Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts & Boxing Studio in Carson, CA
IMB Academy has been a cornerstone of the Southern California martial arts community for over 40 years. Founded in 1974 by the late Richard S. Bustillo, a direct student of Bruce Lee and Cacoy Caete, our academy blends decades of expertise with a non-traditional approach to martial arts. We emphasize practicality, individual adaptation, and safety across disciplines like boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Eskrima, and Jeet Kune Do.Our family-oriented environment welcomes students of all ages and abilities, fostering a tight-knit community through events like picnics and seminars. With a focus on real-world self-defense and fitness, we empower individuals to develop their unique martial arts journey while upholding values of respect, discipline, and confidence.
Services
Boxing
Muay Thai
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Eskrima
Jeet Kune Do
Kids Classes
Grappling
MMA Training
Weapon Training
Self Defense
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- Over 40 years of martial arts expertise since 1974
- Non-traditional, adaptable training methods for all skill levels
- Family-oriented environment with kids classes and community events
- Expert instruction from certified professionals with Olympic and FBI backgrounds
- Emphasis on safety, practicality, and real-world self-defense skills
Associations and certifications
- Checkmat Affiliate
Services
Boxing
Our boxing program focuses on fundamentals like punching mechanics, footwork, and head movement. Classes cater to all skill levels, emphasizing practical techniques for competition or self-defense. Students train under expert instructors with Olympic coaching backgrounds.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
As a Checkmat affiliate, our BJJ classes integrate wrestling and judo principles. Training includes dominant positioning, joint locks, and submissions, with gi and no-gi options available for all experience levels.
Kids Classes
Designed for ages 4-14, kids classes teach foundational skills in grappling, striking, and weapons safety. Supervised sparring ensures age-appropriate learning, fostering discipline, confidence, and physical development in a structured environment.
Jeet Kune Do
Developed by Bruce Lee, JKD classes cover striking, trapping, and grappling techniques. Curriculum emphasizes adaptability and efficiency, combining boxing, Muay Thai, and Eskrima principles for real-world self-defense scenarios.
Eskrima
Specializing in Villabrille and Cacoy Caete Doce Pares styles, our Eskrima program teaches stick and knife techniques. Classes focus on coordination, defense, and practical applications, preserving traditional Filipino martial arts principles.
People
Richard S. Bustillo
Founder
A direct student of Bruce Lee and Cacoy Caete, Richard Bustillo was an Olympic boxing coach, FBI-certified defensive tactics instructor, and inductee of multiple martial arts halls of fame. He taught at IMB until his passing.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We offer boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Eskrima, Jeet Kune Do, and grappling. Kids classes include foundational skills across all ranges of combat.
Are there classes for children?
Yes! We offer age-specific classes for kids aged 4-14, focusing on safety, discipline, and basic self-defense techniques in a supervised environment.
What is your training philosophy?
Our non-traditional approach emphasizes practicality, individual adaptation, and safety. Students learn to develop their unique martial arts style based on personal needs and goals.
Do I need prior experience to join?
No prior experience is required. Our classes welcome all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, with instructors providing personalized guidance.
Is sparring required?
Light sparring is optional and conducted under supervision. We prioritize safety, with gear recommendations for contact sessions on Thursdays.
What community events do you host?
We organize picnics, barbecues, and seminars to foster camaraderie among students and families, reinforcing our family-oriented gym culture.
Reviews (6)
Matthew L.
Dec 28, 2018
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Really good FMA school. Our school used to spar with them back in the day to prep for tournaments and they were always a great bunch of people. Their local tournament was another great event that got put on. If you're looking for actual fighting skill with good instructors this place offers that.
Nio S.
Dec 11, 2018
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Update, I had forgot to add that though my son had left this school to focus on his high school studies at CAMS in his sophomore year, he returned in his collegiate years as a cadet in the U.S. Air Force Academy and was welcomed with open arms a few times to train with the late, Great Sifu Richard Bustillo, Rex, Mark, Nicole, and staff... My son eventually became a two-time National Collegiate Boxing Association (NCBA) Champion and was awarded by the tournament referees as the best boxer in the lower weight class in 2016 & 2017! https://youtu.be/Zlk9doqkK3s
Rest In Peace and Thank You again
Rest In Peace and Thank You again
Nio S.
Jan 12, 2017
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This is the place to learn Martial Arts! We heard about the legendary IMB in the 90s but it took awhile for us to find it... Our son Adam learned more here in less than a year and a half than the 4+ years he spent getting his black belt in MDK.
Sifu Richard Bustillo is an original student of the legendary Bruce Lee in the art of JKD & mixed martial arts along with Danny Inosanto. They both went on to establish their schools to share Bruce Lee's art along with their Filipino brand and mixed martial arts. Just like Bruce Lee had inspired Sifu Richard Bustillo and countless martial artists
Sifu Richard Bustillo is an original student of the legendary Bruce Lee in the art of JKD & mixed martial arts along with Danny Inosanto. They both went on to establish their schools to share Bruce Lee's art along with their Filipino brand and mixed martial arts. Just like Bruce Lee had inspired Sifu Richard Bustillo and countless martial artists
Kory A.
Nov 06, 2014
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I take my 7 year old daughter here and she loves it. Her instructor, John, is really good with kids and they learn a lot.
Hands down its one of the best martial arts schools for kids in south bay. We live in Redondo beach but it's worth the trip.
Hands down its one of the best martial arts schools for kids in south bay. We live in Redondo beach but it's worth the trip.
Anna S.
May 24, 2014
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Best place in the world! I don't live as close as you to, so I can't come here anymore, but I can't express how much this place changed my life. You can't get any more real and authentic then Sifu! Love this place and everyone there. I highly recommend, especially for children!!
Maka B.
Feb 10, 2013
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Known world wide as one of Bruce Lee's students and Danny Insanto's partner. Grand Master Richard Bustillo has a wealth of knowledge and teaching style like no other. What you learn in one day, can be used with confidence that night if need be. Not only does IMB have a loyal following here in Torrance, but also on a global scale. There are IMB affilates worldwide. What I like most? All ego's are checked at the door. Doesn't matter where your from or who you are. GM Richard treats everyone the same, as an equal.
