Our next Self Defense Workshop meets September 27 at 6:15pm and features gun defense. Learn More

Live in the present

Enjoy The Journey, Prepare For the Future,
But Be In The Moment

Perspective matters greatly

Lao Tzu wrote, “When people see some things as beautiful, other things become ugly.
When people see some things as good, other things become bad.

Being and non-being create each other. Difficult and easy support each other.
Long and short define each other. High and low depend on each other. Before and after follow each other.”

If you read further he cautions about making judgements and comparisons, because they support and are born out of each other.  A person who lives in the present doesn’t look at their current situation and say, “This is good.” Or, “This is bad.”  It just is.  Life should be a journey, not a destination.  So, regardless of the situation or circumstance, you should enjoy what is for what it is.   If we’re always waiting on only what we call good things to come, you really miss the moment.    This doesn’t mean we don’t plan or set goals for our future, but to stay aware and just enjoy being where we are.  People who live their lives in the present, have happier and more fulfilling lives.

What does this have to do with martial arts?

What does this have to do with martial arts?  Martial arts training demands your present focus and attention.  It’s a place to leave the burdens of the day aside and just be. We are a black belt school and believe that a person that has earned a black belt from IMAA should be able to focus on the immediate issue at hand and try to live the most fulfilling life that they can. 

Interested to learn more?

If you’re interested in learning about our martial arts program, contact us at 919.562.4663, or visit our child classes page.

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Our Reviews

Great school with wonderful teachers. My daughter has a great time learning and everyone is friendly. There is even an adult class that allowed me to try to see if I liked it and everyone was very patient with me. I am thankful to have my daughter be a part of the Innovative Martial Arts Academy in Wake Forest and know she is benefiting from it in more than one way. It amazes me how fast she is learning and how hard she is trying. They have her trying to develop at her fullest with her mind, body, and spirit. I would recommend this school to anyone interested in martial arts.

Janice P.

This place is great! Charles and his team have fantastic programs for kids. When we started our 3.5 year old son, I didn’t know what to expect. He quickly adapted to the classes and now loves going. Our 2 year old son loves watching and will start as well as soon as he turns 3. Innovative Martial arts also hosted their birthday parties. The kids had a blast doing different activities throughout the birthday party. Can’t say enough good things about this place, and what they teach!

William D.

Wonderful place for not only skill development but also personal development. Owner and instructors genuinely get to know students and families and care about them. The lessons learned will provide character growth as well as martial art skills. The owner is also a long time student of many different martial arts, he didn't just buy a franchise, and tries very hard to live what he teaches the students. Proud to have been in this dojo family for 6+ years and proud of the friendships we have made there!

Kristi F.