Formation

The I.A.C.M.A., International Academy of Chinese Martial Arts is an essential association for the diffusion and teaching of Chinese martial disciplines; an organization that promotes, since 1986, training and in-depth studies specializing in the quality of personal knowledge.

These courses are specific to qualify the technical, didactic and cultural preparation of Oriental disciplines lovers, allowing them to immerse themselves in the agonistic paths of becoming an expert connoisseur with adequate tools.

The programs towards which the student can direct his interest vary between sports, cultural, artistic and medical-scientific themes. Each of these can be followed individually rather than combined with a parallel study of others.

Whether oriented to simple deepening or updating rather than qualification, the training activity is developed according to individual needs and basing the minimum commitment on a monthly appointment (on weekends).
In this way, it is possible to satisfy individual needs towards each technical typology, such as external styles, internal styles, or traditional Chinese medicine and Oriental philosophies.

The training courses, in turn, are divided according to a specific program by qualification. The latter, which begins with the “F” level, culminates in the “A” level, the most advanced degree. In this way, each participant can maintain an interest appropriate to the context and the objectives set.
In this way, the training course follows an appropriate progression, allowing the participant the proper time required for their natural maturation. It also creates a natural selection in more specialized levels, those reserved for instructors and masters.

Therefore, in the training proposed here, it is possible to identify different technology sectors and differentiate practical paths through stages, masters, and study trips, thus meeting the expectations of the most demanding participants of the Oriental disciplines.
For the professional level and the high technical value, the latter initiatives use external qualified specialists and masters who collaborate in “partnership” with the I.A.C.M.A., allowing the latter to maintain a standard of education among the most skilled professional in the sector.

WHAT IS MEANT BY THE CULTURE OF ORIENTAL DISCIPLINES
Oriental disciplines and martial arts, which are reductively identified as fighting techniques, on the contrary, go beyond the association with activities for the training of the body. Instead, those become a form of education for the whole body-mind-spirit, using strategies for strengthening individual potentials, such as self-discipline and self-esteem; educating to life and the culture of being, to allow the personal evolution through the different levels of research of the spirit and consciousness.
With these intentions, the oriental disciplines are an excellent tool for recognizing and appreciating oneself, improving individual knowledge, and learning strategies to transmit one’s own experience to others. A culture of life in which everyone can express themselves in perfect balance with others. Able to adopt the psychic and emotional faculties to promote the growth of one’s defensive consciousness. The relationship intrinsic to the human being, between power and subjection, acts positively for the balance and uniformity of the “self.”

WHY EDUCATE TO DEEPENING
Today’s approach to Eastern cultures is widely accepted by Western peoples for an ever-growing need for shared values of the human being. So it is not by chance that the growth of interest has determined the spreading of proposals in these last years.
Today we are witnessing an increase in the number of students directed to the practice of Oriental disciplines. In this sense, the teaching of these disciplines must be entrusted to a professional, able, without minimizing the technical aspect of teaching, to educate the study and culture while respecting the ethical and moral values related to martial art.
To the serious student, the teaching must offer themes inherent in the practical daily culture, in which bodily hygiene and the culture of traditional Chinese medicine are integrated and the considerable knowledge of philosophy.
This is to offer different ideas and keep high and alive the evolved concept of the art.

COURSES GOALS

• To offer innovative and avant-garde teaching to train technicians, teachers, or therapists competent in oriental disciplines and culture.
• To allow all interested parties a severe and constant deepening and, on the other hand, to prepare teachers and supervisors professionally.
• To provide an organizational structure capable of ensuring the updating and deepening with the help of specialists and professionals in the field.
• To expand the horizons of the study of Oriental disciplines through courses, conferences, workshops, practical internships and study trips.
• Offer multiple practical opportunities so that the student is guaranteed a severe path of apprenticeship.

TO WHOM THE TRAINING AND SPECIALIZATION COURSES OF THE IACMA ARE ADDRESSED
The training courses offered by I.A.C.M.A. are addressed to all: beginners and advanced interested in deepening method. The program and technical-teaching knowledge in the context of Chinese Oriental disciplines, integrating with the values and customs of the West, allow us to evolve with the progress of culture. And offering the opportunity for everyone to create a small future niche, which could lead to a suitable professional career.

DURATION OF COURSES
All courses follow six-month programmatic cycles, each of which includes 5 meetings. Each meeting, fixed on a monthly weekend, has a duration of 5 hours (from 9.30 to 12.00 and from 14.30 to 17.00), the latter divided between technical, theoretical and comparison, allow easy assimilation of the program, which in turn is supported by documentary handouts.

