Independent Martial Arts Organisation
Welcome to our new home at imao.org.uk. If you are new to the sport, and would like to get involved, please see our clubs page, or contact us. For the latest events,or have a look at our events page.
IMAO History
Humphrey Broomes is the chief instructor of IMAO.
Having trained under Master Yau (British Kung Fu Association) in Birmingham in the 1970's in Lau Gar Kung Fu, he then went on to fight with the famous Lau Gar squad in the 80's and 90's. Humphrey won regional, national and European titles, before going on to win the world title in the mid 80's. During this time, he was also an instructor at the BKFA.
The first IMAO club opened in Tamworth in 1991 and he has since opened a network of clubs in the Midlands and the South, for which he is the chief instructor.
The IMAO teaches classes in the martial art of Kung Fu, with the emphasis on the art and style itself and Kick boxing, with the emphasis heavily on the fighting aspect. Most classes borrow from each style to achieve a well-rounded and enjoyable experience of the martial arts. is affiliated to the British Council for Chinese Martial Arts
Lau Gar Style
Lau Gar is the most popular style of Kung Fu in the UK since it was brought to this country by Master Yau when he came from Hong Kong in 1961 .
Lau Gar originates from Kuei Ling in the Kong Sai Province of West China (Kung Fu is also commonly referred to as Chinese Boxing). Like many other old styles of Shaolin Kung Fu, Lau Gar techniques are based upon the movements of the five Shaolin animals (Crane, Dragon, Leopard, Snake and Tiger). These animals were first studied by the Shaolin monks as part of their rigorous meditation regimes but soon became a source of self-defence from attackers to the temples.
Although Lau Gar is classed as a 'Southern, hard, external' style, like all genuine Shaolin styles, it has a 'soft, internal' side. This is the side which refers to the power from within and will take a student far longer to achieve proficiency in. The style is based on firm stances, excelling in short-fist techniques, stick and sword. Lau Gar is by no means biased towards fists though, with a vast array of powerful and quick kicking techniques at its disposal, it is an excellent all-round martial art.
Please call us on 023 8055 5782 for more information