Imperial Combat Arts

03/29/2026

One of the clearest signs of inexperience in martial arts isn’t technique—it’s dismissing other styles.

“Our style beats that.”

“That wouldn’t work.”

“That’s useless in a real fight.”

But experienced practitioners see it differently.

Every martial art was built to solve a specific problem. Different rules, environments, and objectives create different systems—not inferior ones.

When you understand that, your training changes. You stop arguing about styles… and start learning from them.

This is the real divide in martial arts.

Read Article
https://imperialcombatarts.com/articles/why-serious-martial-artists-respect-other-styles

03/09/2026

One of the first things serious martial arts students notice is that the same Kung Fu style can look very different depending on the school teaching it.

A Tiger technique in one lineage may use a deeper stance.
Another school may emphasize a more upright posture.
A Snake strike in one system may be short and snapping, while another may extend farther with more whipping power.

These differences aren’t mistakes — they are part of how traditional martial arts evolve through lineage, body mechanics, and real combat experience.

In this article I break down why these variations exist and what they tell us about how martial arts develop over generations.

Read the full article here:
https://imperialcombatarts.com/articles

03/01/2026

Internal vs External Martial Arts — What’s the Real Difference?

People often ask whether a martial art is “internal” or “external.”
Which one is better? Which one is stronger? Which one is more effective?

The truth is, most of the arguments online miss the point.

“External” systems are often described as hard, muscular, explosive, and aggressive.
“Internal” systems are described as relaxed, structural, breath-driven, and controlled.

But real combat training is never purely one or the other.

In this article, we break down:

• What internal and external actually mean
• Why the definitions are often misunderstood
• How Yin & Yang apply to fighting
• And which approach Imperial Combat Arts trains

Serious martial artists should understand both.

Read the full article here:

👉 https://imperialcombatarts.com/articles/internal-vs-external-martial-arts-whats-the-real-difference

Websites are new.
Combat principles are not.

— Marek Aquila
Founder, Imperial Combat Arts

02/25/2026

Breaking Through a Training Plateau

Most martial artists eventually hit a plateau.

Strength stalls.
Techniques feel repetitive.
Sparring stops improving.

This isn’t random.

Progress usually slows for one of three reasons:
1. Training intensity stopped increasing.
2. Fundamentals stopped being refined.
3. Weaknesses stopped being challenged.

Plateaus happen when training becomes comfortable.

Real advancement requires deliberate discomfort — heavier resistance, sharper correction, cleaner repetition, and honest evaluation.

Sometimes the answer isn’t learning something new.

It’s doing the basics harder.

I wrote a short breakdown on how to identify which kind of plateau you’re facing and how to fix it.

Read Here
https://imperialcombatarts.com/articles/why-most-adults-plateau-after-three-years-of-martial-arts

Imperial Combat Arts

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

02/16/2026

Chinese New Year – Year of the Yang Fire Horse

The Year of the Yang Fire Horse has arrived.

Fire is expansion.
Horse is movement.
Together, they symbolize momentum, courage, and decisive action.

In traditional culture, this is not a passive year. It favors discipline, training, and bold ex*****on.

We’ve written a short article exploring the symbolism of Fire, the Horse, and what this year means for martial artists and serious practitioners.

Read here:
[https://imperialcombatarts.com/articles/chinese-new-year-year-of-the-yang-fire-horse]

Wishing strength and forward momentum to all of our extended schools and families this year.

— Imperial Combat Arts

10/07/2025

Congratulations Ting Sifu Warfield on opening your new Martial Arts School! Warfield offers study in Wu Tang, Leopard/Panther Kung Fu, BJJ Combatives, Knife, Club, and Axe fighting in Denver Colorado! Warfield is also a professional fitness instructor and has background in Greco Roman Wrestling and Muay Thai.

Apply Online https://imperialcombatarts.com/apply-for-study.html

Imperial Combat Arts - Imperial Wu Tang

07/08/2025

Congratulations Sifu Cangiano for achieving an entry level Instructor Rank at Imperial Combat Arts!

Sifu Cangiano trains at Imperial Combat Arts in 8 Animal Kung Fu, Muay Thai, Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Combat Grappling, Melee Weapons, and Fi****ms!

Sifu Cangiano teaches at Imperial Combat Arts and accepts private students in Alamosa County and surrounding areas of Southern Colorado!

07/04/2025

06/13/2025

Light Open Sparring Outdoors - Americana Finish - Imperial Combat Arts

Chavez vs. Rasmussen

05/27/2025

Congratulations Sifu Chavez for achieving an entry level Instructor Rank at Imperial Combat Arts!

Sifu Chavez has a background of several years in Krav Maga and continues her training at Imperial Combat Arts with 8 Animal Kung Fu, Muay Thai, Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Combat Grappling, Melee Weapons, and Fi****ms!

Sifu Chavez teaches at Imperial Combat Arts and also accepts her own private students in Alamosa County and surrounding areas of Southern Colorado.

Imperial Combat Arts - Imperial Wu Tang

11/15/2024

Two Handed Axe Form - Long Handled Axe - Imperial Combat Arts

Axe training is an advanced weapon study taught at Imperial Combat Arts in Denver CO. This high level weapon study includes the use of the Chinese Axe (Fu 斧), Battle Axe (Yue 钺), Broad Axe ( 板斧)​, Two handed Axe (雙手鉞​), Thrown Axes (飞斧​​), and Long Handled Axes (长柯斧)​​.
This fully immersive Axe training includes drills, sets, forms, target practice, weapon matching, and contains a vast system of joint locks and throws.