Throughout the years of practicing combat sports and martial arts, I have always felt a deep desire to merge various disciplines together to create something functional and relevant for modern times. Martial arts, as I perceived them, seemed mechanical, ancient, and ill-suited for the contemporary world.
It reminded me of studying English in school, where we were forced to memorize sentences with obscure or impractical terminologies. Despite studying English for eight years, I never truly mastered the art of crafting a well-structured sentence.
It was with this mindset that I embarked on a journey to develop my own style and concept, which I named Iscudi.
The name itself, derived from the Sardinian language, translates to “to beat up.” While it may seem aggressive at first glance, it holds a deeper meaning for me. Iscudi represents the culmination of a simplified technical repertoire that I believe is necessary for self-defense against both others and oneself, while nurturing a healthy, resilient, and responsive body.
Iscudi is an amalgamation of diverse disciplines and training methodologies. It draws inspiration from various martial arts, combat-ring sports, contemporary dance, parkour, gymnastics, as well as the everyday activities we engage in at home or work. However, what sets Iscudi apart is its passive nature—it is not designed for offensive purposes. Instead, it revolves around the psychological advantage gained from surprising and disorienting an attacker.
The art of Iscudi revolves around five levels of defense:
1. Punching: This level focuses on striking techniques using fists and hands, aimed at maintaining distance and control.
2. Kicking: Utilizing a range of kicks, this level allows for effective defense while simultaneously creating opportunities for counter-attacks.
3. Clinch: Involving hip control, elbow and knee strikes, as well as head strikes, this level emphasizes close-quarter combat and controlling an opponent’s movements.
4. Falls: This level hones reflexes and control, enabling practitioners to maintain balance and protect themselves during unexpected falls or attacks.
5. Ground: Ground defense, balance control, and sweeps form the foundation of this level, providing strategies for defense in scenarios where the fight goes to the ground.
These five distances represent the common dynamics in an unarmed fight and are fluidly interconnected with each other.
The underlying principle of Iscudi is to establish a connection with the aggressor to gain control over their movements.
The key is to never give too much space.
Only when an opponent loses balance do we bring them to the ground, but we do not pursue them there.
If we find ourselves falling, we strive to recover swiftly and safely.
Ultimately, the idea behind Iscudi is to minimize the negative consequences of a conflict.
Iscudi is not merely practiced to overpower others physically. Its true purpose lies in enhancing every aspect of one’s life. Through the practice of Iscudi, individuals can cultivate a deep understanding of their bodies, emotions, and the psychology of conflict.
By developing these skills, practitioners gain the ability to navigate various challenges and conflicts.
Iscudi offers a path to better living and embracing life’s adversities with resilience and grace.
In conclusion, Iscudi represents a contemporary approach to martial arts, rooted in the fusion of diverse disciplines and training methodologies. Its passive nature focuses on utilizing psychological advantage to surprise and disorient attackers. By emphasizing connection, control, and minimizing harm, Iscudi transcends the realm of physical combat and becomes a holistic practice for personal growth and navigating life’s challenges. While Iscudi cannot be taught effectively in a large group setting, its principles shine in very small groups or one-on-one training, fostering personalized learning and fostering a deeper understanding of self-defense.