IDSA INFORMATION

Goals | Benefits | What is Combat Hapkido | Affiliations

Thank you for your interest in our organization.

The International Disabled Self-Defense Association (IDSA), a non-profit organization, was founded in 1996 by Master Instructor Jurgen Schmidt in response to an alarming increase in crimes perpetrated against individuals with disabilities, unfortunately considered as "helpless and easy targets". Master Schmidt, himself having been attacked 3 times in just a few years, recognized the urgent need for an effective, practical and easy to learn self defense training program for the disabled and began developing the "Defense-Ability" system of self defense, based on the Martial Arts style of Combat Hapkido.

Recognized as the World's leading Organization in its field, the IDSA offers a wide range of dynamic programs, products, services, seminars and support for its members and has become the focal point and catalyst to bridge the "disabilities and defensive strategies" gap among the following groups (please refer to the FAQ section for more information specific to each of these topics);

Disabled and Able-bodied Individuals;

Healthcare and Rehabilitation Professionals;

Martial Arts Instructors and School Owners;

City and County as well as State and Federal entities.

Not all disabilities are the same, neither are the applications of defensive techniques, therefore, in conjunction with our highly skilled and experienced Instructors, as well as professionals with extensive expertise in the field of Rehabilitation, the IDSA is continuously working to develop, improve and implement unique, exciting and specialized new programs to meet the diverse requirements and interests of the different groups we serve.

The IDSA Defense-Ability self defense curriculums, combined with the ICHF Combat Hapkido curriculums, offer the most comprehensive, practical and effective training programs ever developed, suitable for use by individuals with a variety of disabilities as well as able-bodied individuals who are interested in learning self-defense.

OUR GOALS ARE:

• To promote the most practical, realistic and effective science of Self-Defense for the disabled
• To provide our members with valuable products and services at reasonable fees
• To promote friendship and mutual cooperation among all disabled and able-bodied individuals
• To stimulate learning, research, rehabilitation and the exchange of ideas and knowledge

BACK TO TOP

HERE IS HOW YOU CAN BENEFIT FROM THE IDSA:

• Receive the latest information and training materials to help you improve your overall skills and give you new knowledge of scientific Self-Defense
• Receive the latest information about recent advances in medical and rehabilitative techniques, treatments and ongoing research for a wide variety of disabilities through the Association’s Newsletter Quest-Ability and Internet Web site: www.defenseability.com
• Enjoy membership in a strong, progressive, internationally respected organization you’ll be proud to be a part of and to represent
• Share ideas, experience and knowledge with individuals all around the world

BACK TO TOP

WHAT IS COMBAT HAPKIDO?

Around the world more and more psychologists, doctors, counselors and therapists recommend Martial Arts training for disabled children and adults who want to achieve and maintain optimum physical and mental health. The benefits of Martial Arts training have been well known for centuries but only recently, with the stressful demands of modern society often resulting in unhealthy lifestyles, have the positive and beneficial effects of Martial Arts training been "rediscovered" and widely accepted. The Defense-Ability and Combat Hapkido systems are modern, dynamic self defense systems that offer all the benefits of a classical Martial Art, but in less time and without the traditional trappings, rituals, rigidity and obsolete techniques.

Physical Benefits:

• Stamina and Endurance
• Muscle Tone (Strength)
• Weight Loss
• Flexibility
• Balance & Coordination (Motor Skills)
• All Around Better Health & Fitness
• Stress Reduction

Character Development:

• Self Confidence (Self Image)
• Self Discipline
• Positive Attitude
• Patience
• Perseverance
• Respect

Cognitive Benefits:

• Improved Concentration
• Increased Awareness
• Knowledge Of Human Anatomy
• Survival Skills
• Defensive Strategies
• Self Defense Techniques
• Understanding Legal Issues Associated With Self Defense

BACK TO TOP

Defense-Ability and Combat Hapkido

The IDSA Defense-Ability Self-Defense System is based entirely on the ICHF Combat Hapkido system, of which only certain techniques and technique applications have been modified to suit the specific needs and physical circumstances of disabled individuals.

In 1990 Grandmaster Pellegrini officially named his style of Hapkido "Combat Hapkido". The name clearly identifies it and sets it apart from other "traditional" styles of Hapkido. It is also referred to as the "Science of Self Defense". Combat Hapkido is an extremely realistic and versatile discipline of self protection that includes an extensive variety of joint locks, pressure points, grappling and disarming techniques. The result is a comprehensive Self Defense system enjoyable to learn, practical and, most of all, 100% effective.

