IMA Utah is a Best of State family oriented dojo dedicated to providing a friendly, safe and positive environment in which students can learn the philosophy and the skills of Martial Arts. Shihan Marius Gilca, chief instructor of IMA Utah, started karate at age 13 and received his 1st degree black belt at age 19.
He currently holds a 6th degree black belt in Shotokan and is a certified USA Karate Kumite Referee. With over 25 years of teaching experience, Shihan Marius is well educated in karate and teaching karate. Shihan Marius' teaching philosophy is to help students become better people through martial arts by helping them develop a stronger and healthier mind and body.
He currently holds a 6th degree black belt in Shotokan and is a certified USA Karate Kumite Referee. With over 25 years of teaching experience, Shihan Marius is well educated in karate and teaching karate. Shihan Marius' teaching philosophy is to help students become better people through martial arts by helping them develop a stronger and healthier mind and body.
Services
We are proud to be part of the IMA Family, dedicated to teaching Shotokan Karate, a traditional Japanese Martial Art. We offer classes to children and adults of all abilities and levels. IMA Utah is a family owned dojo that is run by Shihan Marius and his two sons, Nicolae and Elijah. Shihan Marius Gilca, chief instructor of IMA Utah, was born in Brasov, Romania in 1970.
Policies: All lessons, both locations, need to be paid in full month increments at the beginning of the month. If you sign up in the middle of the month, payment for classes during the first month can be purchased per lesson or in a whole month increment, whichever is less. If payment for lessons already received in the calendar month is paid after the 10th day a $10 late fee will be added to the monthly dues.
An important step in your karate journey is testing for your next belt. Testing for your next belt shows your dedication, hard work, skill and enthusiasm for karate. The successful completion of each test brings you one step closer to becoming a black belt. The specific skills required for each belt level are listed in your Student Progress Manual which will also show you when you will be ready to test based on the required amount of stripes.
Reviews (8)
Jimmy Cooper
Jan 04, 2021
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We love Marius and his IMA dojo in Cottonwood Heights. We've attended the dojo for the past few years and he's really good with kids - knowing when to be firm and when kids just have to be wiggly. It looked intimidating in the beginning, but it's not - my son has learned an impressive amount of shotokan karate and is legitimately advancing through the belts. We like the focus and determination that's taught, as well as the sense of accomplishment the kids get. We're indeed lucky to have Marius and his dojo in our neighborhood.
David Wilk
Sep 18, 2020
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Marius is the Shihan at this dojo and he is very impressive. We've been students of his for nearly a year and he is such a good instructor. He is so good with kids, as well as with adults. His style of instruction is low pressure and very encouraging. Both of his sons are experts, and together they make a tremendous team demonstrating Karate at the highest caliber.
W. Yavelak
Sep 06, 2020
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Kylie Rochford
Aug 23, 2020
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This dojo is fantastic! Small class sizes, patient instructors, and high quality training. I have trained in karate dojo all over the world and this karate school is up there with the best. Shihan Marius and his assistant instructors (Nicolae and Elijah) are skilled, patient, and fun to train with. This family-run club is an asset to Cottonwood Heights and SLC more broadly.
Yournotjoking
Jul 19, 2019
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Anna McNamer
Jan 02, 2019
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Igor Areinamo
Jun 29, 2018
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By far the best Karate academy in SLC. The level of instruction is top notch. My girls have absolutely loved their experience here. They both have already participated at national competitions and wonedals and they have been training for a year only. I would recommend this dojo to anyone interested in real karate and the growth that comes with it!
Nicole Bursell
Jul 11, 2014
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Our son has been going to the dojo for about a year now and we could not be happier. He has shown growth in focus, commitment and confidence. Sensei and his team are excellent. They take the art seriously and are able to graduate each student at the pace they need. We feel lucky to have the dojo in our neighborhood.
