Hi everyone, I'm glad to hear everyone got back safe and sound. I want to thank all of you for making this a trip to remember. Everyone who went I must say I am in awe of all of you!! You each brought something special and unique to the table as a competitor, teammate and human being and I want to thank you all.

It felt like the '92 Dream Team going in to do a job in Barcelona...(tho' we fell short).  This was one of the greatest collections of talent that I've ever been a part of, and would gladly lobby for this same group (parents and staff included) to go to the ends of the earth with, to compete against whoever.  The professionalism, respect, and courtesy displayed by all was truly exemplary. The best thing is we all got along, and no one was isolated from anyone.  That's what keeps me going and coming back.

The Simon family is amazing, they shared support and encouragement for all on the team. Michael Quartin is a comedy, but when it comes down to it he's a great dad who’s got Josh's back no matter what. Enrique, all I can say is I wish my dad could be there like you were to watch/support Josue.

Marc C., the utmost respect because he is a true professional all across the board, a great friend and teammate going back to our Str8 Up days. The junior's, are amazing young men and fine examples for the sport and those following in their footsteps. The 'Wu' he is awesome and going to be great for years to come.

Greg and Hamed... two guys I would go to war with as teammates any time!! And, two gentlemen who earned my respect as fighters and teammates; and, most importantly human beings. Thx

Scott, Jodie, Tony and Vickie...thank you all for everything. This team was as good as its weakest link and we didn't have a weak link in the bunch!! This was the Best Team overall I've been on, and apart of, and will look back and be proud to have shared this experience with a group of outstanding people, martial artists, competitors, parents and siblings.

Thank you all, Hakim Walker, aka Axe man

 

....I wanted to give you both a big thanks.  The Simon's realize what a thankless job yours can be at times and how demanding that it is.  You are both greatly appreciated and we hope that in a small way we were able to make your job a bit easier and more enjoyable!  This was invaluable to Jordan and an experience that not only will he never forget, but will help shape him as he grows into young manhood!

Over the last several years, we have been to many, many of Jordan's martial arts tournaments and events, but none could compare to this.  Team USA was an inspiration not only to Jordan, but to our entire family.  The way that they competed, supported one another, and accepted our family as "another team member" was something that we will never forget.  Tony and Vicki took care of every detail down to what to wear for the trip and all arrangements went without a flaw.  They were constantly coaching and making sure that each of the team competitors knew where to be and what to expect in a competition that sometimes was very different from what goes on in the States.

In a sport that is known for its individual competitions, this was truly a team effort.  All Team USA members were there for each other at every event cheering and urging the best out of each other. This was the finest group of athletes that we have had the privilege of being part of and even though Jordan was the "baby" of the team at 15, he was never made to feel that way.
The martial arts world had the opportunity to see Team USA and they were very impressed, if not in awe. The autograph and picture sessions were an indication of that, but the real proof was in their eyes as they watched Team USA compete and set the tempo for each event that they were in.

Jordan and the rest of the Simon family look forward to being part of Team USA next year and in the years to come!

Gregg Simon (father of Team USA competitor Jordan Simon)

First off, I want to thank Vicki and Tony for this opportunity.  This is something that I truly feel blessed, honored and privileged to be a part of - a once in a lifetime experience.  Thank you very much.

As for saying something about the trip, well Hakim it is hard to follow up those words.  Everything you said is spot on and I could not agree with you more. 

To everyone - simply put - thank you very much.  I feel very proud to say that I was a part of this team and honored to have you all as teammates.  Every single person did your job and surpassed expectations, and as for all of the family that came along - words cannot be said that can describe your impact.

This is the reason why I enjoy competing so much and continue to do it.

I know I have said this a lot, but thanks for everything.
Regards,
Greg Betlach

TEAM USA FOLKS,

I would like to say thank you very much to Vicki Forrester and Tony Abel for giving myself and the team the opportunity of a lifetime. You two organized everything very well from the tournament to the children's hospital. At the same time, you were very supportive of us in keeping track of where we have to be for our divisions. Furthermore, you two are great coaches. It's funny that last year (2008), I wanted to be a part of the Martial Arts Olympics Team and the following year (2009) I am here.

One word to describe the experience is INEVITABLE. The memory of Russia will be on my mind forever and I'm sure on everyone else's too. What made this trip great was that everybody got along very well and the connection was there. There was no drama whatsoever. Usually there are differences between forms competitors and fighters, but we supported each other 100% at this event. Our bond grew stronger by each day that we spent together. I am PROUD of this team because we not only won individual medals, but we showed TRUE professionalism and sportsmanship. Even though we lost in the team fight challenge, no one broke our spirit because we walked out as if we had won. With that, we carried the spirit with us all weekend.  

From autographs, to competition, to picture taking, to children's hospital, it was a worthwhile experience. This is a one in a lifetime opportunity that no one can ever forget. Thank you Vicki, Tony, and TEAM USA for the best trip of my life.

Please keep in touch!!!!!

Scott Wu


Thanks for the nice notes Jodi, Scott, Greg and Hakim.  I echo all of your thoughts, and I definitely want to thank Tony and Vicki as well!  I can’t imagine the amount of work that goes into this trip each year.  I have been on many different teams in the past, and Tony and Vicki do a great job of taking care of their competitors.

Hamed Firouzi

“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

…I had a once in a lifetime experience and was so blessed to share it with all of you. Thank you,
~Jodi Schaubschlager

“...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