The International Martial Arts Club (IMAC) originated in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1991 through the cooperation of Russian and American martial artists. Founded by Dr. Nikolai Smirnov of St. Petersburg Russia, IMAC was established to promote international understanding and goodwill among athletes through the common bond of the martial arts. Although Russia has undergone many changes since 1991, the goals of IMAC have remained intact.

The USSR granted legal recognition to the martial arts when artificial barriers between a capitalistic and socialist society began to dissolve. This changing political climate allowed Grandmaster Nikolai Smirnov, General Director of IMAC, the opportunity to lead a team of 20 Russian martial artists to the United States for a martial arts competition held in Pittsburgh, PA. Mr. Smirnov recognized the need for continued growth and contact with other martial artists from other countries; and, the value of building intercultural friendship and brotherhood on the basis of their common bond. For Russian martial artists, who for many years were banned from practicing their art during the Soviet regime, relationships with martial artists from other countries presented unique opportunities to learn and improve their skills. In addition, a recognized value was found in building a better understanding among people from many parts of the world. This is represented in the symbol of IMAC, a globe encircled by a black belt symbolizing the uniting of people around the world in spirit, perfection and skill.

The cultural exchange with American martial arts masters resulted in Grandmaster Ye Bong Choi of New Brunswick, NJ and Master Tony R. Abel of York, PA becoming “fathers” of this new organization. In 1993 Master Abel was asked to compete in the first Russian-American martial arts competition “Free Russia”. Grandmaster Nikolai Smirnov along with Sergei Malutin, IMAC Siberian director; asked Master Abel to assemble a United States team to compete in the first Siberian-American tournament held in 1994 in Omsk, Siberia. Also, that same year, Master Abel was appointed vice president of the International Martial Arts College, as well as, the American director of IMAC continuing in that position today. Master Abel brought the world to York, PA holding the “IMAC Common Bond” tournament in 1995 benefiting the Make-A-Wish foundation.

Many notable American teams have returned to Russia over the last sixteen years; and, IMAC tournaments continued to flourish and grow with events held in Uzbekistan; Yakutsk, Republic of Saha; Omsk, Siberia; Pittsburg and York, Pennsylvania; Caracas, Venezuela; and, St. Petersburg, Russia. The evolution of IMAC tournaments evolved from the first International Martial Arts Festival “Free Russia” to the “Sportive Russia” and now officially endorsed by the Russian government as “The Martial Arts Olympics, East-West Open”. This event has now grown to attract more that 6,200 competitors from over 35 countries. Tony Abel, U.S. IMAC director, and the U.S. IMAC Board of Directors salutes the vision of Grandmaster Nikolai Smirnov and supports his ongoing efforts and outstanding contributions to the world of martial arts. And, to the organizers, staff and unsung heroes behind the scenes of the Martial Arts Olympics East-West Open; thank you for your tireless efforts and hard work that allow the world to enjoy this premier event.