“The greatest thing about training at the Jeet Kune Do Self Defense Training Center is that they start you off with basics and build off of them. You also get exposed to a variety arts and training methods, the great thing is that I get to choose what works for me. I also love training with the students, I truly enjoy the ego free environment.

I love the instructors they’re hands on, they’ll work with you regardless of your ability, I also enjoy that they push us physically and mentally.”

John Zepko – Ballston Spa, New York

“I had always wanted to learn martial arts, a friend of mine suggested JKD, I initially thought Bruce Lee was kind of cheesy. Then I tried an intro lesson at the training center, I enjoyed the style, and the no-nonsense approach. The instructor made me feel comfortable during my training session.

I truly enjoy training in the self defense center, I am actually learning to fight, and there are no silly uniforms, I can actually feel myself becoming a better martial artist.”

Robert Dwyer – Ballston Spa, New York

“The classes are rewarding in providing the student a functional method to defend themselves and their loved ones. It provides a great atmosphere where you can train and work out. What like about JKDSDTC is that everyone is respectful of each other. There isn’t a ranking system which I feel from my personal experience as life long martial artist only creates animosity between students. Everyone is here to help one another.”

“Out of all the martial arts systems, JKD makes sense for my body, shape and size; I’m a middle aged man who is small in size. I prefer to choose tools in my arsenal that depend on speed vs. strength. Jeet Kune Do training at the Academy allows me to adapt to what will work for me. I can see where JKD becomes a tool for a student to discover themselves and what works best for them.”

Steve Corely – Clifton Park, New York

“I just wanted to let you know how much I value and look forward to your Instruction each week. I am grateful to you for opening this path up to me. You really understand the nature of individualized instruction amongst a full class.

If I could do this 5 days a week I would.”

Rich Vaughn – Loudonville, New York

“Training in the JKD has increased my confidence, I know now that can hold my own in a confrontation. I also enjoy the increase that I have seen in my stamina, strength, and reflex reactions.”

The beauty of training at this school is that the instructor is amazing, he’s a good teacher, and teaches each person to their own level and expands and builds off your own level of mastery. The teacher teaches different ways, adapts to each person who needs it and using great analogies for learning.

I love the learning environment, the other students are helpful, everyone is willing to help and learn, even though there trying to take your head off during sparring sessions.

Scott Siberson – Troy, New York

How Training At The Jeet Kune Do Self Defense Training Center Helped Improve My Career Path

By Giving Me the Self Confidence that I Needed

Although I haven’t had to use JKD to defend myself in a hostile situation, it has recently come to my aid in a far different type of high-pressure scenario – an important job interview.

Earlier this summer, George observed that I was particularly tense and distracted during class. When I told him that I was preoccupied with worry about an upcoming job interview, he invited me to talk with him after class.

George patiently listened while I described how much I longed for the job and how nervous I was about underperforming in the interview. George explained to me that JKD can be effective in any life situation regardless of whether physical combat is required.

He spoke eloquently about the philosophies behind JKD and how I could apply them to my job interview.

He urged me to be calm and balanced inside but to also conduct myself assertively in non-verbal ways like making eye contact with my interviewers. I left the discussion feeling far more confident that I had felt previously.

I must have applied George’s suggestions well because I was quickly hired and my life has changed dramatically since then. I owe him a great deal of gratitude for his caring and concern for my success.

He taught me that being a warrior is a truly a state of mind. In a larger sense, he helped me realize that JKD contains potent spiritual and philosophical truths that can be applied to any situation. I won’t ever forget that conversation. It truly illustrates the type of teacher and human being George Ilyadis is.

Michael – Great Barrington, Massachusetts

Real Life Survivor Stories

How Training at the Jeet Kune Do Self Defense Training Center Help Us

George,

I just wanted to thank you for everything you taught me in the short time I was able to go to class. The patience that you had with me was a real motivational factor. I always felt like I would one day be able to defend myself if I had to. And as it so happens I had to last weekend.

I was home for the weekend and got into a slight altercation with my girlfriends ex-boyfriend. He was harassing her and what not because she had headphones of his. So I said I would meet him and give them to him. Well he got lippy and started swearing and made a move to throw a punch.

I swear, it just kicked in, all those drills we did with you in front of us and punching when you made a gross movement. I didn’t hesitate at all, I stepped to the side and landed mid chest. Because of that he bent over and I got him again in the neck.

