International Self Defense Institute

San Mateo, United States

5

6 reviews

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 888-841-9458
Website:
www.isdikempo.com
Address:
98 42nd Ave, San Mateo, CA, 94403
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.7 miHillsdale Caltrain Station
1 miBelmont
1.9 miHayward Park
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Bussiness info

Good for Kids
Yes

Today

Today –
Local time (San Mateo) 23:36 Tuesday, 15 July 2025

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday –
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

Self Defense through traditional martial arts building confidence and discipline for kids and adults. Also offering an exciting October camp for kids to get an introduction to martial arts during their fall break. We also offer birthday parties for lasting memories.

History

Established in 1991.

This business has been a community based traditional martial arts school based in the same location since 1990. The International Self Defense Institute has many programs for kids and adults including ongoing classes year round and Spring, Summer and Winter camps for kids.

Meet the Business Owner

Sensei Todd J.

Business Owner

I have been teaching martial arts for over twenty years to kids from 3 years old through 70. Having trained in several styles of martial arts I have built a system of instruction that helps all students find the confidence and discipline to find success throughout their lives.

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6 reviews of International Self Defense Institute

No registration required
Place rating: 5
San Carlos, CA
Our two boys have been attending classes here for many years. Sensei Todd is a very good teacher, he runs a respectful program.
This is not a place that gives out belt ranks without the students earning them, for that reason we have found that our boys are more proud of their accomplishments.
Too many dojos out there grant ranks based on time schedules, not on student learning. Thank you Sensei Todd for being focussed on the right goals.
Place rating: 5
San Mateo, CA
My daughter has been going to ISDI since she was in diapers (she is 11 now). It is a very well run studio and the instruction is consistent and the environment positive. Sensei Todd and his senior black belts are a great staff of good people and great martial artists (OK, great people… not just good). The classes are GREAT for kids and truly teach them to build character, learn responsibility, and of course martial arts. I highly recommend this if you are looking for a martial arts class for your child or even yourself. The art (Kenpo) is a great self-​defense oriented art that does carry over into the real world.
I have been teaching martial arts myself for over two decades and taking martial arts for nearly 30 years… knowing what I know I recognize ISDI as a top school in the Bay Area. Check it out!
Place rating: 5
San Carlos, CA
This is a great facility with very dedicated staff. Very reasonably priced and flexible with their class schedules. Sensei Todd Jones teaches the students great life skills. All the staff is dedicated to helping the students succeed. This experience was a great confidence builder in my son. I would highly recommend this place.
Place rating: 5
Redwood City, CA
We have been going to ISDI for over four years now. What struck me the most right away was the sense of community.
The students learn more than just martial arts. They learn respect for themselves as well as everyone else around them. They learn discipline and responsibility.
Place rating: 5
Belmont, CA
As a current student, I have been studying here under Sensei Todd Jones for over 15 years and I still love it. Coming here as a young child was a great experience in becoming a mature and well trained martial artist. Growing up I learned alot here about life such as respect, peace, and many life lessons which Sensei Todd is very good at teaching. 15 years later I am still learning and growing with my rank towards my black belt. I can go on for hours about my wonderful experiences here, especially in their summer camps for the kids. I highly suggest this as a real traditional martial arts school, 5 stars all the way.
Place rating: 5
Redwood City, CA
In my past life as a nanny, I spent many hours here. I worked for several families in the area and many of the kids took classes here.
They all loved it and the parents did too. The reason was simple: great instructors that teach kids of all ages and abilities the fundamentals of self-​defense, as well as all the other things that go along with it – respect, discipline, hard work, health etc.
The cost structure here is a monthly fee which allows for great flexibility in scheduling. Classes for each level can be taken on various days of the week at different times. The kids can go as often as they like (or as little as they like)…or as time permits in the family schedule. Every kid that I took here loved it!