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United Studios of Self Defense

5 ★★★★★ 34 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Oceanside, California

Free trial Kids & teens Weapons / kobudo Competition team

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
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — 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
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule oceanside.ussd.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (760) 630-8116

Hours

Monday 1–9 PM
Tuesday 1–9 PM
Wednesday 1–9 PM
Thursday 1–9 PM
Friday 2–7:30 PM
Saturday Closed
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, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 32 mentions

“It takes a very special set of skills and patience to be able to work with really young kids, and (as a former 1st grade teacher) I can honestly say they set the new standard.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🥋 Adult Karate 2 mentions

“My husband and I decided to try the Adult class, and it's one of the things we look forward to each week.”

All dojos that run adult karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“I am SO glad we took the leap into self-defense at USSD Oceanside!”

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 — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🐉 Kung Fu 2 mentions

“My son wanted to try juijitsu and kung fu before coming back to karate, but our experience at USSD superseded our impressions of the (trial weeks) other dojos.”

Other dojos that also teach kung fu →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“I am SO glad we took the leap into self-defense at USSD Oceanside!”

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 34 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 9 mentions

“As an adult I really appreciate Master Terrell and Sensei Garrett. Both of them are knowledgeable and passionate about martial arts and patient as well.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“My son is a little older than the typical beginner but the USSD team has embraced him and the challenges that a very tall 12 year old bring!”

friendly, respectful dojo 7 mentions

“Everyone there is super welcoming and focused on developing the character of our boy just as much as his skills.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 3 mentions

“I placed 3rd in Forms at my first tournament and advanced to yellow belt shortly afterwards.”

great workout & fitness 3 mentions

“What a great experience this has been for our 13 year old who we placed here when football season ended to maintain his conditioning level.”

🧒 strong kids program 4 mentions

“He still continues going to karate weekly, still learning and now also helps teach the younger kids classes with Master Terrell, who has taught him everything he knows!”

From the reviews

USSD has been extremely beneficial for my children. My children have more confidence in themselves, higher self esteem, and learning to become great leaders. My son has learned to be more outspoken, and to speak with confidence.

★★★★★ — Tiffany, Apr 2023

My daughter has now been in 3 tournaments since joining. She has received 4 medals in all. It has changed her self esteem incredibly. Since joining she has made a 180*. She nom is getting a 3.3 gpa where before she struggled meeting grade level. She always thought she was less than because of struggles in school.

★★★★★ — Kelly, Nov 2022

United Studios of Self Defense excels on all ways. I noticed from my earliest visits that Master Terrill is super adept at making his students comfortable and getting the greatest learning from them. He achieves this by meeting them at their level while maintaining a high degree of learning input.

★★★★★ — Theresa, Jul 2012

We recently started at USSD. My son is a little older than the typical beginner but the USSD team has embraced him and the challenges that a very tall 12 year old bring! I was very concerned about him starting so late and his challenges with ADHD however, I have read this was a great way to help him focus.

★★★★★ — Dori, Aug 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 34 reviews →

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.

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

4170 Oceanside Blvd #181, Oceanside, CA92056

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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.