Conference 2009

The Institute of Martial Arts & Sciences

The first conference of the Institute of Martial Arts and Sciences was took place on July 18th at the IMAS Head Quarters in Wigan. Associates, Members, Students and Fellows of the Institute were in attendance to see martial scholars from all over the UK present their research papers. The day started off with an official welcome from the IMAS president, Prof Jaimie Lee-Barron PhD FIMAS, who reminded everyone present as to why the Institute had been formed and the general theme of the conference itself which was : “The history and development of the martial arts and their continued relevance to contemporary society”.

Several learned research papers were then presented upon various aspects of the martial arts and sciences. These included:

“The social and physiological benefits of martial arts training in the police service” By Prof.Matthew Clempner MPhil FIMAS

“The martial arts and sciences as a tool for modifying attitudes and behaviours in the classroom” By Prof. Paul McVey BSc FIMAS,

“The importance of protecting children and vulnerable adults in the martial arts” By Mr Jacob Sibley BA PGCE MIMAS

The day was brought to a close by Prof. Lee-Barron, who thanked everyone for attending and pronounced the whole affair a resounding success, with a promise of an even bigger conference to take place next year. IMAS is now an officially recognised UK Institute listed in the publication “British Qualifications” and accredited both by the NCFE (a large, national awarding body in the UK) and various overseas universities. This year alone has seen the IMAS grow with members and branches in many countries, and several courses being held such as:

· Child Protection

· Health and Safety

· Introduction to teaching skills

In addition, several students have already signed up for the various degree level programmes available (including the coveted “Grad.IMAS” Qualification) those interested in joining the IMAS or enrolling any of its courses should refer to the website for further details or contact us @ admin@institute-of-martialarts-and-sciences.com

Conference 2009 Programme

To name but a few. Other people who presented papers included: Prof. George Scarrott MPhil FIMAS (Founder Fellow and Grand Secretary), Prof. Kevin Pell FIMAS, and the Reverend Toby Humphry MA FIMAS. All of these papers were well received by those present and modified copies will shortly be made available for publication.

During the afternoon session, the Institute was honoured by a visit by Lord Smith of Leigh (pictured right), who asked the various members of faculty present some very astute questions regarding the papers being presented and how they envisaged the Institute developing in the coming years. Lord Smith is a very busy, pro-active Peer of the Realm and was exceptionally busy on that particular day, so his visit was very appreciated by all.