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. He joined the IMA organization in June 2007 after searching for a family orientated organization with a great structured program. 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. Shihan Marius, along with his two sons, are working hard to grow their studio and to expand the IMA family.