What are the goals of the ICSDA and its membership?

The Mission of the ICSDA is to unify qualified instructors in the fields of Combatives, Self Defense, Personal Safety and Defensive Tactics. The ICDSA is dedicated to promoting services and guidance to foster Technical Excellence, Fellowship and Human Character Development.

I've never trained in Self Defense or Combatives. Can I start training Through the ICSDA?

Yes you can! ICSDA recognized and Certified Instructors have school and hold seminars and workshops world wide. With Representatives through the United States and in several foreign countries there are a multitude of training options.

I am an Instructor already. Why should I study/train with the ICSDA?

The ICSDA is a network of some of the finest instructors in the world. Instructors who specialize in many varied fields. There are courses offered by ICSDA Recognized and Certified Instructors which can serve to fill almost ANY gap that you may have in your current training program. From Children’s Abduction prevention, to S.W.A.T. team tactics, to ancient combat arts the ICSDA network offers it all.

I have created my own training program. What can ICSDA give me?

The ICSDA offers instructor members a broad forum from which to promote and teach their systems. Also, through a stringent screening process you could have your system officially recognized by the worlds Premier Combatives & Self Defense Association.

Does the ICSDA certify Instructors?

Yes, the ICSDA has a core combative program which covers empty hand, impact weapon, edged weapons, and firearms combative . All ICSDA members are eligible to participate in the certification track.

Should I break the membership in other organizations?

No. The ICSDA does not require that members severe ties with other associations. Please note however that there are several mainstream organizations which are not recognized by the ICSDA for a variety of reasons. The ICSDA will recognize NO credentials from said organizations.

Are annual membership fees necessary?

Yes. Membership dues are extremely reasonable and members have the benefit of a large membership perk package upon joining which far exceeds the membership dues.

I’ ve had my Rank for quite a long time. How can I advance to the next Rank?

The ICSDA does not offer martial arts ranking. The ICSDA can however connect you to a qualified instructor who can make appropriate arrangements for your testing.

How can I register at the ICSDA ?

You just send a membership application and payment. To the ICSDA head quarters. Your application will be reviewed by the ICSDA review board. If you are accepted you will be notified with 7 working days. Not all applicants are accepted. Application fees are non-refundable.

Hey I saw some member listed and his Martial Arts Lineage is not correct!

The ICSDA cares very little for martial arts lineage. With the exception of Blatant misrepresentation the ICSDA does not concern itself with martial arts lineage. All applicants programs are judged solely on combat effectiveness. The ICSDA will leave the questions about martial arts lineage and history to the martial arts historians. It is simply something that is outside of the ICSDA’s scope and mission. Our mission is to provide the public with life saving skills. Whether it was derived from a monk, a soldier or a Martian we don’t care. We only care that the program be functional.

You say that the ICSDA promotes programs in Self Defense, Personal Safety, Defensive Tactics, Close Quarter Combatives, and Combat Martial Arts. Isn’t that all the same thing?

No they are not. For the ICSDA’s purposes we define these areas as follows:

COMBATIVES

1. Goal is to Maim, Cripple, or Kill

2.Tools are not based on athleticism.

3.Tools & Tech are majority gross motor based.

4. designed to be learned in a span of under 12 months.

5. No Cultural or ritual Influence

DEFENSIVE TACTICS

1. Goal is to Protect & Control

2.Tools are not based on athleticism.

3.Tools & Tech are majority gross motor based.

4. Designed to be learned in a span of under 12 months.

5. Developed with use of force requirements in mind.

6. No Cultural or ritual Influence

SELF DEFENSE

1. Goal is to Evade, Protect, & Escape

2.Tools are not based on athleticism.

3.Tools & Tech are majority gross motor based.

4. Concept Based

5. Emphasis on awareness, avoidance, & prevention strategies.

PERSONAL SAFETY

1. Non-Physical strategies and behaviors.

2.Related to threats to safety from all influences not just assault

3. No Cultural or ritual Influence

COMBAT MARTIAL ARTS

1. Goal can range from evasion to Lethal force.

2.Tools may or may not be based on athleticism.

3.Tools & Tech are may be based on Fine or gross motor skills.

4. Usually has a Cultural or ritual Influence

5. Usually most effective after extensive study.

What is the difference between an ICSDA recognized instructor and a certified instructor?

The ICSDA recognizes several training programs as quality programs. Instructors teaching these programs are formally recognized as legitimate qualified instructors of their systems. There is no credential however issued to these instructors through he ICSDA. Certified Instructors are individuals who have completed the course work in the official ICSDA curriculum. Instructor and practitioner credentials are issued directly from the ICSDA Training Council.

How do I know which Training Programs the ICSDA recognizes?

All training programs currently recognized are listed on the ICSDA website.

My Program is not listed as a recognized program. Does that mean the ICSDA does not consider me to be a legitimate instructor?

The only programs listed on the recognized program list are those which the ICSDA board members have had 1st hand experience with. If your program is not listed it does not mean that it is not a quality program. It simply means that we have not had the pleasure yet of reviewing your program.

How do I get my program on the list of recognized training programs?

Instructors can submit course outlines, written materials letters of recommendation, and video footage to the ICSDA for review. After reviewing the materials Instructors will be interviewed by an ICSDA member on the content of their program. If accepted your program will be listed and recognized by the ICSDA. Instructors will receive a certificate of system recognition from the ICSDA as well. There is a $50.00 application fee for this service.