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USSD Martial Arts San Clemente
5 ★★★★★ 24 Google reviews · Karate dojo in San Clemente, 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
- 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
- Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule martialartsinsc.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 949-787-0444
Hours
| Monday | 12–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 12–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12–9 pm |
| Thursday | 12–9 pm |
| Friday | 12–5 pm |
| Saturday | 8–11 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“They provide instruction, discipline and fun, the kids really have to work hard and learn respect-they don't "give out" belts.”
“This dojo is well-rounded in teaching both Kempo karate and jiujitsu— my kids love sparring and grappling.”
“My youngest is in the kid’s class and my oldest is in the teens class.”
“Private lessons and twice weekly classes have helped my kids grow in a multitude of ways.”
“His mastery of multiple schools of martial arts has given me and other students a concrete foundation in self-defense skills, as well as a path to our own mastery of martial arts.”
Other martial arts here
“This dojo is well-rounded in teaching both Kempo karate and jiujitsu— my kids love sparring and grappling.”
“His mastery of multiple schools of martial arts has given me and other students a concrete foundation in self-defense skills, as well as a path to our own mastery of martial arts.”
What students say
“Meka are incredible instructors who has taught me not just martial arts but also confidence.”
“The community that he and the other instructors created is like no other, everyone is so supportive of each other and are people anyone could call a friend.”
“I have watched my daughter and son grow in physical ability, technique, confidence, and respect in the two years we have been here.”
““Its great exercise and a great way to make friends.”
“This dojo is well-rounded in teaching both Kempo karate and jiujitsu— my kids love sparring and grappling.”
“Because Sensei Richard's back ground in multiple martial arts, he uses that knowledge to enhance the art Kempo Karate and make the students more well rounded.”
From the reviews
Our daughter has been in the USSD Martial arts San Clemente program for 4 years now! There is truly a family like atmosphere here. One thing I noticed is that other dojos give away belts way to fast. Here they acutely teach you and my daughter feels so accomplished with each belt earned. AND they make it FUN!
I've been training here for about 9 years, starting in 2012. Going to train is honestly one of the things I look forward to most during the week. Sensei Richard and Ms. Meka are incredible instructors who has taught me not just martial arts but also confidence.
This place changed my life. Through Sensei Richard's instruction and training, I gained courage, discipline, perseverance, and mental toughness that have helped me deal with life challenges that I was once afraid to even approach.
Our son found a home with USSD for many years. The instruction was stellar and disciplined, yet supportive and encouraging. Or son learned martial arts, as well as the philosophy behind them. He also learned how to approach any obstacles or challenges in life.
New to Karate? Start at USSD Martial Arts San Clemente
USSD Martial Arts San Clemente 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 USSD Martial Arts San Clemente
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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