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United Studios of Self Defense - Menlo Park

5 ★★★★★ 6 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Menlo Park, California

Affiliated Kids & teens Weapons / kobudo

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

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes (ages 13) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Weapons / kobudo traditional weapons (kobudo) classes — kata with the bo, sai, and nunchaku, taught with control and discipline
  • Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule menlopark.ussd.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 650-325-9690

Hours

Monday 12–8 pm
Tuesday 12–8 pm
Wednesday 12–8 pm
Thursday 12–8 pm
Friday 12–7 pm
Saturday 8 am–2 pm
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, belt tests, and seminars — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Karate classes on the schedule at United Studios of Self Defense - Menlo Park, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 12 mentions

“We have been going here for a little over year, and the way that the instructors work with the kids is absolutely outstanding!”

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🥊 Kumite / Sparring

“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.”

All dojos that run kumite / sparring →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Monday/Wednesday Urban Combat: An excellent self-defense/HIIT workout class.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

⚔️ Weapons (Kobudo)

All dojos that run weapons (kobudo) →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at United Studios of Self Defense - Menlo Park — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Jiu-Jitsu 2 mentions

“Grappling is (in my experience) focused on BJJ and takedown techniques while striking is strikes/kicks.”

Other dojos that also teach jiu-jitsu →

🥊 Kickboxing 2 mentions

Other dojos that also teach kickboxing →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Monday/Wednesday Urban Combat: An excellent self-defense/HIIT workout class.”

Other dojos that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what students have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, or kickboxing alongside your Karate, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 6 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 2 mentions

“They are not only all excellent teachers, but friends that our family will miss.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 4 mentions

“I had a good experience learning various urban combat techniques such as jiu jitsu here.”

💗 welcoming to women 2 mentions
builds confidence, discipline & respect 4 mentions

“Expect a hard cardio workout with a lot of focus on careful technique.”

From the reviews

My 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.

★★★★★ — Rebekah, Nov 2019

My 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.

★★★★★ — Susan, Mar 2018

Very 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.

★★★★★ — Aurko, Sep 2022

We have been going here for a little over year, and the way that the instructors work with the kids is absolutely outstanding!

★★★★★ — Martin, Jan 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 6 reviews →

Your first Karate class at United Studios of Self Defense - Menlo Park

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.

Karate is a contact sport. Ease in, train within your limits, listen to your instructors, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find United Studios of Self Defense - Menlo Park

409 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA94025

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this dojo? Claim your listing — it's free.