United Studios Self Defense (USSD) Introduce
For those in the heart of California's Bay Area, particularly in Menlo Park and its surrounding communities, finding a martial arts school that offers more than just physical training is a true advantage. United Studios Self Defense (USSD) is a long-standing and highly-regarded institution that delivers an exceptional martial arts experience. This is a place where discipline and confidence are cultivated, and where families and individuals find a supportive community. USSD’s approach to martial arts is comprehensive, blending the tradition of martial arts with a modern focus on practical self-defense. It's a dojo that not only teaches kicks and strikes but also empowers students to become more focused, disciplined, and capable in all aspects of their lives.
The philosophy at USSD is built on a foundation of mentorship and personalized attention. The instructors are not just teachers; they are friends and mentors who are genuinely invested in their students' growth. This is especially evident in the programs for children and teens, where instructors like Teacher Caldwell and Teacher Willie use kindness, patience, and high energy to make learning martial arts an exciting and rewarding experience. For adults, the classes offer a challenging yet supportive environment to improve physical fitness, learn practical self-defense techniques, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals. The school is a hub of positive energy and camaraderie, a place where people can push their limits, build new skills, and feel a sense of belonging. The testimonials from a family who is moving away but will deeply miss the school speak volumes about the quality of the instruction and the strength of the community forged at USSD.
United Studios Self Defense is conveniently located at 409 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA. This is a prime and accessible location for anyone in the Bay Area, making it easy for students and families to get to and from their classes. The facility is designed with all members of the community in mind, providing a welcoming environment for everyone. This includes a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can easily access the dojo. The amenities, including a clean restroom, add to the overall comfort and convenience of the location.
The school's prime spot on a major thoroughfare means that it is easily found and has a direct impact on the local community. The ample and accessible parking is a significant plus, especially in a busy area, allowing students and their families to focus on their training without the added stress of finding a parking spot. The commitment to accessibility and the practical, well-thought-out location make USSD a top choice for martial arts training in the California region. The seamless experience from arrival to departure contributes to the positive atmosphere and makes it a destination that people are eager to visit regularly.
United Studios Self Defense (USSD) offers a diverse range of programs designed to cater to various ages, interests, and skill levels.
- Traditional Karate and Martial Arts: The school is a leader in teaching traditional martial arts, particularly Shaolin Kempo, which is a hybrid system that combines Karate, Kung Fu, and Jiu Jitsu. The programs focus on building a strong foundation in a rich tradition.
- Kids and Teen Classes: These programs are specifically designed to teach children and teenagers not just martial arts, but also valuable life skills like discipline, focus, and confidence. Instructors are known for their ability to make classes both fun and educational.
- Kickboxing and Cardio Workouts: For those looking for a dynamic way to get fit, the women's kickboxing classes offer a hard cardio workout with a strong focus on proper technique. These classes are a great way to improve physical health and relieve stress.
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Grappling: USSD provides classes focused on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and takedown techniques. These sessions often include sparring, which is a highly effective way for students to apply what they've learned in a controlled and safe environment.
- Summer Camps: The school offers a summer camp program, providing a fun and engaging activity for children during the school break, where they can learn new skills and stay active.
- Self-Defense and Urban Combat: A specialized focus on self-defense is at the core of USSD's curriculum. Classes are designed to teach practical, real-world skills in a high-intensity, effective manner, such as Urban Combat classes that combine self-defense techniques with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts.
USSD is a standout in the California martial arts scene due to several key features and highlights.
- Exceptional Instructors: The instructors are described as not only excellent teachers but also as friends. Their knowledge, energy, and genuine care for the students create a unique and highly effective learning environment.
- Flexibility and Inclusivity: USSD is accommodating and flexible, which makes it easier for students to balance martial arts with other sports or commitments. The instructors are also understanding of personal situations, such as a parent needing to bring their younger children along to a class.
- Holistic Development: The school's mission goes beyond physical skills. It is dedicated to fostering "life-ready character," helping students develop discipline, confidence, and a positive mindset that benefits them in all areas of life.
- Strong Community: The camaraderie among students is a major highlight. Whether in kids' classes, women's kickboxing, or grappling sessions, a strong sense of community and mutual respect is fostered, making the experience more rewarding.