Combat Hapkido’s dynamic concepts are based on scientific principles of anatomy and biokinetics as well as psychology and strategy. It is well suited for men and women of all sizes, and in this case for the disabled, because physical strength and athletic abilities are not essential. The emphasis is on redirecting the assailants’ aggression and power back toward them with little effort and minimum force on your part.

Founding this system did not involve inventing the techniques. It was a matter of selecting the most realistic, effective and practical ones, modifying others and then combining and arranging these techniques in a structured system of instruction designed for individuals of all physical abilities living in a modern society.

Combat Hapkido is ideal for those individuals (for example: the disabled, many women, busy professionals, law enforcement officers) who do not have the time, desire or ability to commit themselves to the demanding study of a traditional Martial Art. The essence of Combat Hapkido is pure Self Defense. It is the synthesis of dynamic and flexible concepts, scientific principles and realistic applications together with plain common sense which makes it ideal for use by individuals with virtually any form of disability.

What Defense-Ability / Combat Hapkido IS NOT:

• A new Martial Art
• Traditional Hapkido with a different name
• A "Free-Style" type of Martial Art
• A Martial Sport
• An amateurish mix of random techniques from different Martial Arts

What Defense-Ability / Combat Hapkido IS:

• A new, modern style of Hapkido, specially modified for use by the disabled
• A totally scientific approach to Self Defense
• A realistic and effective discipline of personal protection
• A dynamic and flexible program of learning and teaching the science of Self Defense
• The result of over 35 years of Martial Arts study, research, application and synthesis.

The Difference Between
Defense-Ability and Martial Arts

Defense-Ability, developed by Master Jurgen Schmidt and Grandmaster John Pellegrini, is a technically modified self-defense system based on the ICHF Combat Hapkido Martial Art style and is designed to be suitable for use by individuals with varying types of disabilities. The Combat Hapkido system is a new and modern style of Hapkido. Defense-Ability and Combat Hapkido both differ from other Hapkido styles philosophically, as well as technically.

Following are a few examples:

• Defense-Ability is 100% Self Defense.
• Defense-Ability employs throws in a very limited manner.
• Defense-Ability has no hard blocks or stances.
• At more advanced levels, Defense-Ability includes knife fighting tactics
• and defensive shooting.
• Defense-Ability teaches special firearms disarming techniques.
• Defense-Ability contains a selected group of ground grappling techniques.
• Defense-Ability is not a sport and cannot be modified nor regulated to
• be one. There are no competitions, tournaments or championships.
• Breaking boards (or any other material) is not required nor desirable in
• the Defense-Ability system of self-defense.

BACK TO TOP

Affiliations

Contacts, resources and networking are relatively easy, the IDSA is closely affiliated with some of the largest, most reputable organizations in the World, such as:

• The Miami Project To Cure Paralysis
• HEALTHSOUTH - probably the largest private Rehab Hospital organization in the world with over 1,300 centers just in the USA

Other IDSA / ICHF Affiliations

In addition to our close ties to the World Ki-Do Federation, Master Jurgen Schmidt and Grandmaster Pellegrini have, over the years, forged many alliances and established friendly relationships with other Martial Arts organizations. Following are just a few:

• The US CHUNG DO KWAN TAEKWONDO ASSOCIATION of Grandmaster Edward B. Sell
• The INTERNATIONAL MODERN ARNIS FEDERATION of Prof. Remy Presas
• The INTERNATIONAL HALL OF FAME/HEAD OF FAMILY/SOKESHIP COUNCIL of Grandmaster Frank E. Sanchez
• AMERICAN WOMEN’S SELF-DEFENSE ASSOCIATION
• KICK DRUGS OUT OF AMERICA FOUNDATION of Chuck Norris
• THE WORLD MARTIAL ARTS ALLIANCE
• NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL MARTIAL ARTISTS (NAPMA) of John Graden

If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact IDSA Headquarters and let us know how we can be of further assistance. You can send inquiries via "snail-mail" or for the quickest response, via email using our Contact Form

Master Jurgen R. Schmidt
IDSA President/Founder
ICHF Vice President

IDSA Board Of Directors:

Master Jurgen R. Schmidt, President/Founder
Grandmaster John Pellegrini, Vice President
Master Jason Landaas, Board Of Directors / Chief Instructor IDSA HQ School
Mr. Thomas Martin, General Manager
Mrs. Deyanira Garcia, Secretary/Treasurer

BACK TO TOP