ISDMMA is one of, if not the best MMA gym in San Diego. Since I live in San Diego, I wanted to get the best Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu, and Judo training instruction I could find. The teachers here are dedicated to each one of us, and pass on the quality and integrity of traditional martial artists. The instruction is very technical and relevant to anybody trying to learn self defense, compete in judo, jiu jitsu, muay thai or MMA tournaments. The students that I train with here are constantly in MMA competitions and are winning championship belts in all weight classes. I've trained there for almost 3 years now and have been constantly improving since the first day I walked in. One look at the students that train out of here and you will see that this place is producing high caliber fighters. On top of all of that, it is a very friendly environment for kids, women, and people who don't plan on competing but want to maintain high fitness and self defense skills in their lives. I highly recommend ISDMMA to anyone interested in fitness, self defense, or mixed martial arts! And first class is free!! read more

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ISD is the greatest martial arts school you haven't yet heard of. I have been training with Senseis Nick and Chris and their assistant instructors for close to two years now and my level of technicality and understanding of Muay Thai (Kickboxing), Judo, Jiu Jitsu, Self-Defense and Tai Chi has evolved way beyond what I could ever have expected as an actively competing kickboxer with some experience in Judo. The school teaches each martial art individually (in depth and with context, both historical and modern) and Senseis Nick and Chris draw parallels and create synergies between the different fighting styles. This approach is very different than that of MMA gyms which often teach "MMA" as a single style without going in depth in the various martial arts which comprise MMA. Some of the most underrated features that make ISD the best dojo/gym/school I have trained at (I have experienced well over 15 different of them) are the absolute focus on safety, an authentic lineage coming from some of the most renowned masters in EACH of the martial arts taught here, and the focus on the intelligence behind fighting - whether for competition or self-defense. ISD is an inclusive family where people from all ages and backgrounds feel welcome - the controlled learning environment and culture of respect, effort and commitment make this place stand out. Look out for champions in the making coming out of ISD. read more

ISDMMA - Members of the competition team at ISD - Gyms Near Me - San Diego, California

I joined this school in august of 2005. since that time i have had 4 pro kickboxing matches in thailand, i have travelled twice to japan and trained with the best judo teams in the world and competed on the national level in judo and jui jitsu. senseis nicholas and christopher mechling are solely responsible for my training and have opened doors for me in the martial arts world that i did not think possible. you will not find a more well rounded or welcoming school anywhere. this is a serious gym and we focus our attention towards technique and competition. if you are not looking to compete you will still find an atmosphere that promotes learning and egoless training. read more

I started with ISD almost 10 years ago. At the time ISD was the only school doing Mixed Martial Arts. This is what initially attracted it to me the school. Once I began practicing I realized that Nick & Chris also were able to teach each style (Muay Thai, Karate, Shoalin, Jui Jitsu, Judo, & Tai Chi) individually or mixed. This means that students can hold rank each art individually as well as in the school. This held the mental and physical integrity of each martial art they taught. Both Nick & Chris are recognized as Master rank in over 6 martial arts. There are few people in the world with these credentials. The line of knowledge they posses can be traced back to the masters it originated from. Nick & Chris produce some of the toughest fighters I have ever worked with. I have had the opportunity to train around the world and I have never worked with teachers like Nick & Chris. In traditional martial arts the focus was mastery over the mind, through physical practice. You can only get as good as your teachers. You will become like your teachers. Be very careful who you choose, look at there lives, their teachers and accomplishments. Ask yourself if you would like to be like them. If you train with Nick & Chris you will be investing in yourself and be happy to become like them. If you love martial arts do yourself a favor and go see International Self Defense for yourself. read more

Growing up as an adolescent I was a very troubled kid. This school and the people in it helped change my morality in a positive manner. Martial arts helped discipline me in achieving my goals in life. One of my goals was to travel to Thailand and compete in the highest level of Muay Thai. I did that and won in spectacular fashion, couldn't be happier with my results. Ive also competed in several different jiu jistu tournaments and rein supreme in my division. I've been going to this school for about 5 years now and I credit all my success to my team and teachers that help bring me up. read more

