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United Studios of Self Defense, Palo Alto
4.3 ★★★★☆ 15 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Palo Alto, 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 — 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
- 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 paloaltoussd.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (650) 325-4946
Hours
| Monday | 12–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 12–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–9 PM |
| Thursday | 12–9 PM |
| Friday | 1–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The environment is supportive and encouraging but also requires a non-negotiable respect for the dojo which has had a very positive impact on both my kids.”
“My son of 15 found this place through his peers at high school.”
“Also one of the only places which teach weapons and give private lessons as well as group lessons.”
“Kung Fu panda being one of her favorite movies she was so excited to learn self defense.”
Other martial arts here
“Kung Fu panda being one of her favorite movies she was so excited to learn self defense.”
“Kung Fu panda being one of her favorite movies she was so excited to learn self defense.”
What students say
“My kindergartener had a rough start to the school year with following directions and focusing at school.”
From the reviews
Excellent, structured program with terrific instructors. Master Flickinger has owned and managed multiple studios over the years and I'm so glad that we have him here to learn from. As individuals, we are held accountable for working hard and to improve with every lesson.
This is a wonderful studio Mr flickinger is such a good teacher he gets to know the students and the families he teaches discipline and respect as well as martial arts I highly recommend the studio
My daughter just turned 4. She is very shy and insecure. Kung Fu panda being one of her favorite movies she was so excited to learn self defense. The problem was getting her in class. She would scream and cry and refuse to go in, yet after she said she wanted to do it again.
My kindergartener had a rough start to the school year with following directions and focusing at school. After we started her in karate with Master Flickinger, the discipline and structure that was provided to her quickly translated into the classroom. Her teacher said it’s like a switch was flipped.
New to Karate? Start at United Studios of Self Defense, Palo Alto
United Studios of Self Defense, Palo Alto comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. 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, Palo Alto
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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