GENERAL STRUCTURE OF THE STUDY PROGRAM

1ST YEAR
10 days (weekends) of 5 hours each 50 hours
20 meetings (weekly) of 1/1,30 hours 26 hours

2ND YEAR
10 days (weekends) of 5 hours each 50 hours
20 meetings (weekly) of 1/1,30 hours 26 hours
3 practical-theoretical internships (summer retreat) 30 hours

3RD YEAR
10 days (weekends) of 5 hours each 50 hours
20 (weekly) meetings of teaching assistance 26 hours
3 practical-theoretical internships (summer retreat) 30 hours

4TH YEAR
10 days (weekends) of 5 hours each 50 hours
20 (weekly) meetings of teaching assistance 26 hours
3 practical-theoretical internships (summer retreat) 30 hours

5TH YEAR
10 days (weekends) of 5 hours each 50 hours
20 (weekly) meetings of teaching assistance 26 hours
3 practical-theoretical internships (summer retreat) 30 hours

Annual examination 6 hours
Practical exam 6 hours
Theoretical examination 6 hours
Diploma thesis Written report

Total 518 hours

DIPLOMA PATHWAY

EXAMS
1. Examinations of theoretical knowledge (oral)
2. Practical exams
The student, who intends to certify his training for a professional purpose, must take four (4) verification exams and one (1) end-of-course exam within his study period. The student requested the examinations at the end of the required training period (at least one month after the end of the program of study).
Examination sessions will be composed of a committee made up of key faculty members, who will examine the student on the topics in their program. Each session will require the student to be evaluated for both practical and theoretical knowledge.
After the third examination is carried out successfully, his practical knowledge is asked for suitability in teaching (methodology and didactics). After completing the first four exams at the end of the training period, the student will have to close the cycle with a final exam and a written thesis (thematic report of at least 50 pages). For admission to this last session, all the student’s certificates of attendance, such as seminars, practical training, and apprenticeships, will be considered.

OBTAINING THE QUALIFICATION AND DIPLOMA AT THE END OF THE COURSE
The passage of all examinations with a positive outcome will determine the automatic certification of the student to the degree of Instructor with the first qualification of that degree: 1st to which the candidate’s desire may succeed the next two and the “master” specialization.

SPECIAL PROVISIONS
Attendance at courses is compulsory. The latter is extended to the extent of 80% of the scheduled lessons. The possibility to anticipate or postpone exams depending on the preparation, while being at the student’s discretion, may affect the timing of the same education. The certified inability to attend classes will be considered longer than 45 days (cases of injury and / or illness, grave reasons, etc.).

PERSONAL COMMITMENT
The student, who is about to join one of the I.A.C.M.A. training programs, is required to be serious and responsible. Commitment and personal motivation are therefore requirements of absolute importance for maximum results.

POST-DIPLOMA SPECIALIZATION COURSES / COMPLEMENTARY COURSES
Students who have completed their educational program can join additional specialization programs to choose from: traditional Chinese medicine, naturopathy, homeopathy. These may be offered at branch locations.

MAINTENANCE OF QUALIFICATION
As in all training courses, but even more when it comes to Eastern disciplines, the training is not a qualification acquired, but the cognitive structure with which you can draw on a higher level of understanding from the standard student. For this reason, maintaining the degree of qualification is a responsibility that pertains exclusively to the Instructor. He, participating in refresher courses and pursuing the path of deepening, can constantly compare their knowledge and professionalism.

LIST OF SUBJECTS INCLUDED IN THE ORIENTAL DISCIPLINES

MARTIAL DISCIPLINES
– TRADITIONAL KUNGFU (external styles): (Zai Li Fo, Cha Chuan, Shaolin Chuan); MODERN WUSHU: (Chang Chuan, Nan Chuan).
(internal styles): TAIJIQUAN (Chen, Yang, Wu); BAQUA CHUAN; XINGYI CHUAN
COMBAT SPORTS: Q.I.N.D.A.; S.A.N.D.A.; L.E.I.T.A.I.; STREET FIGHTING; SHOOT BOXING
ORIENTAL GYMNASTICS
MEDICAL AND SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINES
QIGONG (Shaolin Luo Han Qigong, Wudang Qigong).
CHINESE THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE (Neigong Tuina)
DAO YIN (TAOIST ALCHEMICAL DISCIPLINES)
CULTURAL SUBJECTS INTEGRATED INTO THE TRAINING COURSES
WRITING
ORIENTAL LANGUAGES
ORIENTAL PHILOSOPHIES
LIST AND TYPOLOGY OF TRAINING COURSES

