INDIANAPOLIS MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY
At IMAA, we welcome ALL students of ALL ages
Children, in addition to learning self defense, will gain respect, focus and self discipline that can translate to the real world and can begin at home. Nothing is greater than watching our students achieve what they believe was impossible; when they have it set in their heads they can't do something then we watch the look on their faces when they accomplish what they believed couldn't be done. We take pride in watching our students grow to a point they realize they are the only things that can get in their way and what it takes to get out of their way.
Adults will gain flexibility, work out time, pushing yourself to be better than yesterday, accomplishing what was believed couldn't be done. "I'm too old for that." "I am not flexible enough." "I am too fat and out of shape." All excuses we hear but when you take the step on the mat and you see what your body can do with time and patience, you will have a new found respect for yourself and your self imposed limitations. Take a chance and join us whether for yourself, for your children or with your children. You are welcome here!
Our mission statement simplified is discipline, respect, and honor. I.M.A.A. Tae Kwon Do helps students develop inner strength, self-confidence, and community connections. In short, we build strong minds and bodies through martial arts.
STRENGTH
Academy students train vigorously creating strength in their bodies, but in their minds. Positivity, focus, and perseverance are vital for success in today’s world. Strength is about having a winning attitude.
CONFIDENCE
At the Academy, every student follows the same curriculum; however, each student is challenged to strive for his/her personal best. Confidence is a natural by-product of this philosophy.
COMMUNITY
A positive training community fosters positive community ties at school, at work, and at home. The sky is the limit to what one can achieve with inner strength, self-confidence, and a supportive community.
MEET THE INSTRUCTORS
Master D. Benjamin
5th Dan
Master Instructor, Owner
Master Dwight Benjamin currently holds a 5th Dan certification rank in TaeKwonDo and is the master instructor here at IMAA. Master Benjamin utilizes his 30+ years of TaeKwonDo teaching experience in our dojang to instruct his students to their fullest potential. He is the principal instructor who conducts promotions alongside the rest of the IMAA teaching staff.
Served in the United States Marine Corps from March 1981-February 1989 (all active duty).
Free & Accepted Mason (since 2005) - Lodge Secretary and mentor.
Volunteer - Toys for Tots.
Certified referee through the USTU (United States Tae Kwon Do Union).
Attended KTA (Korean Tae Kwon Do Academy 1989/1991
ATI (American Tae Kwon Do Institute) 1991/2010
ShaShanna Rankin
1st Dan
Instructor, Owner
ShaShanna Rankin currently holds a 1st Dan Certification and is an IMAA Business Partner. She began training in 2004, even limited she is dedicated to the training and sport. She can be seen at tournaments, promotions as well as during class on Thursdays.
ShaShanna received her Associates in Computer Info Systems in 2014 as well as her Associates in Culinary Arts in 2017, she is currently working to become to a certified Personal Chef.
Professionally, she is a CSA for Anthem, Inc., servicing one client for all insurance claims and benefit needs.
Hello, my name is Ernesto Bermudez and I’ve been practicing Taekwondo for a decade now. It made me become more confident and disciplined that I ever would have thought. I will be attending IUPUI the fall for Sports Exercise Science after I graduate from PHS in June 2023. I hope to share my love and passion for Taekwondo with you soon.
Ernesto Bermudez
1st Dan
Instructor
Andrew began practicing Taekwondo in 2021 along with four of his five kids under Master Benjamin and the other instructors at Indianapolis Martial Arts Academy. He has volunteered in the Pike Township area since 2013 as a baseball and softball coach with Eagle Creek Little League. He leads IT teams at Indianapolis-based clinical asset management company, TRIMEDX, and serves as a pastor at Soma Northwest Church.
Andrew is excited to join the team of instructors at IMAA to continue developing his skill and to share the art of Taekwondo with the community he has come to love.
Andrew Hughes
1st Dan
Instructor
Isaac began Taekwondo under Master Benjamin in 2020. I was introduced to Master Benjamin by my late father.
In a few short words, what I have learned from Taekwondo is grit and indomitable spirit. I am a recent graduate of North Central High School and will be attending IUPUI to major in Computer Science.
I will be looking forward to meeting you all.
Isaac Kungo
1st Dan
Instructor
In addition to these main instructors, we have a few other black belt instructors who are gaining knowledge in how to teach class and will periodically run a class of their own or assist the instructors already leading the class.
The notable instructors of this level are:
Kianna Adams
Peter Hughes