Why ICC?
“DISCIPLINE, RESPECT, HUMILITY. IT’S ABOUT MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT AND IT BECOMES A WAY OF LIFE.”
ICC transcends the realm of ordinary fight clubs, as it forms a harmonious fighting fit family comprising both everyday individuals and elite champions. Together, they forge an unbreakable bond founded on mutual respect. At ICC, the essence lies in understanding each person's unique abilities and assisting them in surpassing their own expectations through the intricate understanding of technique (the 'why') and its practical application (the 'how'). Furthermore, ICC places great emphasis on cultivating self-discipline and unwavering focus, qualities that its visionary founder, David Tong, believes can be seamlessly transferred to various aspects of everyday life.
"Every facet of martial arts holds profound applicability to other realms of your existence."
“ALL THE FACETS OF MARTIAL ARTS ARE TRANSFERABLE TO OTHER AREAS OF YOUR LIFE.”
Birth of ICC
The birth of ICC began with the childhood dreams and vision of David Tong, a lifelong student of martial arts. Like most kids growing up in the 1980s, he watched the classic Kung Ku movies and idolised Bruce Lee. Naturally, he pleaded for karate lessons (the only style of martial arts on offer at the time).
David was a teenage karate champion who in his adult years also took up BJJ and MMA – and won many BJJ championships and MMA bouts as a result. He was also selected for an Olympic judo and boxing scholarship by the Australian Institute of Sport in [2014].
Yet David’s driving passion was growing martial arts and giving others the chance to enjoy martial arts in their own capacity. He didn’t want people to be restricted to only one martial arts style when attending a gym. As such, ICC is an all-in-one mixed martial arts combat centre with 5 styles available for everyone. It is a place where anyone from absolute beginners to professional athletes could go to learn, train and grow under one roof.
“MARTIAL ARTS ISN’T JUST ABOUT THE PHYSICAL CHALLENGE; IT’S A THINKING SPORT, A CHESS MATCH WITHIN YOURSELF; STRATEGIC AND TACTICAL.”
Philosophy
The ICC philosophy is inspired by the Bushido Warrior Martial Arts Code and is built around four principles – family, loyalty, honour and respect.
FAMILY
ICC is one big family of fighters from all walks of life. And that’s how every single person who walks in our door is treated. It means helping each other and looking out for one another. We make everyone feel welcome whether you’re an elite athlete or a beginner. At ICC you’re not joining a gym; you’re joining a family.
LOYALTY
At ICC we believe loyalty is a two way street and is what holds our family together. Loyalty for our students is about being true to yourself and your training. That means giving your all; showing up on time, being present, giving your undivided attention and giving your absolute best – 100% commitment and no less. And in return our trainers will give you the same.
HONOUR
Honour is about carrying yourself in a dignified way, a principle at the very heart of martial arts. We behave with honour and integrity – we do what we say we will do. We honour ourselves; we honour other students, our teachers, our opponent, our practice, our bodies and the art of Martial Arts. That means respecting and abiding by a code of conduct.
RESPECT
We have one principle top of mind: “You are NOT the most important person in the gym; your training partner is.” No one person who enters our gym will ever consider himself or herself above anyone else; not one person will ever allow ego to cloud their actions towards others or jeopardise another’s safety. Because without your training partner you do not have a partner to train with or help you grow.
Culture
At ICC we’re one big family with no big egos.
We welcome anyone whatever your age, gender, race, religion, ability and body type. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’ve been, we’ll greet you with open arms and an open mind. All we ask is that you join us in embracing the ICC spirit of family, honour, loyalty and respect.