AGONIST
In the course for the qualification of agonists, technical training is proposed to elevate the student’s characteristics. Participation in this type of training can take place for personal motivation or direction from the teacher and does not require unique features or gifts.
The course, directed by maestro Isidoro Li Pira and his assistants, is structured to exalt each student’s gifts or technical preparation, improving the personal characteristics of each participant. Therefore, the student inserted in the context of the agonist course has to his advantage to follow an individual training program coordinated by a technical card that establishes mode and time of realization. Then, depending on the level reached, the latter is updated periodically to track progressive progress.
The technical training sessions take place at least once a week and are added to the ordinary lessons of the courses (minimum two weekly).
Suppose the student is not enrolled, with an annual subscription to an academic course for at least two weekly lessons or any training course. In that case, the cost for participation in the competitive training for the yearly period (from September to June) is fr. 600.-; or €. 400. – (fees including compulsory membership).

TRAINING AND SPECIALIZATION
Training and specialization courses are cycles of in-depth study, useful to improve the experience of individual study, according to a methodology similar to that used for technical training courses and more specific to teachers.
The instruction follows a program defined in five (5) lessons. At the end of which and after a specific verification of the state of acquisition achieved by the student, it is possible to join the next cycle. The lessons are offered monthly, following a schedule established annually.
While with the advancement, if the student wishes can participate in more programs.
The passing of the training course allows, to enroll in the Assistant Instructor courses.
The lessons are held in the headquarters of Lugano, for Switzerland, Milan, for Italy. However, with appropriate planning and minimum participants, it is possible to structure the course in branch offices.
The technical direction is entrusted to Master Isidoro Li Pira.

COURSE FOR ASSISTANT INSTRUCTORS
The course aims to train technicians recognized by the I.A.C.M.A. and by the organizations represented by the latter at the international level. To join the class for A.I. technicians, it is necessary to be a qualified student at one of the affiliated centers or complete one or more introductory training courses.
The duration of the training period depends on the individual preparation. Each trainee is followed through a technical training program, which provides practical and theoretical issues related to one of the teachings of the I.A.C.M.A.
The program is articulated through an annual calendar that allows, depending on the situation, to follow the lessons, monthly and weekly, at the headquarters or in the detachments.
Annually, at the end of its program, the trainee who has attended all instruction sessions is entitled to take the end-of-year examination, provided for passing the qualification.
The latter is in order :
A.I.-E; A.I.-D; A.I.-C ; A.I.-B ; A.I.-A. At the end of the training period, each qualified Assistant Instructor “A” must take an examination at the end of the course in front of an international commission specially set up. Upon passing, the latter adheres to the right of teachers I.A.C.M.A. His qualifications are recognized nationally and internationally.

COURSE FOR INSTRUCTORS
The above is reserved only for those who have successfully passed the training program for Assistants.
The course differs from the previous one in periodicity and duration, is based on a continuous updating of teaching programs and an in-depth study of personal schedules. It allows acquiring qualifications of grades up to the fourth, after which automatically becomes a member of the role of Masters. This last qualification is achieved in a different way depending on the specialization. All instructor qualification examinations will be given before a commission composed of authorities representing the disciplines. This commission will have the right to confer honorary ranks and offices.

COURSES FOR JUDGES AND REFEREES
These courses are open to those who are interested, regardless of their technical knowledge.
They are directed by the association and regulated by it. The training sessions will be held in the locations authorized by I.A.C.M.A. The periodicity with which the programming of the courses for Judges and Referees is called is three annual appointments. After the three sessions, it will be possible to take an exam at the end of the course, with which one will have the possibility to receive an official recognition, through which one will have the right to carry out one’s duties with the right to reimbursement.

SEMINARS OR STAGES
These can be organized indifferently in the I.A.C.M.A. offices, as well as by external organizations. The purposes of these intensive training sessions can be multiple; however, not bound by the association’s directives. In the case of external organizations, the promoter(s) can avail themselves of the I.A.C.M.A. collaboration in the organization and reserve all coordination. The subjects of teaching are to be chosen among those previously mentioned and in any case, belong to the associative repertoire. It is also possible to coordinate significant events (competitions, demonstrations, exceptional masters, press conferences, advertising and specialized promotion) in agreement with the association. The I.A.C.M.A., in this case, will make available all its logistical and administrative support for the best success of the intentions.

