United Studios of Self Defense

Jason is amazing with the kids, they are so much more confident and secure ever since they started working with him. Really in touch with what’s most important for the children and his gruff demeanor is EXACTLY what you want in a kung-​fu master.
We’re even thinking of attending some of his adult classes, we’ve heard great things from the other parents.

Our 7 year old daughter has been going to USSD for 1 ½ year. During that time we have seen an improvement in self confidence and the way she carries herself. Thank you Sansei Jason.

My two children (age 6 and 4) have been going to USSD at Del Mars since October of 2015. Throughout the last few months, my children have made progresses in self defense techniques, but more importantly, they have learned from their sensei about the virtue of self discipline and consistency. The sensei has been tirelessly teaching my children that success in life can only be achieved through hard work and positive mentality. Within the last few months, my children have improved in every aspect of life: school, violin, even respectfulness towards one another. I’m looking forward to the day my children receive their black belts, not only in martial arts, but their «black belts» in everything they set out to accomplish.

I’ve been a student with United Studios since I was four years old. I am 25 now.
I contribute so much of the discipline, confidence, humility, and mental fortitude I have attained in my life to the consistent practice of martial arts.
Sensei Jason is a great role model. He embody’s the essence of dedication to your trade, to your family, and to his students.
As self defense teacher/​practitioner I’ve been through several instructors over the years, and I can say that Sensei Jason’s teaching style is the most practical for real world self defense situations.
Training with Jason you can expect to strengthen your body through a mixture of cross-​fit style exercises, yoga for flexibility and balance, and kick box conditioning. You will strengthen your mind by learning and applying self defense techniques both stand up and jiujitsu in a variety of challenging situations. You will strengthen your will, by overcoming the fear of facing off with an opponent which builds the confidence of character we all need in today’s society.
Remember the biggest fight most of us will face in our lives is more than likely not going to be a combat situation. It will be something such as a loss of job, loss of a loved one, physical illness, family problems, financial hardship, we all go through our trials.
It’s the WARRIOR’S SPIRIT you develop from martial arts that will be there for you when you are most in need.
If you haven’t already check out the website
and come in for a class. You will thank yourself, trust me.

I trained under Sensei Jason for 6 years, from 2008 to 2014. I had previously practiced TaeKwonDo for 12 years, earning a 2^nd Degree Black Belt. When I moved to a new town, I sought out new styles, but struggled to find an instructor who knew how to teach a White Belt, who was also a Black Belt. After allowing my training to languish for far too long, I was at last introduced to Jason Sell, and found what I was looking for.
Jason knew exactly how to whip me into shape and bring the balance of martial arts back into my life. After years of training, it was my great honor to travel with Sensei Jason and six of his students to the Shaolin Temple in China, where we tested for our Black Belts. In the animal system of Shaolin Kempo, he is the Tiger, through and through. Fierce, determined, passionate, and focused. His training made me a stronger, better man.
Now I’ve moved again, and need to find my next teacher. This will be tough, because Jason set the bar too frickin’ high.

As a Navy SEAL physical conditioning and a solid understanding of hand to hand combat are critical to operational success. In the Navy I was exposed to the best teachers in many disciplines. After my Navy career I was looking for a teacher that would keep my skills sharp. I recognized Sensei Jason´s mastery immediately. No matter what age or skill level Sensei Jason will meet you at your level and progress you as far as you want to go. He has dedicated his life to the pursuit of learning and teaching the martial arts. Jason is recognized as an industry leader and works hard to continue to grow as a teacher and a student. I highly recommend his dojo for any age or skill level.

My son has been a student of Jason’s for over 5 years now. It’s his favorite sport!!! The program is a great way for kids to embrace their physicality in a safe way and the self-​control required is a great way for my son to practice discipline which translates into the classroom and at home. I highly recommend this studio.

I have been going to the Women’s Self Defense Class since fall 2013 and I love every minute I’m there. Sensei Jason is the best — he is knowledgeable, passionate, and knows how to work with each person so they reach their personal goals. I started going with the intention to get into shape and learn self-​defense and have gained so much more. My self confidence has gone way up, I feel more focused in other areas of my life, and I have made friends that I love seeing in the dojo every week. We are always learning while at the same time practicing what we have already learned. If you are looking for a place that offers a safe environment, a challanging workout and tools that help you in life all at a fair price, this is it.

