Volunteer Service
At the Independent Martial Arts School, we believe that a Martial Artist's key role is strengthening and building up the Community that sustains them, not fighting or winning trophies.
Whether Local or Global in nature, IMAS students go above and beyond to leave a positive mark on the world. Between our direct predecessor and the IMAS, hundreds of students have volunteered thousands of hours in support of local events in Southern New Hampshire. We still support some of them today...
Light the Night
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society raises money to develop cures for blood cancers (Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkins Disease and Myeloma). Their signature national fundraiser, Light the Night, stages regional level walks all around the country to raise money for these efforts. The IMAS, and its predecessor the IKS, has been helping with all aspects of managing the Nashua walk for over 13 years. Whether it involves counting money, distributing illuminated lanterns to the walkers, or making sure that every walker finishes the course, we help out wherever we are needed. The organizers have told us multiple times that they could not run the event without us, and we reinforce their confidence every year.
Wags for Whiskers
For over 100 years, the Humane Society for Greater Nashua has been caring for Nashua’s runaway, stray and abandoned animals, using its resources to find loving homes for all of them. Their signature fundraiser (Wags for Whiskers) requires a large amount of support to coordinate each year. For many years now, IMAS Volunteers have helped to break down the event after it concludes, and get everything back to the Shelter in an organized fashion. The Shelter’s staff & event organizers always look forward to our help, which goes a long way towards their primary mission.
Gate City Marathon
The annual Gate City Marathon and Relay runs (literally) right by our front door on Lake Street. Typically taking place in mid May, we provide a Water Stop for the runners to help them contend with the weather, and to keep them fueled for the long road ahead. Occasionally, we might see students and instructors participating in the event as well.