FINAL NOTES
Contrary to many organizations, the I.A.C.M.A., led by master Isidoro Li Pira, has as its foremost goal the protection of its teachings and its members. To this end, it has developed, with twenty years’ experience, a whole series of collaboration formulas to allow the maximum elasticity in the relationships with its members and the organizations connected to it.

ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES
The training courses of the I.A.C.M.A. are addressed to all those who are interested in them. There are no restrictions regarding age, sex, nationality, or even more physical fitness.
The student who intends to join the training courses can request it through the form attached below. Then he/she will receive all the documentation specific to both the enrollment and the required program.
It is possible to enroll at any time you wish; this will allow I.A.C.M.A. to include the student as soon as possible in one of the introductory courses. The student has the opportunity to make specific evaluations regarding the course he/she has chosen.

GENERAL INFORMATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
At the end of each semester cycle of appointments, it is possible to take an end-of-course exam. In addition to recognizing the degree acquired, the latter will allow joining the next cycle and advancing the degree of education.
The I.A.C.M.A. allows official recognition in the various areas, thanks to the help of the different international connections and the sponsorship of the various specialist bodies related to the association.
However, therapeutic specialization is subject to local regulations.

EXAMS, CERTIFICATES AND CREDITS
To obtain a certificate of attendance or admission to the examinations, attending at least 80% of the scheduled lessons is necessary.
Those who take the exams at the end of the course receive a certificate of grade that qualifies the level acquired.
For each program in which you take part, in addition to the certificate of attendance, will be issued, upon request, a certificate of attendance, with the characteristics of the course in question, valid to the assignment of training credits at colleges and universities *.
* possibility subject to local regulations.

ONLINE ASSISTANCE
Participants in the training courses will be able to take advantage of an online assistance service (via e-mail) during the entire duration of the course. In addition, they will be able to have explanations regarding the programmatic contents of the various subjects.

GENERAL PROGRAM
The general program, then subdivided by discipline and level of education, provides theoretical lessons, practical lessons and application stages. In turn, the three general programs will be further subdivided as follows:
theory: philosophy, physiology, anatomy, training, teaching communication; practice: fundamental for personal preparation; an introductory technique for teaching; application: training combination, combination for combat, free application learning.

BEGINNING OF COURSES AND DATES
All courses, except for special programs, will have a specific start and periodicity; for details, check the indications reported on each activity.
In general, the training for martial disciplines has begun the month of September, the medical/scientific ones in January.

COSTS AND ENROLLMENT

TRAINING IN THE ACADEMY:

• single lesson: CHF 130.00 (-18 years) / CHF 180.00 (+18 years)
• annual cycle (10 meetings): CHF 1’530.00 (-18 years) / CHF 1’780.00 (+18 years)

ONLINE TRAINING

• single lesson: CHF 75.00 (-18 years) / CHF 90.00 (+18 years)
• annual cycle (10 meetings): CHF 1’530.00 (-18 years) / CHF 1’780.00 (+18 years)

This is the basic fee foreseen for those in good standing with the I.A.C.M.A. membership; enrollment in the training allows you to attend weekly classes with a discount compared to amateur members. For specific fees, see the list.
All fees and membership applications must be received 30 days before the course start date; after that, a 10% surcharge will apply.
Missed lessons cannot be refunded. However, it will be possible to make up, upon payment of a participation fee, which varies according to the type of course or level, lessons missed in a similar course for the same level of education, provided that the missed lesson has been adequately justified (see participation rules).

REDUCTIONS
Enrollment in more than one course at the same time, belonging to the same area (internal, external styles, etc.) will result in a 20% reduction on the total amount provided if the enrollment is received within the deadline. In addition, students of sports sciences, sports monitors, physical education teachers will receive a fixed 15% reduction on the total fee.
Please note that the above reductions do not apply to special events (internships, conventions, seminars, etc.).

I.A.C.M.A. reserves the right to change the program and cancel an initiative if the minimum number of participants is not reached, providing, in this case, a refund of the fee paid or, upon request, using it for another initiative.
After enrolling in a course, it is possible to renounce participation by requesting a refund of the fee per the procedures indicated:
80% of the fee within 15 days after the start date;
40% of the fee within 60 days of the start date;
After these terms, you will not be entitled to any refund.
In installments, the fee must be paid in full, even in case of a waiver, and any refund will be calculated on the entire amount.
As an alternative to the refund, it is possible to move the participation fee to another initiative without limitation of choice in case of renunciation. In this case, a penalty is calculated. This will follow the same criteria mentioned above for the time of renunciation.
Attention: the fee shift does not apply in registration to special events (conventions, internships, seminars, retreats, etc.).

Fontal training times (appointment with monthly calendar)