IEF Martial Arts Named Lansdale Business of the Month

IEF Martial Arts Academy has been named Lansdale’s Business of the Month for February.

"I’m happy to honor a business that plays a role in improving people’s health, self-confidence and self-awareness,” Economic Development Committee member Mark Ladley told Borough Council at its monthly business meeting Feb. 27. The Academy "goes above and beyond as a martial arts school,” Ladley said, "because of what students learn and how they learn it.”

IEF Martial Arts Academy, in operation since 2003, moved last November to its new address at The Pavilion Shopping Center, 575 S. Broad St. Led by Master Ian E. Fusco, the school instructs in several forms of Kung Fu, including Shaolin, rooted in the five animal styles, and Wing Chun, which teaches maximum efficiency and a strong, relaxed technique.

The techniques taught by Master Ian and the team "are the launching point for all martial arts,” said Ladley, and "are rooted in thousands of years of history, knowledge and tradition.”

Whether students are looking to learn grappling, close-up defense or high-flying kicks and strikes, Kung Fu has it all, said Ladley. And to master these techniques, he said, you "learn about the mechanics of your own body … including the energy that drives you. (And) this helps you understand similar aspects of the people around you.”

IEF Martial Arts Academy has classes for young and old, also including Tai Chi and Zumba sessions. And Master Ian’s background in sports medicine and personal training enables him to instruct in proper training techniques.

"I have been privileged to witness and experience the warm welcome provided by Ian, the school’s teachers and its students. They learn from each other and teach each other,” Ladley said.

"If I could help someone understand themselves better so that they can get through their day and enjoy their day, then I’ve accomplished my journey with them as much as I could,” Master Ian told North Penn Now in an interview last fall.