I have been studying under Jason for several months now, and what a great experience it has been! My first interaction with Jason was a phone call in which I laid out my goals, and he gave me a very accurate overview of how each one would be reached through his specific program. So far, all my expectations have been met.
The approach is rather unique in that we focus on several styles of combat, incorporating elements of Shaolin Kempo (main focus), Kung Fu, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Although forms, techniques, and defensive maneuvers are heavily covered, there is at least one class per week in which sparring is the focus. I particularly enjoy this class for the physical and mental challenge it introduces. I would almost consider this program, at least in the way I experience it, to reflect a bit of MMA without the meathead mentality. Most importantly, Jason takes time to ensure his students are growing in character as well as fighting skill; his hope is that we will become role models in society who will avoid fighting whenever possible but will never be afraid to step in to defend ourselves or someone else. I was introduced to this program by a close friend, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in developing the mental and physical skills necessary for self defense.

Six years ago my son Steven, then in 7^th grade, started taking Kempo lessons and classes from Jason. It has been wonderful to see the transformation from a timid and uncertain boy into a confident young man. The brown belt he has earned has a lot to do with his confidence, not just with physically defending himself, but with taking on anything that is difficult or challenging. Over that time Jason has become much more than a martial arts instructor to my son. He has become a personal friend of mine and a mentor to my son.
Jason teaches Kempo, but also mixes in grappling, jui-​jitsu, weapons training and self defense. He is very pragmatic about teaching and emphasizing techniques that you would actually be able to employ outside the dojo in a real-​life self defense situation. Not only is Jason a fantastic teacher, but he is also a dedicated student of material arts as he continues to advance his own mastery in multiple MMA disciplines. Being both a student and a teacher keeps him well-​grounded because he is able to see everything he teaches from both perspectives.
Jason is amazingly enthusiastic about what he does, and about life in general. I can honestly say that in all the time I have known Jason and observed, and for about a year participated in, his classes, I have never seen him bring anything other than a positive attitude and complete focus and effort into the dojo. Not once. He gives completely of himself to his students. If anything, his enthusiasm for what he does had grown over the years. We should all be so lucky to find something we enjoy doing as much as Jason has.
A had an opportunity to see what sets Jason apart from other martial arts instructors when I accompanied my son to a tournament. Without exception, Jason was clearly enjoying himself more than any other instructor at the tournament as he judged sparring matches and officiated events. It was a child-​like enthusiasm that was a joy to witness and in sharp contrast to the dour seriousness of many of the other instructors.
Having experienced martial arts with Jason, I would have a hard time taking martial arts, or even recommend taking martial arts to a friend, from anyone other than Jason. I know I’m spoiled and would be disappointed.
Now, having said all that I will tell you about the one and only ‘negative’ issue that you have to be willing to accept with Jason: Jason-​time. Because of the dedication and enthusiasm he pours into every class and private lesson, Jason does not run his classes strictly on the clock. Classes starting and ending late because the previous class or lesson ran late is par for the course with Jason. Usually it’s on the order of 5 to 10 minutes, but I’ve experienced the final class of the day running as much as 30 – 35 minutes over. His students all seem to understand why this happens and accept it, because they know they benefit when it’s their class or lesson running over.

My son goes to United Studios of Self Defense and loves it. He comes home wanting to «teach a class» to us and can’t wait to go back. We decided that Karate was a great choice for our son because it teaches responsibility, how to stand up for yourself, how to use force as a last resort and for defense and self discipline. We chose this particular studio because of the sensei, Jason. We love his style of immediate consequences, teaching kids to be a first time listener and a broad range of skills in defense. Highly recommend!

The Kids Karate Program here Rocks. I was looking for an activity for my two boys to help them with their focus and self confidence. Sensei Jason is great and has helped my boys get in shape and more importantly feel «powerfully awesome» as they put it. The Sensei does believe in discipline so make sure that is important to you as well. I would recommend this program to parents looking for a structured activity for their children!

