This page is dedicated as a bridge to unite Martial Artists (of all styles) and all those Disabled individuals who are interested in learning not only more about the Martial Arts in general, but Practical and Effective Self-Defense.
Our goal is to provide the Disabled (or "Challenged" if you prefer!), as well as Martial Artists, with resources, information and subjects of general interest about:
Practical and Effective Self-Defense,
Activities,
Sports,
Disabilities,
News and Events...
Got Questions ?
Please take a moment to stop by and visit our IDSA Group page, if you're interested in participating in the conversations, please Join us!
Thank You!
M JS
~ IDSA GROUPS and FORUMS page ~
Master Schmidt has been interviewed and featured numerous times on TV shows, in magazines and newspapers about Combat Hapkido and his unique and innovative style of "Defense-Ability". We'll be posting some of the best, most interesting (and just plain entertaining!) segments from a few of these TV shows right here on mySpace...
For your convenience...
.. ~ Our Videos - all on one player! ~
Thank You for taking a moment to watch our videos!
Please visit our Video Channel to view all of our current videos and favorites!
~ Click HERE to view The IDSA Video Channel ~
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A Worldwide Membership Organization since 1996 , the IDSA is the leading and only Organization of its kind to offer a wide range of Self-Defense training, programs, support, products and services designed specifically for:
Individuals with different types of disabilities
Healthcare and Rehabilitation Profesionals
City, County, State Agencies and Organizations
Martial Arts Instructors and School Owners
Able-bodied individuals interested in Self-Defense
Mission Statement.
Worldwide, The IDSA proudly has hundreds of affiliated Martial Arts Schools, prominent Martial Arts Instructors, diverse Organizations dedicated to the Disabled and many City/County/State Organizations and Parks & Recreation Departments.
Not only does the IDSA offer a wide variety of training and support programs for disabled individuals all over the Globe, the IDSA offers specialized training, Licensing and Certification (including Dan rank) for Martial Arts Instructors and School owners who wish to offer these programs in their Schools/communities.
Over 60 million in the USA;
Statistically, there are over 60 million individuals in the USA alone who have some form of disability. Thats a staggering number - and growing by approximately 5,000 or more daily. Accidents, injuries and disease are among the leading causes of disabilitiesand no one (including me, you, or anyone) is exempt from becoming its next victim, at any given moment - and truly sad as it may be, consider Mr. Christopher Reeve for example, who fought the most incredible of all battles - may he rest in Peace with the Lord.
There are countless numbers of individuals who would really, really like to learn Self Defense, to participate, be accepted, increase their self esteem, self-confidence and feel like respected individuals. It really saddens me to hear so many people tell me that they have been turned away by Instructors at Martial Arts Schools in their communties. In talking to these Instructors later, what I hear the most is "I dont know anything about disabilities or even how to teach someone who is disabled..."
This has become a focal point of the IDSA:
Since I can't go or be everywhere at the same time, teaching other Martial Artists and School owners HOW to welcome these students (and their families) into the School and teach them a practical and effective curriculum is a focal point of the IDSA. I can assure you, your efforts will not go unrewarded - starting with gratitude and enduring friendship.
Needless to say, as Professional Martial Artists, nothing is more rewarding than being able to offer something back to the community in the form of programs designed specifically for the disabled. As a result, not only local but even National attention and recognition for their efforts has provided many of our Instructors with Hall of Fame awards as well as unique opportunities such as supervising, teaching and implementing specialized programs into City/County and State sponsored community programs (like those commonly offered through Parks and Recreation departments).
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Non-Style specific;
There are probably as many different Martial Arts styles as there are, for example, religions. While each offers something unique and different, realistically (much like religion) they are all based on the same fundamental principals and dynamics. The IDSA "Defense-Ability" Self-Defense System , although based primarily on Combat Hapkido , incorporates a number of techniques from many different styles, mainly because the dynamics from one type of disability to another is so varying that it requires constant modification to suit the students abilities - and limitations.
This is where the truly exceptional Martial Arts Instructors really shine, in their ability to recognize, understand and adapt the dynamics to accommodate the student, rather than stick to the strict confines of whatever style they teach and force the student to learn them, whether they are able to or not.
What makes the "Defense-Ability" system of Self-Defense so unique and remarkable, is that any - emphasis on ANY - Martial Arts Instructor, regardless of style , can rather easily incorporate this system with their own and teach almost ANY student, with virtually ANY type of disability...
"Defense-Ability"
is not intended to replace
your current style, but rather to blend seamlessly, work in conjunction
with your style and expand your overall technique and knowledge
base. Note that the greatest Martial Artists of all time were
never stagnant, but constantly learning, training and assimilating
from other styles in order to become better Martial Artists...
"Be very proud if you are a talented Martial Artist and/or
a champion in the ring and at tournaments;
If you are an Instructor and teach the Arts to others, consider
yourself a VIP;
To become a truly Exceptional Martial Artist, a cut above and
worthy of the admiration, recognition and respect of not only
your community, but your peers and other Martial Artists - teach
the disabled and all those who are disadvantaged and present new
challenges to your teaching abilities..."
- Master JR Schmidt.
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Click here to visit the Official
IDSA Website!
IDSA HQ
Self Defense America
Asheville, NC
This young man is truly one of the most talented and exceptional Martial Artists I have the honor of knowing. In addition to being a close and valued personal friend, Master Jason Landaas is also the IDSA Chief Instructor and State Director for NC.
If you live in, or plan on visiting WNC and would like to experience, or just find out more about Exceptional Training in:
IDSA "Defense-Ability",
Combat Hapkido,
TaeKwonDo,
Police Defensive Tactics,
Brazilian Ju-Jitsu,
Please visit IDSA HQ located in:
Asheville, NC