Shihan Daniel Ruocco: A Legacy of Martial Arts Excellence
Dr. Daniel Ruocco is the distinguished Chief Master Instructor and Founder of the International Martial Arts Academy (IMAA). His martial arts journey began at the age of six in Capri, Italy, and has since evolved into a global career spanning multiple continents, disciplines, and elite competitive arenas. A former high-level competitor, Dr. Ruocco has taught and trained extensively throughout Europe, Japan, Thailand, and the United States, earning international respect for both his technical mastery and instructional leadership.
He holds a 6th Degree Black Belt in Multi-Style System, a 6th Degree Black Belt in Jujitsu (JA, USJA), and a 4th Degree Black Belt in Judo (USJA). In addition, he possesses ranks in Karate, Kickboxing, Ashihara Karate, Kenpo, Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, Kobudo, and Kendo, demonstrating exceptional breadth and depth across traditional and modern martial arts systems.
Dr. Ruocco is a certified USA Judo National Coach, an international Jujitsu coach, a Jujitsu America Instructor, and a licensed Sport Jujitsu Referee with Jujitsu America. A lifelong student of the arts, he maintains a strong connection to traditional Kodokan Judo, regularly training at the prestigious Kodokan Institute in Tokyo during his visits to Japan. His discipline and leadership extend beyond the dojo—he is also a veteran of the Italian Army.
In 1999, Dr. Ruocco earned a Doctorate in Sports Science, with academic concentrations in psychology, child education, anatomy, and biology. His doctoral dissertation, Spine Malformations in the Developmental Years, reflects his scholarly commitment to the physical health, safety, and long-term development of young athletes.
In 2004, he founded the first International Martial Arts Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. As enrollment rapidly increased, the academy expanded—first relocating to a larger facility and later into a 4,000-square-foot state-of-the-art campus. Under Dr. Ruocco’s leadership, IMAA has earned both national and international recognition for excellence in instruction, competition, and community impact.
Among his many honors, Dr. Ruocco has received some of the martial arts world’s most respected accolades, including:
• Instructor of the Year (2006, Hall of Fame Martial Arts)
• Police Tactics Instructor of the Year (2007, Hall of Fame Martial Arts)
• Instructor of the Year (2010, Jujitsu America)
• Blue Ribbon Award for outstanding contribution to martial arts
• Distinguished Service Award (2017) for dedication to martial arts education
• Top Martial Arts School Award (2009, EFC Black Belt Schools & International Board of Directors)
• Best Martial Arts School / Program in Broward County (annually since 2008)
Dr. Ruocco’s leadership within the martial arts community includes his appointment to the Jujitsu America Sport Jujitsu Competition Committee in 2014 and his service as Director-at-Large on the Jujitsu America Board of Directors beginning in 2019. In 2021, he became a lifetime member of the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation and Traditional Kodokan Judo. In 2025, Shihan Ruocco was awarded the prestigious title of Professor by the Jujitsu America Board.
In August 2021, he expanded his vision by opening a second location, IMAA South Fort Lauderdale. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Ruocco and his team played a vital role in community support by delivering virtual martial arts instruction, helping students maintain both physical fitness and emotional well-being.
In 2022, IMAA’s competitive team captured first place at the Jujitsu America Nationals. In 2023, Dr. Ruocco served as Coach of the USA Jujitsu Coalition in the United Kingdom, accompanying three IMAA students who returned as World Champions. Under his leadership, Team USA triumphed over teams from the United Kingdom and Australia in international competition.
Today, Dr. Ruocco remains deeply committed to advancing the transformative power of Judo, Jujitsu, and martial arts education. With two premier academies in Fort Lauderdale, he continues to inspire, instruct, and shape future leaders and champions.
Personal Philosophy
“Everything you need in life can be worked on in the Dojo—
A strong BODY, a sharp MIND, and a vital SPIRIT.”
