The Asian Pacific Islanders Martial Association (APIMA) was created in 1998 as a program sponsored by the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) to serve the needs of the community. APIMA was established to provide a no cost health and safety awareness curriculum targeted to children from low income households between the ages of 5-18 years old in the Asian Pacific Islander community. The program emphasizes common sense safety education while incorporating martial art applications for self-defense and physical fitness.

It is important that children in the community, especially the "high risk" groups, develop self-confidence, solid leadership abilities, strong family values, and good moral standards. If given the right opportunities and education, these children will become the future scholars and leaders of the community. APIMA's goal is to assist the parents in providing the necessary tools for the children to grow physically, mentally and emotionally.