ISDMMA

ISD is the greatest martial arts school you haven’t yet heard of. I have been training with Senseis Nick and Chris and their assistant instructors for close to two years now and my level of technicality and understanding of Muay Thai (Kickboxing), Judo, Jiu Jitsu, Self-​Defense and Tai Chi has evolved way beyond what I could ever have expected as an actively competing kickboxer with some experience in Judo.
The school teaches each martial art individually (in depth and with context, both historical and modern) and Senseis Nick and Chris draw parallels and create synergies between the different fighting styles. This approach is very different than that of MMA gyms which often teach «MMA» as a single style without going in depth in the various martial arts which comprise MMA.
Some of the most underrated features that make ISD the best dojo/​gym/​school I have trained at (I have experienced well over 15 different of them) are the absolute focus on safety, an authentic lineage coming from some of the most renowned masters in EACH of the martial arts taught here, and the focus on the intelligence behind fighting — whether for competition or self-​defense.
ISD is an inclusive family where people from all ages and backgrounds feel welcome — the controlled learning environment and culture of respect, effort and commitment make this place stand out. Look out for champions in the making coming out of ISD.

Hidden Gem for Martial arts in San Diego. Sensei Nick and Chris have been teaching for over 25 years and have black belts in multiple martial arts. Depending if you plan to compete or just want to learn practical real self defense, This is the place! I have trained all over San Diego and the technique here is superior in almost every way. I am grateful for having the opportunity to pursue my passion at a qualified school!

Growing up as an adolescent I was a very troubled kid. This school and the people in it helped change my morality in a positive manner. Martial arts helped discipline me in achieving my goals in life. One of my goals was to travel to Thailand and compete in the highest level of Muay Thai. I did that and won in spectacular fashion, couldn’t be happier with my results. Ive also competed in several different jiu jistu tournaments and rein supreme in my division. I’ve been going to this school for about 5 years now and I credit all my success to my team and teachers that help bring me up.

Recently I felt the need to join a self defense class, being a woman and very small in size I felt that it was necessary. (You just never know when you need that kind of knowledge) The gym treats each other like family with much respect whether you are new or have been going for years; I felt that was extremely vital in learning things that your body has never done before. They reassure you that you aren’t going to need to know anything when you start out which makes training so much more comfortable when grasping the foundation of this specific skill set. Everyone is so understanding, you’ll be sure that this gym and its trainers instill nothing but beautiful technique to make sure their students grow to be the best in all areas of martial arts. All ego and negative attitudes out the door it’s a safe place to train, to learn, and to grow in whatever direction you feel fits right for your life or situation. They focus on everyone’s individual needs as the entire class progresses; it’s an amazing place and i am really glad I took that first step in coming in and signing up after hearing so many outstanding achievements this gym has accomplished!

I started with ISD almost 10 years ago. At the time ISD was the only school doing Mixed Martial Arts. This is what initially attracted it to me the school.
Once I began practicing I realized that Nick & Chris also were able to teach each style (Muay Thai, Karate, Shoalin, Jui Jitsu, Judo, & Tai Chi) individually or mixed. This means that students can hold rank each art individually as well as in the school. This held the mental and physical integrity of each martial art they taught. Both Nick & Chris are recognized as Master rank in over 6 martial arts. There are few people in the world with these credentials. The line of knowledge they posses can be traced back to the masters it originated from.
Nick & Chris produce some of the toughest fighters I have ever worked with. I have had the opportunity to train around the world and I have never worked with teachers like Nick & Chris.
In traditional martial arts the focus was mastery over the mind, through physical practice. You can only get as good as your teachers. You will become like your teachers. Be very careful who you choose, look at there lives, their teachers and accomplishments. Ask yourself if you would like to be like them. If you train with Nick & Chris you will be investing in yourself and be happy to become like them.
If you love martial arts do yourself a favor and go see International Self Defense for yourself.

A good friend of mine swears by this place. i have never personally been here but I hear the instructors know their shtuff.