ABOUT AIMA
Home of Wu Chi Kung Fu
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF MARTIAL ARTS
The Australian Institute of Martial Arts (AIMA) has been teaching martial arts on the Gold Coast since 2003, providing structured training for children, adults and seniors across martial arts, self-defence, health and personal development.
AIMA was founded by Sifu Aldo Gentile, Principal Instructor and developer of the school’s internal martial arts system. With more than four decades of martial arts experience, Aldo has dedicated much of his life to studying, teaching and refining the principles that form the foundation of the school today.
Our Approach
At AIMA, martial arts is more than learning techniques. Our training develops movement, awareness, coordination, confidence, self-discipline and the ability to apply martial principles with greater understanding.
Our primary specialisation is Wu Chi Kung Fu, a contemporary internal martial arts system developed from many years of practical training, teaching, research and refinement.
Rather than being based simply on collections of techniques, Wu Chi Kung Fu explores the underlying principles that govern movement, structure, power, timing, adaptability and application.
Within the system, Wu Chi Chuan provides the complete combative self-defence component, while our broader programs allow students to pursue martial development, health, internal training and personal growth according to their individual goals.
Internal Martial Arts
One of the distinguishing features of our approach is the development of internal principles.
Internal training does not necessarily change the outward appearance of a movement. Instead, it develops the way movement is organised, powered and applied.
This means a punch may outwardly resemble a punch from another martial art, but its method of delivery, internal power, effect and strategic application can be very different.
For experienced martial artists, these principles can provide another level of understanding without requiring them to abandon the integrity of their existing style. The aim is not simply to combine techniques from different systems, but to understand the common principles that connect movement, power and application.
Martial Arts for Different Goals
Over the years AIMA has provided training in areas including Kung Fu, self-defence, boxing, kickboxing, grappling, Tai Chi for health, general fitness, strength and conditioning.
Today our programs have become increasingly focused around internal martial arts for health, self-defence and personal development.
Each program has a defined purpose and progression so that students understand not only what they are learning, but also why they are learning it and how each stage contributes to their development.
Students can train according to their own interests and goals, while those seeking a deeper understanding of the complete system can progress through our instructor development pathway.
Our Teaching Philosophy
A good instructor must remain a student.
Our instructors continue to train, study, practise and refine their understanding of the art. They are expected to teach professionally and respectfully while preserving the principles, philosophy and standards of the system.
At the same time, martial arts should never become static.
Our approach respects traditional knowledge while continuing to examine how principles can be understood, taught and applied in a clear and practical way for modern students.
This philosophy allows the system to remain connected to its foundations while continuing to grow and evolve.
Our Founder
Sifu Aldo Gentile has trained in martial arts for more than 40 years and has been teaching on the Gold Coast since 2003.
His approach to teaching is based on patience, practical understanding and the belief that genuine skill develops through consistent practice.
Patience. Perseverance. Practice.
Whether someone is beginning martial arts for the first time or already has many years of experience, the objective is to help each student develop according to their own ability, interests and goals.
Training with AIMA
Whether your interest is self-defence, internal Kung Fu, Tai Chi for health, martial arts development or personal wellbeing, you are welcome to explore our programs and discover an approach that suits you.
We welcome beginners as well as experienced martial artists who are interested in developing a deeper understanding of internal movement, power and application.
Australian Institute of Martial Arts
Specialising in Wu Chi Kung Fu Internal Arts
Internal Martial Arts for Health, Self-Defence & Personal Development.
Our Mission
To provide a professional, welcoming and supportive training environment where students of all ages can develop skill, confidence, discipline and personal growth.
To teach with sincerity, integrity and a commitment to continual improvement, while maintaining high standards across all of our martial arts, health and self-development programs.
To encourage strong moral and ethical values through training, promoting respect, responsibility, self-control and positive conduct both inside and outside the school.
To develop capable students, instructors and future leaders who possess not only technical skill, but also the knowledge, character and wisdom to represent the art professionally and pass its values on to future generations.
Our Vision
To develop the mind, body and character through martial arts, encouraging each individual to grow with discipline, confidence, integrity and purpose.
To share Wu Chi Kung Fu with people from all walks of life and make quality internal martial arts training accessible to those who genuinely wish to learn and develop.
To inspire our students to aim higher, continue improving and carry the values of patience, perseverance and practice into their training and everyday lives.
Through this approach, we aim to preserve, develop and pass on a meaningful martial art that can continue to benefit future generations.