“I was so honored to be the captain of the 2008 IMAC USA TEAM. This experience is one I will remember forever. I would like to first thank Vicki (Forrester) and Tony (Abel) for the first class treatment that they showed all of the team members. It was very refreshing to see how everything was organized. Being in a foreign country is a bit challenging by itself, but the tremendous amount of structure and professionalism showed by IMAC, made the trip very enjoyable.
 
The fighters at the event were first class. Every person I competed against was very skilled. The Russian fighters are extremely tough and fight with a lot of pride. I really enjoyed watching the young fighters. These kids are the most skilled youngsters I have ever seen.

The divisions at this event were truly challenging. I had the opportunity to see Sambo, Tae kwon do, Karate-do, Kendo, Greco-Roman Wrestling, Sanshou, and the list goes on and on.
 
I have been fighting for over 28 years. And I have to tell you that I have never had so much fun interacting w/ fans. I met people from all over the world. I must have taken at least 100 photos and signed at least 200 autographs. It was great!!! I can truly say that for one weekend I was a rock star. It was a very humbling experience.
 
I am so glad that I had the opportunity to represent my country on one of the world’s biggest stages for martial arts. Winning two gold medals is one of the highlights of my career. At the end of every fight I knew that I was in a real fight.
 
The night time show is one of the best that I had ever seen. It reminded me of a top notch Broadway production. I loved every second of it.
 
I can’t wait until next year. I want to prove that our team’s success was not by luck or accident, but by hard work and believing in our self.

P.S.: My career would not have been complete without an experience like this.”
 
Damon Gilbert
Best In The West Karate
Chief instructor

Dear IMAC, Nikolai Smirnov, Tony Abel,

Greetings to my friends that have embarked on a quest to bring the world together through the World Martial Arts movement. Out of interest in speaking with you recently, I am following up on your activities on your website as you prepare for your next 2008 East-West Martial Arts Extravaganza in Saint Petersburg. In viewing the website, and noting the scope of how your event has grown to date is quite impressive. You have grown into what is tantamount to a World Martial Arts Olympics. Congratulations! I recall when I visited with you several years ago with the U.S. Team, I was impressed at that time with all facets of your Operations.The Leadership, Organization, and Logistics of the event were impressive from the start to say the least. With Operational attributes such as this, there is only one way to go - Up! During my visit to Saint Petersburg in the past, I was impressed by the Comradery, and New Friendships that developed between the Martial Arts Officials, Competitors, even Spectators alike. It was an awakening as to what can be done between Civilizations with common interest such as Martial Arts. The Seminars, and Competitions, as I remember them were strong and instructionally informative and something of interest to everyoneParticipating. These activities develop a Spirit of Unity that cannot be equaled. You are to be Congratulated again in your success. And, as a life Martial Artist, I want to thank you for your efforts to display the Martial Arts in a Disciplined, Organized, Respectable manner. I am sure you will have a strong showing from the Leaders/Officials and Competitors from the U.S. as you have had in the past. If I can be of assistance to you in any way, please feel free to call upon me.

My Best Wishes for continued success.

Respectfully
Gary R. Alexander
10th Dan Mil. Spec. Black Belt,
H2HC Systems, & Combat Isshinryu Karate

About Gary Alexander

10th Dan Gary Alexander, former Recon Marine and Law Enforcement Instructor; Pilot; Land/Sea Expert Marksman; Skin, Scuba and Spear Diver; and renowned Grandmaster of Isshinryu Karate. Often referred to as "The Greatest Fighter in the History of Isshinryu Karate" and/or "The Hammer for Isshinryu". Grandmaster Alexander was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame in 1974 making a name for himself by beating many of the top name bare knuckle fighters in the late 50's as an undefeated adversary against all styles. Grandmaster Alexander was the first to sponsor Kick Boxing in the U.S.; and, is now the Chief Instructor and Founder of the U.S.A. Isshinryu Plus Karate System.

"...I believe that we are all in a position to come together, utilizing our own special skills and bring martial arts competition to a whole new level unparalled in the world. I must say that the Martial Arts Olympics East-West Open is like no other tournament I've ever had the privilege of being apart of. It is truly of epic proportion! Anyone who is serious about their martial arts and is a true competitor should not hesitiate to be a part of history in the making. IMAC is an organization that brings together the best martial artists in the world to compete at the highest level and continues to strive towards excellence. I am 100% endorsing IMAC and the Martial Arts Olympics. I personally will be part of the USA team that goes to Russia in 2008 and like other team members will continue to lead and inspire the true meaning of the martial arts way. "

Prof. Sifu Vincent Lyn

About Vincent Lyn

Vincent Lyn has been a movie star, pop music icon, kickboxing champion and one of the hottest male models in the world. But what makes him complete is practicing his family’s Ling Gar style of kung-fu. This young master has overflowing talent, half British, half Chinese, a 10th degree Black Sash and scholar of Chinese Medicine and heir of his family kung-fu style, Ling Gar.

Other Testimonials

“...Competing in Russia was really different from anywhere else. The competitors and fans treated us extremely well, we were treated like celebrities.”
~Ross Levine, gold and silver medal winner 2007 Martial Arts Olympics East-West Open

“...this was Russia. The toughness of the competitors and their style of fighting was very hard core.”
~ Jadi Tention, gold and silver medal winner 2007 Martial Arts Olympics East-West Open

"...Russia was a once in a lifetime experience. It gave me a great appreciate for another culture.”
~ Mark O'Mard, dual silver medal winner 2007 Martial Arts Olympics East-West Open