The excitement has certainly been building around the ICMAC Worldwide Circuit and we are working hard to mobilize the momentum that has already been generated during this championship season.

We have received numerous inquiries about the circuit from all over the world. The Top 10 Rating system and the Judges Training program have been particularly well received. But we realize that there is a lot of work to do and are constantly looking for ways to increase participation and improve the quality of each tournament.

We have some exciting announcements to make for the 2010 championship season. First, we have expanded the circuit to include nearly a dozen tournaments worldwide. And secondly, we are happy to announce the addition of Chinese Kenpo/Kempo and Martial Fusion events!
Chinese Kenpo/Kempo has a rich tradition that not only fits well into the scope of the ICMAC Worldwide Circuit, but that deserves to be incorporated. We welcome all branches that are part of this heritage, including all styles of Chinese Kenpo/Kempo, Kajukenbo, Wun Hop Kuen Do, and Polynesian Hawaiian styles such as Lima Lama.

We will work earnestly with judges from the Chinese Kenpo/Kempo systems to develop a competition format that features divisions in forms, self-defense, and sparring. Our goal is to bring these officials and coaches into the ICMAC circuit to manage and judge these divisions.

We are well aware of the many associations and federations that promote the different Kenpo/Kempo styles and we welcome everyone in the spirit of our motto, “Friendship Through Martial Arts,” which is the driving principle behind the ICMAC Worldwide Circuit.

There is a lot happening nowadays in the open tournament circuit with many innovative competition formats and acrobatic styles. Tornado kicks, butterflies, kick-ups and other techniques that have been the mainstay of Chinese styles are now common in these open championships. What’s ironic, however, is that these techniques are not being performed by most Chinese stylists. For the sake of tradition, we must keep up and evolve the range of styles we include.

If you’re not moving ahead you’re falling behind! A goal of the ICMAC is to promote a blend of traditional forms and newer, more innovative ones: Enter “Martial Fusion,” which was featured in the September 2009 issue.

This dynamic art has been developed and promoted by Willie Johnson, famously known as “BAM.” Here is the essence of Martial Fusion in his own words:
“The Martial Fusion taps into the urban spirit, the same kind of force that the Chinese refer to as cultural chi. In doing so, it affords each student the ability to use all their god-given gifts in order to achieve their goals. The hip-hop elements keep students engaged and taps into their heart, while the martial spirit refines their character and provides them with the tools they need to reach their goals.”

The acrobatic techniques of Chinese martial arts, coupled with the exciting elements of hip-hop and music, will surely add a dramatic new dimension to the ICMAC circuit, while allowing us to compete with much of what is going on in the open karate tournaments. Young people in particular will find Martial Fusion to be challenging and exhilarating.

For more information on this and other topics, of to check the calendar page for upcoming events on the ICMAC Worldwide Circuit, visit www.kungfuchampionship.com

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Joshua Bond applies a chin na throw.

Marco “The Answer” Johnson (top) shows his Martial Fusion talent.