The Total Impact System
The Total Impact System blends multiple styles together to create a well rounded system which utilizes techniques of American, Chinese, Israeli, Japanese, and Korean origins, including: Karate, Kickboxing/Boxing, Krav Maga, Kung Fu, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and Judo & Jiu-Jitsu. It is about growing and continuing the evolution of martial arts by combining the best techniques from the various styles into one program. We are confident that our martial arts classes are the best in Arlington Heights, and we have regular students from Buffalo Grove, Long Grove, Palatine, Wheeling, and surrounding area. Total Impact Martial Arts & Fitness offers exciting and innovative programs that will help you reach all of your health, fitness and martial art goals.
Total Impact Teaches the Attributes of a Black Belt
- Respect
- Integrity
- Perseverance
- Hard Work
- Self Control
- Teamwork
- Indomitable Spirit
Our Total Impact Instructors
Head Instructor & Owner, 5th Degree Black Belt
Shihan Brian Baim has been studying martial arts for almost 40 years. Shihan Brian is a 5th degree black belt and a master instructor for Total Impact Martial Arts. Shihan Brian is a certified Krav Maga instructor and is certified through the Martial Arts Teachers Association. Brian is also certified through COBRA Self Defense Systems. Brian started his Martial Arts journey at the age of 9 years old first studying Tae Kwon Do before transitioning in Shotokan Karate, and wrestling a few years later.
It was at Z’s Martial Arts Academy (formerly the premier kickboxing and karate school in Buffalo Grove and Wheeling) where he studied American Bu Kyoku Ryu Karate, a mixed martial art that combines Okinawan and Japanese Karate, Kickboxing, Boxing, Judo and Jiu-Jitsu. Here, Shihan Brian was mentored by Master Rob Zbilski and the late, great Master Jim Zbilski. Shihan Rob Zbilski (WAKO U.S.A president for Kickboxing) is a 7th Degree Blackbelt and is ranked Grand Master in Bu Kyoku Ryu.
Shihan Brian became one of the first to achieve the rank of black belt and is currently one of the highest ranked black belts under Shihan Rob Zbilski and Z’s Martial Arts! Shihan Brian managed Buffalo Grove Martial Arts and served as head instructor for 10 years.
With almost 40 years of martial arts & kickboxing experience and over 30 years of teaching in the community, Brian has coached, trained and cornered many amateur fighters. He is also the Co-founder of Total Impact Self Defense Systems (along with his business partner Jeff Nelson) and co-founder of Total Impact Global & Fitness an online training university. Total Impact is an innovative, exciting, family oriented Martial Arts and Fitness Center in Arlington Heights Illinois.
Click for Full Bio
In 1992 Shihan Brian began working for Z’s Martial Arts Academy as a martial arts and fitness kickboxing instructor. It was not long before Brian was promoted to program director and head instructor. While teaching full time, Shihan Brian earned his 2nd degree Black Belt in 1999. It was in this moment Shihan Brian decided to dedicate his life to his passion and dream of owning and operating his own Martial Arts and Fitness school. It has taken many years of hard work, during which Shihan Brian continued to train, study, teach and manage along side his instructor, Shihan Jim Zbilski in Lake Zurich, Illinois and other martial arts schools within the community. In 2002, Brian was promoted to 3rd degree Black Belt and by 2005 he achieved the rank of 4th degree Black Belt. Shihan Brian was promoted to 5th degree black belt in January 2017 by Shihan Rob Zbilski and Z’s Martial Arts Academy.
For more than 27 years, Brian has also been training with his father- in- law, Master Kirk Herrig. Master Kirk has been a martial arts instructor for over 40 years and holds Black Belts in many styles including Taekwondo, Karate and black sash in Kung Fu.
With 40 years of martial arts & kickboxing experience and over 30 years of teaching, Brian has coached, trained and cornered many amatuer fighters. He is also the Co-founder of Total Impact Self Defense Systems (along with his business partner Jeff Nelson) and co-founder of Total Impact Global & Fitness an online training university. Total Impact is an innovative, exciting, family oriented Martial Arts and Fitness Center in Arlington Heights Illinois.
Brian says: “At Total Impact we teach martial arts, self defense and fitness classes to children and adults. However, its so much more than just classes. The confidence you and your family will gain the energy and positive training environment is unlike anything you have ever seen before.” Shihan Brian wants Total Impact Martial Arts to positively impact the lives of his students and truly make a difference in all peoples lives. His goal is for Total Impact to become an important part of the community and to be known as “The Family Martial Arts and Fitness Center of Arlington Heights and surrounding communities.” Shihan Brian also encourages students to make a positive impact in the community and in everything they do.
