Because I truly believe it will make a difference in a person’s life. A lasting, wonderful, powerful difference. That is why I teach martial arts.

United Studios of Self Defense has been teaching students since 1968 and is the largest professional martial arts school in the United States. We are the only training facility to offer highly trained instructors certified by our professional Academy. Just because a student has achieved the rank of Black Belt at USSD, they are not automatically an instructor. Even the most skilled of students must learn how to share their knowledge with others. Our instructors are trained in many different teaching methods to cater to how each student best learns.

Shaolin Kempo. The style has been constantly evolving since 568 AD, and is a combination of Karate, Kung Fu, and Jiu Jitsu. This style is the very best not only for self defense but for overall conditioning as well.

United Studios prides itself not only by providing the most highly developed martial arts system available, but by helping our students become the best members of the community they can be. USSD was founded on the principles of Effort, Etiquette, Sincerity, Self Control, and Character. By teaching these five principles we believe that our students will emerge stronger, more disciplined, respectful, and more productive members of society.

Karate is GREAT exercise! In fact, Sports Illustrated rates Martial Arts as the most effective cardio workout overall. Studying Karate will increase strength, flexibility, balance, and weight loss just to name a few. The skills and exercises learned in Karate class can be used outside of the dojo as well to continuously promote your health and well-being.

Absolutely! All ages of men, women, and children can learn karate. You do not need any previous special training and do not need to be in any particular shape to learn. We will help you with everything you need to be successful. Through Karate you will become stronger, more flexible, and better able to protect yourself!

No way! Karate is for everyone!
Regardless of what the movie industry would lead you to believe, karate is both physical and mental fitness. We don’t throw each other through windows or beat up 10 bad guys at once as is often seen on screen. Karate is about self-improvement. There is no competition in the dojo, except against yourself, to improve. Although many adults find the thought of taking karate lessons intimidating, we are only here to help you, and can guarantee that you will be very happy that you gave it a try. At USSD we have students from 3 years old to well into their 60’s and 70’s.
Again; Karate is for everyone!

This is a difficult question to answer, as everyone learns at their own pace dependent on many factors. While a student can earn a Yellow Belt in only 4-6 weeks, each rank takes about twice as long as the previous one to attain. While we cannot give you a specific amount of time in which you will earn your Black Belt, we can assure you that with the right dedication and practice you will earn it. We hope that our students’ focus would be on training, and not on their rank.
“Are you here to learn Karate, or to get belts?”

The average student takes one 30 minute private lesson, and 1 or 2 one hour long group lessons each week. We also recommend practicing at home when time permits. As with any activity, the more a student practices the better and quicker they learn, and therefore advance.

At USSD, beginners are together (no advanced students) in group lessons where the focus is on increasing flexibility, improving strength, and balance. Everyone benefits from these things, regardless of age. Then students may pair-off with each other to focus on self-defense techniques. All of this is very easy, and is geared specifically towards beginners. As you learn and progress over time, you move up to a seperate intermediate class where you will continue to learn as you have before but on a more advanced level. This process will continue through advanced ranks.
Group lessons are composed of students close to the same age and ability. With a goal of successful practice and application in mind, each class consists of self-defense training and drills, plus a variety of fitness and stretching routines.
In your private lesson we will focus on your needs specifically. Private instruction provides the ultimate in personal training. Each class is tailored exactly to your needs which allows you to progress at a much faster rate, and/or receive additional help in areas of concern. Upon completion of your basic training, you will be teamed up with another student to begin training on the more advanced principles and applications of your techniques. Private lessons are always scheduled at your convenience.
Generally our students take a combination of group and private instruction.

We are a professional, full time, martial arts training facility and offer training 6 full days each week. As such we offer times for private lessons to best fit your schedule, along with group lessons each afternoon and evening.

GROUP CLASS SCHEDULE

JR. BEGINNERS
Mon and Wed
4:00pm-5:00pm
Sat
10:00am-11:00am

JR. ADVANCED
Tues and Thurs
4:00pm-5:00pm

TEEN/ ADULT BEGINNERS
Mon and Wed
7:00pm-8:00pm

TEEN/ ADULT ADVANCED
Tues and Thurs
7:00pm-8:00pm

Absolutely not. Junior Beginners and Junior Advanced students are separated from Adult Beginners and Adult Advanced students. Beginner students learn best in a beginner oriented class while advanced students learn best in an advanced oriented class. Adults and children should not be taught together in group lessons, this is impractical. Private lessons with family members, however, are allowed should it be desired.

Although sparring is not mandatory, it is an important step in learning martial arts should a student decide to partake in it. Sparring is not fighting, it is a sophisticated game of tag in which the student learns to apply what they have learned, under pressure, in a controlled environment. The student is well protected by top quality equipment and under close watch of an instructor. Without having a partner to direct punches and kicks at you, you would not perfect your ducking and blocking skills. These skills are the essence of self defense, especially for beginners. Although students will work with other like-rank students on a regular basis for practical training, formal sparring is not an option until the rank of Purple Belt. This way each student has plenty of time to learn the self-control needed to participate before they are allowed to do so. Safety is paramount.

Not at all. In fact we have seen that most often the study of Martial Arts has a leveling effect. The principles taught at USSD will help an aggressive child develop better self control, and help a shy child develop into a more outgoing and self confident individual.

Yes! Please call to set an appointment for a free introductory private lesson with a certified instructor. This time will be reserved exclusively for you. You’ll learn several things that will be fun, easy, and practical, and your instructor will take the time to ensure that you understand everything well. There is no better way to find out if USSD is right for you than to experience a class first hand.