Dear Friend,
Thank you for your interest in The Jeet Kune Do Self Defense Training Center.
My name is George Ilyadis, owner of The Jeet Kune Do Self Defense Training Center and for the last 20 years I’ve been a student and instructor in the world of martial arts.
I’m certified in Jeet Kune Do under Jerry Poteet, a first-generation student of Bruce Lee and certified under second generation student Sifu Lamar Davis II in Jun Fan/ Jeet Kune Do.
I’ve had the privilege and pleasure of training with world-class martial artists such as:
- Gokor Chivichian – Founder of Hayastan Grappling and trainer to numerous UFC champions.
- Richard Ryan – Founder of Dynamic Combat and first civilian ever to rewrite the defensive tactics program for State and Municipal Police Agencies in Arizona and featured columnist for Black Belt Magazine.
- Emin Boztepe – Founder of Emin Boztepe Martial Arts System and World renowned Wing Tsun expert.
- Patrick Strong – First Generation Bruce Lee student of the Seattle Era.
Choosing the right martial arts school can be challenging and confusing – I know because I’ve been there.
Some people choose a martial arts school based on a friend’s recommendation or because they’re impressed with a particular style – but mostly people often get involved in “chain-type” schools (some times referred to as Mc Do Jo’s) because of their high degree of visibility and successful marketing techniques.
They may be so taken with the school’s flyer or reputation that they don’t inquire about the differences between tae kwon do and karate.
This can result in them joining these slick Mc Do Jo’s martial arts schools without taking the time to truly educate themselves about the martial arts.
They may also falsely believe all martial arts are basically the same which is like assuming that every college is just the same – it’s like comparing a two-building community college to Harvard or UCLA. The differences in what level of education you receive can be truly staggering.
This is why you should take the time to learn some essential facts about the martial arts before joining a school.
After all, it will likely be a path that will require physical dedication, time, and financial investment.
Regrettably, most people just don’t take the time, so they end up…
Getting Suckered Into Long Term Contracts
They’re sold into believing that the school’s environment is one where discipline, respect, and real martial arts training are valued.
Many times this couldn’t be further from the truth!
A sizable number of these places come across like romper rooms where discipline and respect fall by the wayside – missing out on the important values.
There are a large number of people who believe that the only purpose of training in the martial arts is to obtain a Black Belt.
Eventually many of these same people come to realize that. . .
Black Belts Are Often Used As A
Business Tool And Gimmick To
Imprison You Into 3-Year-No-Release-Contract
These contracts reduce martial arts to a simple business transaction. If the student’s checks don’t bounce for three years, they can expect to be “rewarded” with a Black Belt.
It used to be that earning a Black Belt really meant something in real classical martial arts but have become corrupted like many other classical traditions.
Keep in mind, there are many black belts who found out the hard way and ended up at the short end of the stick when attempting to use their “Black Belt” skills on the street.
Some schools dishonorably place profit far above authentic instruction which can negatively impact the student.
It’s my belief that success is measured through skill and personal growth, not simply in fancy rankings.
I have spoken to many frustrated people who were disenchanted with martial arts because they were railroaded into long-term deals and promised state of the art instruction.
What they really wound up with was getting stuck in a day care center-like environment while wasting their time learning unrealistic and largely ineffective self-defense techniques.
Worse yet,
Leading you to falsely and dangerously believe you or your child will be able to handle yourselves in a dangerous and desperate situation.
You’ve seen this nonsense in demonstrations where people are reveling in how their 6 year-old child flipped a 200 lb adult man easily.
Unfortunately, life is not a never-ending episode of “America’s Funniest Home Videos.”
It’s hard enough even for a trained, adult martial artist to flip a 200 pound man who is the same weight during a real life situation.
Paying hard-earned money for you or your child to be taught something so preposterous and dangerous is frighteningly absurd.
You may have even been impressed by watching someone break a board or bricks with their bare hands.
While it’s impressive to see and I’m sure it does help to build confidence, it’s a mistake to believe that it’s your ticket to victory on the street.
As the late Bruce Lee used to say; “Boards don’t hit back.”
The bottom line is. . .
Some “Black Belt Factory Schools” Teach
Unrealistic Self-Defense Techniques
That Can Get You or Your Loved Ones
Seriously Hurt You If You Are Ever
A Dangerous and Desperate Situation
HOW TRAINING AT THE JEET KUNE DO SELF DEFENSE TRAINING CENTER HELPED ME DEFEND MYSELF AGAINST 3 ATTACKERS
About two weeks before I entered the Army I took a walk to a nearby park in the middle of the night. I had been feeling restless and decided to enjoy the weather outside and call a friend. I am a big guy, 6′3” and 240 pounds, and I’ve studied some karate and boxing over the years. I had also recently taken private lessons at the Jeet Kune Do Self Defense Training Center in Clifton Park, with Senior Instructor George Ilyadis.
My father had been training with Mr. Ilyadis for close to a year and felt that he truly learned a lot about realistically defending himself. My father thought that taking private lessons with George would be a logical way to pull together all my self-defense training before I left for Basic Training. Although the hour was late, I wasn’t really concerned about my safety as I strolled across the park on that cool summer night.
My night took a sudden change when I became aware of three guys approaching me from the left. They looked like they were average size and were moving quickly towards me. I tried to mind my own business but they surrounded me. I started to worry and rapidly thought about what I should do. Should I run or try to hold my ground? I immediately got into my Jeet Kune Do stance and moved my hands up by my face in preparation to act. As I thought of what to do next, one guy said to me “give me your wallet.” I told him that I wasn’t carrying my wallet. Before I knew it, he hit me on the right side of my head. I was shaken, and then BAM! I instinctively threw a straight punch with my right lead that landed directly on his face. He crumpled down onto the cement. As I looked forward I saw a punch from one of the other guys coming directly to the left side of my face. It hit my hand instead of my face because I had placed my left hand on the left side of my cheek for protection as Mr. Ilyadis had taught me to do. I didn’t even think about my next reaction. My hand was just there. I then threw another right leading jab and–BAM! I hit the guy right on the nose and he wobbled backwards. Then I felt pain in my back, turned and saw the last guy throwing another kick into my kidneys. I caught his leg and immediately threw a right uppercut that dropped him. As I turned I saw the other two guys running and then the last guy followed them.
As I walked home I realized that I had applied exactly what Mr. Ilyadis had taught me. I used the shortest route to attack with short direct punches, and was also in a good position to block a punch. My training with George Ilyadis made the difference between me returning home with my pride and wellbeing intact and me trading in Basic Training for a hospital bed or worse. I am thrilled that I was able to capitalize on my training and enthusiastically plan to pursue more Jeet Kune Do instruction in my future.
-David Neisch
I hope you can see why it’s important that you do your homework before you corner yourself into a costly and time-consuming commitment.
In order to get the most from your martial arts training you should be looking for a school that…
- Is reality-based, street-smart, practical and above all, highly effective
- Is uncomplicated and simple to learn
- Makes perfect sense the minute you see it
- Has a relaxed, friendly and pleasant learning environment, where no ego’s are allowed
- Adults and children participate in separate classes
- Gives you maximum results in minimum time
- Is truly dedicated to helping you to a better, overall self-image
- The instructor’s primary care is to take the time to teach you hands on giving you personalized attention.
I hope by now you realize that you have to look through the “smoke and mirrors.”
The only way to do that is to experience the difference without a commitment or obligation.