Shihan Brian lives and has grown up in the local area. He is married to his beautiful wife Angela for over 27 years, and they have two wonderful children and a French Bulldog named Leo. Shihan Brian says, “family is so important and my family has been my support during this journey.” Another interesting fact, Shihan Brian’s sister in-law is one of the top UFC women fighters in the world, Felice ‘Lil Bulldog’ Herrig.
Instructor
Sensei Kirk has over 50 years of martial arts experience, and 40 years of teaching. Kirk has black belts in Taekwondo, Northern Shaolin & Cobra Kai Kung Fu, and Bu Kyoku Ryu Karate. Kirk is also a certified Krav Maga instructor. Kirk is a master instructor in the martial arts and is ranked 4th degree under the Total Impact Systems. Kirk has trained with Shihan Brian for over 27 years and is Brian’s father-in-law.
Instructor
Brandon Baim has been training more than six years at Total Impact. Brandon is ranked a Shodan-Ho Junior Black Belt and is also a certified Coach. Brandon is a fitness kickboxing coach and teaches the Little Ninja’s Program. He also helps out in the Junior Martial Arts classes.
Instructor & Manager
Markas Makogon has been training in Martial Arts for 20 years. Markas has a 3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, is a certified instructor through Total Impact Martial Arts and has over 10 years of teaching experience. Originally from Palanga, Lithuania. Fluent in Russian and Lithuanian. He moved to America in 2002 and grew up in the local area. Markas graduated from Midwest College of Oriental Medicine in Racine, Wisconsin and has received a Masters Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and a Bachelors in Nutrition. Markas lives in Arlington Heights with his beautiful wife Sintija.
Assistant Instructor
Peter Dunkle has been training at Total Impact for 6 years. He is currently ranked a Shodan-Ho Junior Black Belt. Peter plays Tennis for the Varsity team at Buffalo Grove Highschool. In college, Peter wants to major in Secondary Education and teach Math. He also helps out in the Junior Martial Arts classes and teaches the Specialty classes.
Martial Arts Classes For All Ages!
Find out why so many parents have chosen Total Impact for their children’s after school program!
Whether it’s improving your overall health, learning self-defense, losing weight or improving overall focus and concentration, Total Impact Martial Arts has a class for you! We pledge to teach every class with the excitement, respect, professionalism, and knowledge you deserve. If you, or your child, is looking for a positive environment to train and achieve life changing results, you have come to the right place!
What Can Karate Do For Your Kids?
- Anti-Bullying Strategies
- Better Grades
- Develop Discipline
- Foster Respect
- Improved Focus
- Increased Confidence
- Make Healthy Choices
- Pursue Goals
Weekly Class Schedule
Our school is CLOSED/NO CLASSES on Sunday & Monday. **Specialty Classes are for our Platinum Members who attend twice a week or more.
Tuesday
- 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM: Beginner Children’s Martial Arts
- 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM: Advanced Children’s Martial Arts
- 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM: Beginner Children’s Martial Arts
- 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM: Fitness Kickboxing
- 8:00 PM – 8:45 PM: Adult MMA
Wednesday
- 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Little Ninjas
- 4:40 PM – 5:25 PM: Beginner Children’s Martial Arts
- 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: **Specialty Class**
- 6:10 PM – 6:55 PM: Advanced Children’s Martial Arts
- 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM: Junior MMA
Thursday
- 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM: All Levels Children’s Martial Arts
- 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM: Beginner Children’s Martial Arts
- 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM: Junior MMA
- 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM: Fitness Kickboxing
- 8:00 PM – 8:45 PM: Adult MMA
Friday
- 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM: Advanced Children’s Martial Arts
- 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM: Beginner Children’s Martial Arts
- 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM: Fitness Kickboxing
Saturday
* Black Belt Club will meet at least 2x per month on Saturdays.
- 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM: Fitness Kickboxing
- 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Little Ninjas
- 9:35 AM – 10:05 AM: **Specialty Class**
- 10:10 AM – 10:55 AM: Beginner Children’s Martial Arts
- 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM: Advanced Children’s Martial Arts
- 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM: Black Belt Club or Belt Testing/Event
***All Black Belt Club members may only attend 1 Black Belt Club class per week.***