Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Martial Arts Training in Carson, CA
Founded in 1974, the IMB Academy has dedicated over four decades to advancing martial arts education in Southern California. Our non-traditional approach emphasizes practical application, fitness, and individual adaptation, catering to students of all physical abilities and goals. With a curriculum spanning boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Eskrima, and Jeet Kune Do, we prioritize safety, efficiency, and real-world functionality. Our instructors, including the late founder Richard S. Bustilloa direct student of Bruce Lee and Cacoy Caetebring unparalleled expertise, having trained world champions and shaped modern martial arts pedagogy.We foster a family-oriented environment where children as young as four thrive alongside adults, supported by a community that values respect, discipline, and lifelong growth. Regular events and a lounge for families reinforce our commitment to building connections beyond the mat. As a Checkmat affiliate, we uphold rigorous standards in grappling while integrating wrestling and judo techniques. Our legacy of producing elite competitors and accessible training for all skill levels solidifies our reputation as a trusted leader in martial arts education.
Services
Boxing
Muay Thai
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Kids Martial Arts
Eskrima
Jeet Kune Do
Wrestling
Judo
Weapons Training
Clinching & Sweeps
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of expertise in martial arts instruction across multiple disciplines.
- Our non-traditional curriculum prioritizes practical self-defense and individual adaptation.
- Family-oriented environment welcomes students aged 4 and up with supervised classes.
- Led by instructors trained by Bruce Lee and Cacoy Caete, with world-champion credentials.
- Affiliated with Checkmat, ensuring high standards in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and grappling.
Associations and certifications
- Checkmat
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program, affiliated with Checkmat, focuses on leverage-based techniques to control and submit opponents. Combining wrestling and judo elements, it empowers practitioners of all sizes. Classes include gi and no-gi options for beginners and advanced students.
Boxing
Boxing classes emphasize fundamentals like footwork, head movement, and punching mechanics. Led by experienced instructors, sessions cater to all skill levels, with light sparring available. The head instructor personally guides each student's development.
Kids Martial Arts
Designed for ages 4-14, kids classes teach grappling, striking, and self-defense in a safe environment. Supervised sparring pairs students by skill level, while parents can observe or use our lounge for study and relaxation.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai training incorporates punches, kicks, knees, elbows, and clinching techniques. Classes stress proper fundamentals, with light sparring sessions to develop practical skills. The program blends traditional Thai methods with modern MMA applications.
Jeet Kune Do
Developed by Bruce Lee and taught by founder Richard Bustillo, JKD classes integrate striking, grappling, and weapons training. This adaptable curriculum suits all skill levels, focusing on efficiency and personal functionality in real-world scenarios.
People
Richard S. Bustillo
Founder
A direct student of Bruce Lee and Cacoy Caete, Richard Bustillo was a certified Olympic boxing coach and president of the World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation. He trained world champions and emphasized practical martial arts education until his passing.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We offer boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Eskrima, Jeet Kune Do, wrestling, judo, and weapons training.
Are classes available for children?
Yes! Kids classes start at age 4, focusing on fundamentals, safety, and basic self-defense techniques.
What gear is required to begin training?
No gear is required to start, though mouthguards, shin guards, and cups are recommended for specific classes.
Who founded the IMB Academy?
The academy was founded by Richard S. Bustillo, a direct student of Bruce Lee and Cacoy Caete, with a legacy in martial arts education.
Do you host community events?
Yes, we regularly organize picnics, barbecues, and parties to foster a family-oriented gym culture.
