United Studios of Self Defense

My son has been studying karate at USSD Dana Point location for about 6 years now. He loves this place! Over the years, he has had a few different instructors and has had a great relationship with each one of them. When Sensei Josh left and Sensei Mike took over, my son was very sad and very apprehensive at the thought of having a new instructor. However, after a couple of lessons with Sensei Mike, all his apprehension disappeared. Sensei Mike is great at teaching kids; he is warm and gentle with them but demands great respect and good behavior from his students. He is very detailed and watches the kids closely to make sure that their forms are correct. He is very encouraging and motivating with them. He also explains why you do a form a certain way which I believe is very beneficial for the students. My son has benefitted a great deal from Sensei Mike’s teaching style and his ability to form a great Sensei-​student relationship. As for me, I have found Sensei Mike to be very honest and easy to work with. If you are considering a place for your child to learn karate, don’t decide before checking out this USSD and Sensei Mike.

I cannot say enough good things about this USSD location and specifically our instructor, Sensei Mike. This is my 4-​year-​old son’s first after-​school sport/​activity and it has been the most positive experience we could have asked for. Mike is kind, patient, attentive, personable, talented and overall an impressive instructor. Our family is new to martial arts and this program has far exceeded our expectations. I am amazed at how quickly and efficiently my son is progressing through the belts and how motivated he is by the program and by Mike’s positive attitude. He keeps the kids in line when discipline is needed, but he is always ready with a «high 5» and a smile when they are doing a god job. Mike truly takes the time to get to know his students and their families and always makes you feel welcomed. We look forward to our time in the dojo each week and we are so proud of the focus and determination our son is showing, even at the young age of 4. Most importantly, we are all having FUN! Keep up the great work, Mike!

Since enrolling my son into the USSD program at Dana Point, my son’s light is shining brighter than ever. He is a gregarious boy (4 years old at enrollment, now 5) and was needing to channel his exuberant energy. Sensei Mike has done a remarkable job intertwining discipline and encouragement, resulting in my son’s adoration of both he and karate. In just 5 months, my son has learned the power of focus and intent, priceless life lessons!

To whom it may concern,
I can only find positive things to say about the USSD organization. Sensei Mike at the Dana Point location is an amazing martial artist with over 20 years experience working on perfecting his craft. Mike not only has been blessed with extraordinary skills, but he has a natural knack for teaching anyone on any level. I have experienced first hand his dedication in making me as good as I can be at martial arts. You can hear it in his voice how much he loves what he does and that he takes a great deal of pride in helping to develop his students. Mike has the respect of his students and Mike takes a personal interest in each one. Mike is also very patient working with each student no matter what their age, gender or any physical set back they may have have.
I am a business professional in Laguna Beach and represent a company that has been in business for 30 years with impeccable credentials. Integrity, honesty and our expertise is how I have maintained clients since the first year I started. Our company is built on long-​term relationships. This is how a company thrives in today’s economy. I am convinced the USSD is by far the best martial art studio of self defense in the country and I am proud to have Mike as my Sensei and my friend.
Most people can sense when someone is authentic in their approach and truly committed to actually helping people. This describes my Sensei Mike and I recommend him to anyone. If anyone wants to speak directly with me so they know this is a legitimate endorsement, feel free to ask for Mike B. at 949−715−5333.
Enjoy the journey to a better you by training at the USSD, Dana Point location under Sensei Mike.
Warm regards,
Mike B.

I highly suggest avoiding this location as well as this company, which makes me sad because my son has been coming here for a while now. We had loved Josh but he left and some new instructors came in. Since then, my son hasn’t liked karate at all but I really pushed him to stay in it, especially since he was so close to his purple belt. Last Thursday I dropped him off at 3:30 for his 30 minute private lesson. I usually leave because after his private lesson, he has his group for another hour. But this time I parked in front and watched. And what did I see? The instructor sitting in his office appearing to sign up a new child and chatting away casually with her parents. No rush, no hurry. So 3:40 rolls around, still chatting and my son is just standing in there waiting. 3:45, 3:50…I finally go in. I tell my son we are leaving as this is so unacceptable! I am pretty confident this would not have happened if I had been sitting in there watching, but he thought I dropped him off and left. When Mike (the instructor) saw me, he looked panicked and started apologizing and fumbling his words. I didn’t want to embarrass my son so I just said calmly «not cool, this is totally unacceptable to be in your office during my son’s supposed lesson.» He kept saying «oh I can offer you a make up» but I just took my son and walked out.
I called the corporate office and left a message asking for a return call. No call back. I called again and left a message. No call back. So, I wrote an email letting them know I had left two messages and needed to speak with someone at corporate about what happened and that I was pulling my son out. What did they do? They forwarded my email to Mike, the very person I had a problem with! Mike then sent me an email that was a mix of saying he was sorry and then saying I overreacted, didn’t let him explain and that one mistake shouldn’t be like a last straw (I HIGHLY doubt this was a first occurrence.) I sent an email back to corporate telling them that forwarding my email to the very person I had an issue with was a poor decision, especially after I repeatedly asked for a return call from corporate. If I had wanted to speak with Mike, I would have called him myself.
So no one from the corporate office ever returned my emails or calls. That is just horrible customer service. Stay away from this place, not only will your child receive poor instruction (when he even gets instruction) but if you have an issue, they will not care and not return any calls or emails. We are done with this place and will make sure others are warned.

Sensei Josh and Sensei Charlie have both been so awesome with, not only my daughter, but with all the kids! Sensei Josh is the perfect balance of patient, caring and funny but with discipline and education on the martial arts. I was worried it would be too intense for her, but I am so glad I gave it a go! My daughter loves to go to karate! And it’s been really good for her.