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United Studios of Self Defense- Costa Mesa
4.6 ★★★★★ 22 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Costa Mesa, California
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 (ages 3–5) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Weapons / kobudo traditional weapons (kobudo) classes — kata with the bo, sai, and nunchaku, taught with control and discipline
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule costamesa.ussd.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (714) 641-1745
Hours
| Monday | 2–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 2–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–1 PM, 2–8 PM |
| Thursday | 2–8 PM |
| Friday | 2–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My kids been going to this dojo for about a year and I have seen an improvement in their attitude and in their confidence.”
“I am a complete beginner and have loved learning more and growing with Karate.”
“My daughter Arya loves being a tiny tiger and a part of this great community.”
Other martial arts here
What students say
“My wife and I are grateful for this Dojo and for all the amazing instructors.”
“My daughter Arya loves being a tiny tiger and a part of this great community.”
“I really love how they focus on teaching not just martial arts, but also important values like effort, respect, self-control, sincerity, and character.”
From the reviews
Ive been taking lessons at USSD for a few months now and enjoy it. Sensei Jessica has wisdom in her craft and it’s great to learn from her. I am a complete beginner and have loved learning more and growing with Karate. A great place and truly a healing experience for me :)
I first witnessed the great impact the Dojo had on its young martial artists when their demo team performed at a local event and was impressed by their skills, but mostly by how nice they all were including the instructor.
USSD of Costa Mesa is absolutely amazing! My kids have a blast in their classes with Sensei Jessica, and all the Senseis are wonderful. I really love how they focus on teaching not just martial arts, but also important values like effort, respect, self-control, sincerity, and character.
I can say this review is overdue! Sensei Jessica has done a great job as she's grown into her lead instructor position with USSD Costa Mesa, specifically implementing consistent fundamentals in regards to character, motivation, structure, and respect. Our kids love it here! Thank you
New to Karate? Start at United Studios of Self Defense- Costa Mesa
United Studios of Self Defense- Costa Mesa 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- Costa Mesa
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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