The IshiDo School

We call our methods and school of thought IshiDo, which means "the way of Stone." This name was used to honor and show respect to a great friend and teacher who has inspired many people though years of training. Besides IshiDo giving tribute to Sensei Stone, it also has many other interpretations as well.

IshiDo also means a hard way of life. In other words, the path to mastery of mind, body and spirit is a life long endeavor. (Note; the characters IshiDo are written in kanji, which can have many interpretations other than what is shown here).

Another interpretation could be that in studying IshiDo, one should be solid in the execution of their technique. Solid as a stone. Still another interpretation reads, that one who studies IshiDo is to build their bodies as hard as stone. So as you can see, just like everything else, there is more than one answer, to one question.

What IshiDo means to you may be different than what it means to someone else. But that's o.k. The characters for IshiDo are written in Kanji. That is not to say that the system only employs Japanese techniques. If you learn one method of fighting, you will only be able to fight according to the limits of that method, and be bound by the rules of that method.

It is hoped that each person who studies IshiDo, will take it on a different path eventually. This art has no boundaries, only the ones we give it.

Why IshiDo Was Created

Like many contemporary martial artists, we have in the past relied on other people and organizations to spoon-feed us our knowledge. This situation could be compared to a domesticated animal having to be fed by its master, unable to feed itself. Under these circumstances, the dissemination of knowledge was sparse, repetitive and promotions were given for financial support rather then for actual attainment of technique, skill or knowledge.

After breaking off from these organizations, we opened our eyes to the fact that our belt rank, which is representative of an individuals level of skill and attainment of knowledge, should be earned by hard work and study, not given to us by someone who doesn't have any idea of what we know or don't know. We also realized that all martial art systems that we encountered, whether it be a hard style, soft style, internal system, or a weapons system, every one we studied, seemed to have limitations.

With all this in mind, we decided to first, start our own organization. Where all decisions on material to be taught, and belt rank promotions would come from within that organization, and not from anyone else.

Secondly, we understood that our purpose should be to seek out as many diversified systems as possible, and study with the best masters of those styles. Always keeping our thoughts pure and our cups empty.

Thirdly, incorporating and blending these disciplines into one school, where each individual could use what worked for them, leaving the rest for someone else.

After these obstacles were removed, we could absorb as much mentally, and progress as far physically as we were able to, with no limitations.

Out of this way of thinking IshiDo was formed.

Since its creation, IshiDo has gained praise by some martial artists, and been criticized by others. We have held strong to our beliefs, and in the quality of our knowledge, and have no one to answer to, but the divine.

What we have accomplished is the building of a concept, a way of life, that we can consistently improve on, and always call our own.

This concept of growth and change regarding Budo is not something new. All through history, martial artists all over the world have studied a system or systems, and at some point in their lives felt the need for change. So they drew from the knowledge that they possessed, made changes they thought were appropriate, and went on another path. This is called evolution. A great many of these pioneers became masters in there own right. For example;


Chojun Miyagi

Studied Chinese martial arts systems (known for their soft techniques) along with indigenous Okinawan systems such as Naha-Te. Miyagi Sensei incorporated the concept of using hard techniques along with soft techniques, and is credited with creating the Goju Ryu system.


Gichin Funakoshi

As a youth studied Shuri-Te and Naha-Te (indigenous Okinawan systems). In his lifetime, he made many changes to what he had learned. Master Funakoshi is credited with the change in the written characters (kanji) from "Chinese" hand to "Empty" hand, along with introducing Okinawan Karate to Japan. Master Funakoshi's style of Karate was later called Shotokan. One of Master Funakoshi's students, Otsuka Hidenori broke off and formed his own system called Wado Ryu.

Masutatsu Oyama

Studied with Master Funakoshi and also studied Goju Ryu and Daito Ryu Aikijujitsu. In 1957 formed Kyokushinkai Karate.
Note; although Master Funakoshi stressed the perfection of Kata Oyama Sensei felt the need to stress free sparring.


Bruce Lee

Studied Wing Chun and many other styles to formulate his unique way of fighting. Lee's concepts were called Jeet Kune Do. Lee felt that even giving it a name would be a limitation.

Morihei Ueshiba

The founder of Aikido, studied Daito Ryu Aikijujitsu, Sumo, Kenjitsu, and Judo. With this combined knowledge, he developed his own unique approach to the martial arts and called it Aiki-Bujutsu. Now known as Aikido.

Jigaro Kano

The founder of Judo studied Jujitsu, which stressed technique over kata. This influenced Professor Kano, who in his own system stressed free sparring (randori). In 1884, he formed his system, calling it Kodokan Judo. Professor Kano saw the potential of Judo as a sport, whereas Jujitsu was strictly a form of self-defense.


Miyamoto Musashi

Was considered to be the greatest swordsman in Japanese history. Musashi studied various arts, in various schools, but for the most part he was considered to be self-taught.


All these people that have just been mentioned, are now considered to be great masters and pioneers. Not to say that we consider ourselves even close to these great masters, but like them, we also see the need to take our own path.

A mountain stream is long, sometimes wide, sometimes narrow,
And taking many different directions, but ending up in the same
Place.