Blog

Principles and Mission Statement

A public history of Impact Martial Arts and the mission behind the Manlius dojo.

History of Impact Martial Arts

Our system began as a traditional Tracy Kenpo Karate system. Over years of development, some katas were changed, removed, and added from other systems such as Tae Kwon Do and Hung Gar kung fu. The influence of Tae Kwon Do improved the kicking skills and athleticism of our students tremendously.

In time, we changed from the point-sparring concepts of sport-based karate systems to American Kickboxing. This was a more self-defense based approach and later evolved into a heavy influence from Muay Thai Kickboxing, which is considered by many to be one of the most effective striking arts in the world.

Much of our hands-on self-defense evolved from the traditional Kenpo moves that still remain in parts of our system today, with influence from Jiu Jitsu and Krav Maga. Both arts have enormous value for street-smart martial arts.

Modern Approach to Self-Defense

Our Master Instructor, Renshi Jeff Groesbeck, has continued to grow and develop through decades of martial arts training. He continues to travel and train with top people in the martial arts to bring some of the best information available into the dojo in Manlius.

Our current system still includes traditional martial arts forms. We believe the structure and detail learned from kata is valuable to every other part of martial arts. Our striking defense is based on Muay Thai, and our grab defenses are heavily influenced by Krav Maga.

Advanced students are eventually eligible to learn the Hyper curriculum, a fast-paced and exciting class that blends martial arts and gymnastic movement. Arnis / Escrima, the art of Filipino stick fighting, is taught to the most advanced students.

Mission Statement

Our mission is simple and extremely important to us:

To have a positive impact on everyone we come in contact with through our martial arts, leadership and nutritional knowledge.

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