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United Studios of Self Defense
4.8 ★★★★★ 12 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Belmont, California
Affiliated dojo — reviews and the dojo's own info point to a recognized Karate style organization or franchise (think Shotokan/JKA, Kyokushin, Goju-Ryu, Isshinryu, Tiger Schulmann's or Villari's). If lineage matters to you, ask which style and organization the dojo belongs to, and under whom the head sensei earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- Free trial / intro class most dojos welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Private lessons private, one-on-one instruction available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule belmont.ussd.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 650-591-8891
Hours
| Monday | 12–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 12–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 12–8 pm |
| Thursday | 12–8 pm |
| Friday | 12–6 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“People of all ages are welcome, you see little kids and older adults, and every age in between.”
“Sensei Linda does a fantastic job running the place, making sure people are comfortable and having fun while learning the self defense techniques.”
Other martial arts here
“One of the best martial arts school locally primarily in the style of Karate and Shaolin Kung Fu.”
“Sensei Linda does a fantastic job running the place, making sure people are comfortable and having fun while learning the self defense techniques.”
What students say
“He is a professional white belt almost yellow belt now :) If you think four year olds can't focus and learn you are incorrect!”
From the reviews
Great dojo with experienced and nice instructors. People of all ages are welcome, you see little kids and older adults, and every age in between. Group classes are well organized and in the couple of years I’ve been a student there I’ve learned so much!
Our four year old son has very much enjoyed being there 2 days a week since the end of January this year. It is amazing all that he has learned in the few months! The list of moves and terminologies he recalls is super lengthy!
One of the best martial arts school locally primarily in the style of Karate and Shaolin Kung Fu. Been practicing there for over 20 yrs with amazing 5th degree black belt Master, Linda Tomasello. The dojo has a whole host of instructors for all ages and levels and teaches students from 4 yrs and up.
Very convenient location with plenty of available parking, this place is kept clean and organized, see photo of business card attached and other info
New to Karate? Start at United Studios of Self Defense
United Studios of Self Defense comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and students’ reviews. If you've never thrown a punch or set foot in a dojo, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and the sensei scales the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable dojos build fundamentals (stances, blocks, punches, and kicks) for weeks, and kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, with pads and control. Third, all levels and ages really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first Karate class at United Studios of Self Defense
Nervous about walking into a Karate dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and a good sensei expects beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic stances, blocks, punches, and kicks — not hard sparring. Step to the side whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot. What to bring: water, and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi and the belt your dojo awards you. Kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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