Information and a coupon for a
FREE Martial Arts Uniform! ($99 value)
(24 HOURS DEAL ⏱ - UNIFORM UPON ENROLLMENT)
We know it can be intimidating to start martial arts! We invite you to come in for a free intro lesson with no obligation.
You’ll learn some martial arts basics and we’ll answer all your questions. You'll also have a chance to meet our staff and some of our other students. See for yourself how we help people develop the physical and mental skills to be their very best.
In order to earn your Black Belt takes a lot of hours training, discipline, and determination! Only the best will achieve the Shodan or Black Belt level!
"A BLACK BELT IS A WHITE BELT WHO NEVER QUIT!"
Black Belts Candidates
Video Testimonials
