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Our Chief Instructor

Sensei Nathan Sherman has been training in martial arts since 1997, holding ranking in several different styles (see below). He lives by the philosophy of CANI (constant and never-ending improvement), striving everyday to become both a better martial artist and teacher. He truly believes that although being a proficient martial artist is essential, having the ability to teach is just as important.

We have all had brilliant teachers and professors that, although very smart, were unable to effectively transfer that knowledge to students. Because of this "gap," Sensei Sherman continues to improve his teaching ability every day. He currently trains under Dave Kovar of Sacrament, CA.

Providing students with the "ultimate student expereince" is Senei Sherman's #1 goal and as a team, IMAA strives for that goal everyday. The martial arts are a powerful tool for improving the quality of a student's life, and because of this, Sensei Sherman takes his education very seriously and does everything in his power to make that experience as positive and powerful as possible.

Sensei Sherman's Rankings
To most people new to the martial arts, styles and rank don't mean much because they don't understand what it means. Ranking also varies greatly from style to style and instructor to instructor. For those who are interested in knowing the specific ranks of Sensei Sherman, they will be listed below.

1. 1st Degree Black Belt in Chinese Kenpo (1997)
2. 2nd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do (2003)
3. 4th Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo (2011 under Dave Kovar of Sacramento, CA)
4. Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (2010 under Korey Kilburn of Edinboro, Pa)
5. Instructor Certification in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (under David Meyer and BJJ America)

You NEVER Arrive!

It's a journey, not a destination. You never "arrive" in the martial arts, regardless of your rank. You never "arrive" as a teacher...you continually learn and improve. Sensei Sherman understands this and therefore trains on a regular bases (5 days/week) in various styles. Currently, he continues to train in American Kenpo (and other "blended" curriculum) under Kyoshi Dave Kovar of Satori Academy based in Sacramento, CA, and also trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Our Staff

Our Staff...We Are Here To Help!

Our instructors have spent many years devoted to training in the martial arts and have attained a certain level of expertise to qualify them as teachers and mentors. They receive on-going instructor training through our Leadership Team (CIT Team) to ensure they continue to grow so they can serve our students better.  We firmly believe that just because someone can "DO" does not mean they can TEACH. As a result, no student is permitted to teach unless they first undergo the proper training and certification. Just as a school teacher must earn a college degree to teach, so must our instructors study to be a teacher in our CIT (Certified Instructor Training) program. This guarantees they are qualified to teach you and/or your child in the most effective and professional manner. Most importantly - we are all here to help you reach your goals. We are here to serve.

Sensei Nathan Sherman (Chief Instructor)
Sensei Sherman is the founder and chief instructor of integrity Martial Arts Academy. For more information on him, read the above section of this page.

Mr. Chris Colvin (Assistant Instructor)
Mr. Colvin is our highest level assistant instructor. He is very passionate about martial arts and loves to teach. He is excellent working with children, and also has all four of his children involved in martial arts as well.

Mr. Tony Durnell (Assistant Instructor)
Mr. Durnell is an assistant instructor and our Kid-Jitsu instructor. He holds a Black Belt in Karate and is a professional mixed martial-artist. He works very well with students of all ages. He has developed a passion for martial arts since starting training as a teenager. He has extensive experience in Karate, Muay Thai Kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Miss Niki Chase (Program Director)
Miss Niki's sole purpose is to take care of students and those who wish to become students. Our students are our first priority, therefore she spends every working minute answering questions, keeping students and parents informed, helping new students transition into our school, and providing Orientations to future students.

Miss Sherry Barto
Miss Sherry is the mother of a student and works at the front desk, taking care of student/parent needs and questions.  She is an excellent "people" person, always ready to help.

Miss Amy Carlson
Miss Amy is also the mother of a student and works at the front desk. She comes to us with many years of customer service experience, making her a great asset to our team. She is here to help with any questions or needs that students or parents may have.