ISDMMA - Gyms Near Me - San Diego, California

Are you guys ever going to answer the phone ? Trying to get some info but I guess I'll have to drive there and see if they are willing to give me info. :/! read more

Nicholas and Christopher Mechling are two brothers who had a dad that funded their way through their training. They are very eccentric. Their school was the original Fred Villari McDojo and then there was a break away from the Villari Organization and the new schools where named "International Self Defense Centers". The Mechlings are a couple of skinny bean poles who could not bench press their way out of a paper bag. But, they are well funded to travel around a train as guests in some really schools. This can be valuable experience for a real martial artist. But ,unfortunately these guys are just training there, getting their pictures taken with famous instructors to: "Fluff Their Resume". It's not fooling us real Black Belts. Kenpo/ Kempo? Just go down the street and see Barry Barker----go watch him move and then see if the Mechlings are for real? lol. Night and day. Ground fighting / BJJ? Well Gracie Barra is just down the street at Poway Kenpo....Again, go watch a Gracie Barra Certified Black Belt move and then watch the Mechlings. lol. Night and day. Bottom line is: there is not one other school, instructor, or fighter that thinks this school is for real. Dad pays the bills and keeps the doors open.....meanwhile they market on the internet, act like they know all the top guys. Really, they are just two rich kids who should spend a little more time lifting weights and less time creating fake resume's They do not compete in any BJJ, any MMA and have never worked as bouncers. Huge Red Flag. See Poway Kenpo down the street---ask for Barry Barker. You can do real Ed Parker Kenpo, Real Gracie JiuJitsu and Real MMA ALL for one price. read more

I only really wanted to learn Judo, but after doing the trial class I realized how cool are the diciplines are. Unlike some studios that just want to give you belts, here Nick and Chris want you to learn how to do martial arts. The work outs are intense, and very true to their original forms. I haven't been in a few years, but I will be starting again soon. read more

Hidden Gem for Martial arts in San Diego. Sensei Nick and Chris have been teaching for over 25 years and have black belts in multiple martial arts. Depending if you plan to compete or just want to learn practical real self defense, This is the place! I have trained all over San Diego and the technique here is superior in almost every way. I am grateful for having the opportunity to pursue my passion at a qualified school! read more

ISDMMA - Gyms Near Me - San Diego, California

Recently I felt the need to join a self defense class, being a woman and very small in size I felt that it was necessary. (You just never know when you need that kind of knowledge) The gym treats each other like family with much respect whether you are new or have been going for years; I felt that was extremely vital in learning things that your body has never done before. They reassure you that you aren't going to need to know anything when you start out which makes training so much more comfortable when grasping the foundation of this specific skill set. Everyone is so understanding, you'll be sure that this gym and its trainers instill nothing but beautiful technique to make sure their students grow to be the best in all areas of martial arts. All ego and negative attitudes out the door it's a safe place to train, to learn, and to grow in whatever direction you feel fits right for your life or situation. They focus on everyone's individual needs as the entire class progresses; it's an amazing place and i am really glad I took that first step in coming in and signing up after hearing so many outstanding achievements this gym has accomplished! read more

A good friend of mine swears by this place. i have never personally been here but I hear the instructors know their shtuff..

I joined about two weeks ago and already have measurable results in my goals. The fitness routines are challenging and I have already learned several Judo and Thai Boxing techniques. The Senseis Nick and Chris are knowledgeable, experienced and have traveled internationally to study and train others. They also take the time to answer questions you may have at least once a day. There is also a great deal of mentoring by the more advanced students and other instructors. If you are dedicated and have a willingness to learn progress is very attainable. It helps me to have a group of people around who help me to be my best in this learning process and push me to improve. There are also people who train here that compete in MMA and various other disciplines. If martial arts or self defense is what you are looking for, I challenge you to find someplace else where you would learn as much in such an authentic way. read more

International self-defense is the greatest dojo that I've ever been to. The instructors at ISD teach various martial arts that can be blended together or used separately to compliment each other. Skills to fight in every range of fighting are taught here, so practitioners of the school's mixed martial art's system can adapt to all sorts of conditions. Students at ISD also have the opportunity to meet world-class experts at seminars and travel around the world to get top notch training at places like The Kodokan and Sambo 70. read more