The Integrated Martial Arts Academy was established on the 29th of October 2002 in Burrum Heads, Queensland. The creation of this academy has been inspired by the many strong virtues and energy dynamics that are held within the Martial Arts.The Integrated Martial Arts Academy is founded upon the important life principles of dedication and determination towards self-development and personal growth.

Fortunately throughout my life I have been influenced by many good people who have helped and encouraged me towards my goal of opening up an Academy of Martial Arts. When I was five years old my brother Tony and I were given our first set of boxing gloves by our father who trained us and guided us together during those very important early stages of experience and development.

As well as gaining the ability to protect ourselves and our loved ones, I have always remembered my fathers strong emphasis throughout our training on personal strength, determination, courage and towards a persevering & never give up attitude. It was during this time that we were also shown the important value of mutual respect and to always strive to bring out the best in one another.

From that initial time of training and learning I continued throughout the years to be encouraged and inspired by the good virtues and life philosophies that are held within the Martial Arts in all of its myriad forms. I feel fortunate to have been able to share time with many great teachers (and fellow students) who helped me to learn techniques and principles from arts such as Muay Thai, Hwa Rang Do, Zen Do Kai, Kyokushin Kai and Aikido.

Within this journey I have been introduced to some great role models, friends and mentors that have all shared their inspiration and personal strengths with me. One of the most monumental of these was my Hwa Rang Do instructor and good friend Lionel Graham. Lionel's manner of sharing his Martial Arts ability and knowledge with others is something that I have been continually guided by and influenced by during my years of training and teaching.

In October of 1996 I ended up moving to live at Marcoola Beach on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland. It wasn't long until I was drawn towards a small eclectic Martial Arts system which was simply named the Maroochydore Martial Arts Club.

I have many great memories of training at this club and it was always uplifting to walk across the bridge over the Maroochy river to get to the training hall. This club was created in 1984 by Kevin Wormington. It was at the Maroochydore Martial Arts Club that I trained with Kev for 6 years in which time I progressively worked my way forward to a graded level of 3rd degree black belt.

I was lucky enough at this stage to also spend some time in Japan where as well as competing in a Martial Arts event, I was able to find some important time to reflect on my journey and to listen to my true inner voice. Upon my return to the Maroochydore club Kev helped me to really find my calling as a Martial Arts instructor and it was due to his constant support and encouragement that I was able to really bring the best out of myself and others throughout our countless training sessions together.

In October of 2002 I moved to live in the Burrum Heads area of the Fraser Coast and after some shared planning, guidance and help from my family and friends I was able to open up the doors of a Martial Arts Club... the Integrated Martial Arts Academy :)

Our clubs motto is "Strength And Courage", and we focus predominantly upon unity, friendship and determination so as to inspire the best in one another throughout our integrated system of Martial Arts training and self-development.

In 2004 the Integrated Pro MMA team was also formed.

Pro MMA Team- The Integrated Martial Arts Pro MMA Team is trained by Dan Higgins with the support of Adrian Pang. Team Manager and Strength and Conditioning Trainer Tony Green works closely with Dan in ensuring their Champions get the best preparation possible.

Dan is widely considered the number 1 no gi grappler and MMA Trainer in the country and is constantly improving under coach Greg Jacksons whilst training in the US. Dan runs his MMA classes from Ian Jacobs Powerhouse Gym at Stafford in Brisbane and trains some of Australias best MMA fighters including Australian Title holders Kyle Noke, Adrian Pang, Matt Cain, Korey Gibson, Mick Mortimer and Mandy Stewart.

We regard our Team as family and do everything in our power to bring personal growth and MMA success to our teammates. Our Team prides ourselves in our conduct in and outside of the fighting arena and strive to bring out the best in each other.

As well as the phenomenal submission wrestling skills of Danny Higgins our team utilises the best trainers in their specialised areas such as: Ian Mellor-Wrestling, Nugget McNaught and Steve Compton-Muay Thai. We have worked hard to gain a solid sponsorship base including: Fairtex, Redbak, and VAS.TV.
Sponsors such as Fairtex give Integrated fighters the opportunity to train in Thailand on a yearly basis at the world renowned Fairtex Muay Thai Camp.

The Integrated Martial Arts Academy has also spread its wings further in the recent creation of the
Integrated Development Academy.
This expanded Academy now provides an even wider array of opportunity towards an individual's journey
of Personal Growth and Self-Development:

• Martial Arts Training Classes
• Weights/Strength Training
• Health, Fitness & Nutrition
• Inspiration & Motivation
• Spiritual Awareness
• Chi Energy Connection & Healing
• Meditation & Yoga
• WorkShops & Courses

The Integrated Martial Arts Academy has been an awesome journey and personal experience so far and I have the feeling that it is only going to be enhanced more and to be developed further in a positive direction to be shared and enjoyed by all.Thank you to everyone that has helped me to create and to sustain something that is very special in my life. I really look forward to seeing us all strive with strength and courage to continually reach out for our personal goals, dreams and life aspirations.

"With Strength and Courage we shall all continue to Succeed and Grow"

Within gratitude, unity and friendship From Mick

Michael Green

(mobile) 040 299 2074 or

(email) courageandfreedom@yahoo.com.au *******************************************************