Initially, I was looking a Japanese Karate studio for my son, since I grew up in Japan and trained in the system which extremely developed both mental and physical strength. But, I found a Martial Arts studio that gave the same benefits. It has been over 4 years since my son has started, and I highly recommend this place.
1) Real Martial Arts:
This studio teaches not only karate but also other martial arts forms in a hybrid fighting system, for all kinds of situations that may arise. Many students from this studio have placed in regional tournaments held by the United Studios of Self Defense (USSD).
2) The experienced instructor:
The instructor, Sensei Jason Sell, is very passionate about the martial art, and has dedicated many, many years to it.
3) School P.E. Credit:
Now my son, who is in middle school, takes the independent study physical education (I.S.P.E) program by taking Martial Arts classes at this studio. Instead of taking regular school PE, this class may be a good opportunity for school PE credit.

I started working out here a few months ago after moving down to San Diego from San Francisco on the advice of friends in the area.
The studio and Jason are fantastic. All the workouts are great for overall physical fitness and after each session I walk away feeling like I really learned something new that I could use in a practical self defense situation if it ever came to that.
Jason really does a great job teaching in a safe and fun environment without sacrificing any of the practical benefits of learning martial arts (having done Muay Thai etc. before where I would get hurt on occasion I can’t stress enough how difficult it is to achieve this balance which Jason does with ease.)
Also a great place for kids and families from his Saturday workouts at the beach in Del Mar to his 1 – 1 lessons (have already recommended him to a number of my local friends and family for their kids).

My kid has been coming here for more than two years now and he really likes it, Sensei Jason challenges every kid here and makes them want to be better, he is strict, but that is the way a Sensei should be, he’s saying «i’m not your baby sitter» it’s true they go here to learn, kids really respect him and like him!

**9/​6/​2013 Update**
Almost 2 years later and I still love coming to my self defense class at USSD Del Mar! I still feel like I am learning new things and challenging my body. And tackling floor bags and whaling on them never gets old.
While I hope I never have to use the self defense skills I have learned from Jason, it means a lot to me that I have the training. I can live my life with confidence and self respect knowing I have the tools to defend myself from people much larger and stronger than myself.
My boyfriend just received his black belt this year after taking a trip with USSD to the Shaolin Temple in China. It was a once in a lifetime experience that he will never forget.
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I come here for the Women’s self defense class. Its a great environment to learn self defense strategies while getting an amazing work out. And hitting a punching bag as hard as you can is just plain fun. Crescent kicks are my fav.
Sensei Jason is a great guy. He pushes you just hard enough to make sure you are challenging yourself but at the same time makes sure you arent going to get hurt.
Great for coordination, balance, and keeping your brain alert! This is a great alternative for someone like me who finds it hard to keep a regular work out schedule since I get bored so easily. I only wish he offered the classes more than once a week!
My boyfriend takes the Kempo classes here and he really enjoys it. It has helped him get into great shape (I am not complaining). He is not a macho guy, and he appreciates the environment. The adults that come here are respectful and want to learn, they arent just meatheads that want to punch your lights out.
Great place for anyone looking for martial arts and/​or self defense training!

I attended USSD in Del Mar for more than five years. I transferred from the Dana Point Studio. Jason was great and helped me with the transition. He helped me to earn my black belt. If you want to go to a studio where you really can learn to defend yourself, study with Jason. He is uncompromising. He will push you. It is worth it.

Jason is the BEST. My two sons have been doing USSD for 2 years, and I have been doing «mommy kick butt class» for over a year. It was the best decision I ever made for my kids, and myself. He teaches my kids confidence, and they are well prepared to defend themselves if the need ever arises. I now know how to kick, punch, and defend myself as well. He really knows how to make it a work out, and fun, and it is reasonably priced. My sons LOVE this program. They are totally into the classes, and they love it. I don’t have to force them to go, they WANT to go, and are so happy to compete in tournaments, and advance in their belts. They grow with the program and they become very confident in their abilities. It was truly the best decision I ever made for them and for me.