The Patch

1. Torii gate- The gateway to longevity, respect, honor, peace and happiness. It is hoped, that the student of IshiDo, will one day pass through this gate.

2. IshiDo characters-Explained in detail earlier.

3. Bengal tiger- Represents the uniqueness of the system, and like the white tiger itself, black belts in IshiDo are few. The Bengal tiger excels through economy of motion, and its strength comes from with-in itself. The tiger ultimately represents the beauty, power, and grace that can be achieved through training in IshiDo.

4. Red and black arrows- Represent two-way action which is one of the secrets of effective technique. It also represents the continual flow of the mind, body, and spirit. The ever-perpetuating process of learning.

5. The yin/yang symbol- The theory of yin/yang defies an exact explanation. A whole book could be filled in an effort to give a complete meaning. So instead, here is the definition that the martial arts dictionary by Louis Frederic gives

Two principles, which are opposed to one another and as such, are also complimentary. One cannot exist without the other. In Chinese philosophy, these two principles are at the origin of creation and life. Yang, symbolizes the positive, male, active aspects of things. Yin, symbolizes the negative, feminine, passive aspects of things. Everything must contain a small Element of yin in its yang, and of yang in its yin.

The Japanese name for the symbol itself, is ryotomoe. It
symbolizes the positive and negative principles of nature. The
contrasting dots indicate that there is softness within hardness
and hardness within softness.

Goals

To expose the student to a wide variety of arts, enabling him/her to utilize the techniques that work for them.

To know about the human body and how it works, and to be able to heal. This is the hardest skill to acquire.

To train the student to be able to choose the most efficient techniques for the situation at hand, and to be able to successfully execute them.

To fully understand, and to have proficiency in the art and science of combat.

The ultimate goal of Ishi-Do is to live a long and healthy life. To live in harmony and peace.

Using no way as way
Having no limitations, as limitation
Always searching for the truth in the arts.

An adaptation from the Tao of Jeet Kune Do




Basic concepts

1. Line familiarization-Defend against the angle of attack and not the individual technique. There are four major angles is of attack (in punching range). Instead of learning 100 defenses to 100 attacks, learn to defend against the four angles of attack. Because those 100 attacks are coming at you on only four angles. (Or variations of those four angles)


2. Attributes development-As Paul Vunak (J.K.D. instructor) states, "attributes are the inner qualities that shape technique." the outcome of a fight will be determined by the fighter who possesses the superior blend of attributes. Attributes include the qualities of flexibility, speed, power, reflex, timing, sensitivity, killer instinct, line familiarization. In Ishi-do it's not only what you do, but also how well you do it! The student should train to develop his/her attributes to their fullest. An example of superior attributes; every karate student does a round kick, or hook kick. Compare your hook kick with that of bill "super foot" Wallace. It's the same kick, but bill Wallace just has a higher level of attributes or technical skill.


3. Always assume that your opponent is a better fighter at his given range than you are -In this way of thinking, you will never be surprised technically. With this in mind, you should never fight an opponent at his chosen range. (If you can help it!) By being proficient in all of the fighting ranges, you will have no trouble doing this.


4. Economy of motion-While this way of thinking is a concept actually applying this in a fight, is an attribute. Economy of motion, means the quickest way from point a, to point b. in any technique that you do, make sure that it is efficient, and doesn't' t have any excess movement.


5. Iron body training-There are many ways to harden certain parts of your body, more than we can list here. The main idea is to be able to strike like a sledgehammer, instead of a wet rag! So any training ~that hardens your body without hurting it is good for this. (Note; this doesn't come over night, so be patient!)


7. Limb destructions-This concept comes from kali. What you want to do, is be able to damage your opponents arm, or leg when he sticks it out at you, so they are not able to continue
using that particular limb. The idea here is, if a person cant punch, he can't fight. If a person can't stand, he can't fight. (These can also be used as entries into trapping or grappling range).


8. Combat flow-The ability to have this skill in a fight is like number four, an attribute. Combat flow means to be able to flow responsively from one martial art, to another in an engagement, using the superior art of the moment. This takes a lot of training to accomplish. first, the student must learn the elements from the styles included in Ishi-do, and develop their own attributes to their fullest. Then the student must start to functionilize these skills, by practicing drills that are designed to help the person to flow in a controlled manner. The last level is what the Japanese call Kumite, which is free fighting.

In IshiDo however, this level of Kumite involves many advanced and unusual skills. To a skilled practitioner of our school, Kumite takes on another meaning altogether.

9. Weapons training-Using all sorts of weapons in your training. The thinking behind this is, that after training with various weapons over a period of time, the student's reflexes will be enhanced greatly. The student will also be more versatile. (Using any weapon at hand in a fight)


10. The following concept is a core theme in Ishi-do, and should be used for anything you learn in life.

a) Learn---there are three parts to learning properly. First, watch someone work the technique on another person. Second, have it done on you. Third, try it on someone yourself.

b) Practice--this one is kind of self-explanatory.

c) Master/understand--after the student has put in many hours of practicing a particular technique, they will hopefully begin to fully understand what they have been practicing and will perfect that technique.

d) Funtionalize--this is the really important one. Many people can do for example, a jump spin kick, or a knock out technique on a willing volunteer, but if they can't execute it for real, in a real situation, then it is no good to them. They have not functionalized that particular technique.

e) Maintain--how many black belts have you seen or heard of, say, "I used to be able to break 20 bricks with my little finger" or "I used to do a really neat double hook kick in the air. "The key words here are "used to". Because these people did not maintain their skills through continuing practice, they do not have the same ability that they used to. The student must maintain his or her highest level of skill and build on it from there. If you cannot maintain your skills, you can never achieve greatness in this, or any other endeavor.