I was darn impressed with myself. I found myself in the stance automatically and ready to keep going if needed. I cannot thank you enough for everything you have taught me. This guy was much taller and stronger than I was, but it didn’t matter.

Matt Doyle – Ballston Lake, New York

George,

One night, not long ago, while enjoying food and drinks at a bar & grill with my girlfriend, a group of drunken men at the establishment made our stay reasonably uncomfortable. As a result, we decided to leave. In order to leave the place it was necessary to approach and walk past the rowdy group. In doing so, a few of the disorderly men insisted that my girlfriend stay and have a drink with them.

When she denied their advances, the group of thugs began calling her derogatory names. I attempted to defuse the situation; however my efforts became futile when a few of the group challenged me physically. In a last ditch attempt to avoid fighting, I hurried my girlfriend out the front door of the bar, to the sidewalk outside.

I was truly concerned for her safety and it was my sincere hope that the group of drunks would laugh off and let us be on our way. Apparently one of them could not let the matter dissolve and he proceeded to follow us out. I gave this guy one last warning to back-off and the opportunity to avoid an altercation. His response was a roundhouse, baseball pitch, style punch toward my face. Because of my JKD training, I saw it coming a mile away and instinctively reacted with a straight snapping punch to his throat. My punch beat his to the target and he dropped to the ground like a sack of flour, gasping for his breath.

Soon afterwards the police arrived, and thanks to honest witnesses, who saw the event unfold, the man was arrested and I was cleared of any wrongdoing.

JKD training has bred the confidence for me to stay calm and to keep composure, so I am capable of executing appropriate techniques, necessary to defend my loved ones and myself…An in this case, from a potentially very ugly situation!

Joe Welch – Loudonville, New York

George,

I was walking down a side street alone in downtown Albany to grab a slice of pizza after leaving a bar when I spotted three guys in their mid-20′s approaching me. As they came closer I could sense hostility by their hushed voices and frequent glances at me. When the three men came within speaking distance, they stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and asked me for a cigarette. I replied that I did not have one but they were not satisfied and began to badger me.

At this point I knew something was going to happen. Tensions rose and the three started to converge on me from separate angles. More instinctually than anything I shot a finger jab with my lead right hand into the eyes of the attacker directly in front of me who recoiled holding his face. Almost as soon as I had landed that blow, I threw a left jab into the face of the attacker approaching from my left who fell to the pavement.

As I turned to face the attacker on my right, now almost behind me, he blindsided me with a blow above the right eye. I backed up anticipating another attack but the third attacker quickly turned to check on his two friends. I used this brief pause to run back up the street, turn the corner and later duck into a convenient store. The three men did not pursue me. I am grateful to say that because of Jeet Kune Do, I left this encounter with all of my money. More importantly, however, I escaped with only a minor black eye.

Ross Thurston – Loudonville, New York

What Parents Are Saying
About Our Kids Program

Discover How Serious Gimmick Free Martial Arts Training is Benefiting Children in Your Community.

“Since enrolling in the JKD Academy of Martial Arts Kids Program our son Andrew has become a better “sport” and better “loser”, stronger, more coordinated, and gaining more confidence.

The instruction is excellent and age appropriate. The “bar” is kept high, yet even small successes are noticed. Praise is given freely, when encouragement is needed it’s always provided and discipline is appropriate and still kind.

Laurie Conklin – Ballston Spa, New York

“I just wanted you to know how proud I am of my son Christopher, you’re an awesome teacher.”

You show him confidence, teamwork, discipline and of course self defense. Thank you for all that you do.

Michelle Martin – Clifton Park, New York

“Since Jimmy has been enrolled in the Academy I have noticed that he has become more social and willing to put himself out to meet people as well as becoming more muscle toned as well.

I’ve shopped around and I like the feel here. I was not being sold – In fact they stated they had a concern about my son’s age.

The classes and instructors keep me coming back.”

J. Lambombard – Clifton Park, New York

“Since Robert has been coming to the JKD Academy of Martial Arts his self confidence and self awareness have improved. He has a better understanding of the practical use of the martial arts – now he knows that it’s not all about fancy moves.

I like the practical format of the classes and the instructional approach there is a focus on technique. The reason that I choose the JKD Academy over other schools in the area is that most commercial schools are geared towards belt test and babysitting to generate revenue instead of teaching good technique and self discipline.”

Patrick Rabideau – Clifton Park, New York