- Practical Application: The focus on self-defense and real-world scenarios, particularly in classes like grappling and Urban Combat, ensures that students are learning skills that are genuinely useful and empowering.
To get started on your martial arts journey or to learn more about the programs, you can contact United Studios Self Defense (USSD) using the following details.
Address: 409 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
Phone: (650) 325-9690
Choosing United Studios Self Defense (USSD) is a decision that offers a multitude of benefits for anyone in the California region. The most compelling reason is the quality of the instruction and the supportive community. It is a place where you or your children will not only learn a martial art but also gain a family of friends and mentors. The flexibility offered by the school, as highlighted by a parent of a multi-sport athlete, is a rare and valuable benefit that makes long-term commitment possible. Moreover, the variety of classes—from traditional karate for kids to kickboxing for women and BJJ for grappling enthusiasts—ensures that there is a program for every interest and goal. The emphasis on practical self-defense over pure sport is another crucial factor, providing students with skills that build genuine confidence and can be used in real-life situations. The instructors are the heart of this dojo, and their dedication and energy are what make it "as good as it gets." For a solid martial arts experience that will positively impact every area of your life, USSD is an exceptional choice.
United Studios Self Defense (USSD) Services
Martial Arts School
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Courses
- Group Classes
- Kickboxing Classes
- Kids Classes
- Martial Arts Classes In
- Martial Arts Training
- Summer Camps
- Teen Classes
- Tradition Martial Arts
- Traditional Karate
United Studios Self Defense (USSD) Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Amenities
- Restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
United Studios Self Defense (USSD) Photos










United Studios Self Defense (USSD) Location
United Studios Self Defense (USSD)
409 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
United Studios Self Defense (USSD) Reviews
BJJ
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1My family is moving away from Menlo Park and we will miss this place! My son and daughter started taking karate at USSD about 6 months ago and they both loved it. Since I came to the night classes here as well as the women's kickboxing class, I've had plenty of opportunity to get to know the instructors (Teacher Caldwell, Teacher Willie, Jodi, Brian, etc.). They are not only all excellent teachers, but friends that our family will miss. Since this location hosts many classes, I'll break down the review into each class/instructorKarate: My kids (ages 5 & 7) just tested for their yellow belts here and are both eager to continue karate. They tell their friends about how much they love their class. I was so pleased with their instruction that a close friend started her kids training here as well. Teacher Caldwell is kind and patient with the kids, and Teacher Willie's energy makes him one of the kids' favorite teachers.Kickboxing: The women in this class have become good friends. I loved this class so much that I would tow my younger two children (5 & 2) to class when I couldn't get babysitting. Jodi is energetic and knowledgable and let my kids play (or held my toddler) while I trained, which is a rarity. Expect a hard cardio workout with a lot of focus on careful technique.Tuesday/Thursday night grappling/striking: I made this class less frequently than the others but was always glad I came when I could. Willie brings the same energy to this class that he does to the kids' karate class, and I appreciated learning not only from him but from the other class participants whose experience surpasses my own. Grappling is (in my experience) focused on BJJ and takedown techniques while striking is strikes/kicks. Both classes often involve sparring, which I've found to be one of the most helpful ways for me to put what I've learned into practice.Monday/Wednesday Urban Combat: An excellent self-defense/HIIT workout class. I left a detailed review on the Urban Combat Yelp page.Martial arts has become one of my favorite things to do, something I'm hoping to teach in the future, and a source of discipline and confidence in my life. I owe it all to the investment and mentorship I have received through this studio, and I will miss it dearly. If you're looking for a solid martial arts experience for your children or for yourself, USSD is as good as it gets.
November 13 · Rebekah DanielsMy son has been going for several years. Great instructors and a wonderful atmosphere in the dojo. Their flexibility with juggling multiple sports has made a huge difference in my son being able to continue martial arts for so many years.
March 03 · Susan FlierlVery nice dojo with a nice community of people and awesome instructors. I had a good experience learning various urban combat techniques such as jiu jitsu here.
September 12 · Aurko RoyWe have been going here for a little over year, and the way that the instructors work with the kids is absolutely outstanding!
January 31 · Martin BarthAwesome dojo and very nice teachers
May 15 · Arman Azadpour
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