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 7th degree black belt in Shotokan and is a certified USA Karate Referee. With over 30 years of teaching experience, Shihan Marius is well educated in 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.