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Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios

5 ★★★★★ 48 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Upland, California

Kids & teens Private lessons Competition team

Plan your first class

  • 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 zultimate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 909-931-4602

Hours

Monday 8 am–9 pm
Tuesday 8 am–9 pm
Wednesday 8 am–9 pm
Thursday 8 am–9 pm
Friday 8 am–9 pm
Saturday 8 am–3 pm
Sunday 8 am–3 pm

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 Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 23 mentions

“As a woman and a mom, I believe it’s so important to be able to protect myself—and just as importantly, to empower my kids to protect themselves too.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🥊 Kumite / Sparring

“They have martial arts classes, sparring classes, and kickboxing for women.”

All dojos that run kumite / sparring →

💪 Women's Karate

“As a woman and a mom, I believe it’s so important to be able to protect myself—and just as importantly, to empower my kids to protect themselves too.”

All dojos that run women's karate →

👤 Private Lessons 2 mentions

“The people at Z-Ultimate all were very patient and let me sit quietly in the corner during classes and private lessons.”

All dojos that run private lessons →

🛡️ Self-Defense 21 mentions

“They not only bring deep expertise in martial arts and self-defense, but they also take the time to understand each student's goals and tailor the experience accordingly.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

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

🥊 Kickboxing 2 mentions

“They have martial arts classes, sparring classes, and kickboxing for women.”

Other dojos that also teach kickboxing →

🐉 Kung Fu

“Christie was very thorough with her explanations of how moves apply to the real world and taught me about SHAOLIN KEMPO.”

Other dojos that also teach kung fu →

🛡️ Self-Defense 19 mentions

“They not only bring deep expertise in martial arts and self-defense, but they also take the time to understand each student's goals and tailor the experience accordingly.”

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 48 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 3 mentions

“Sensei Christie is knowledgeable, encouraging, and truly passionate about what she teaches.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 6 mentions

“It’s a welcoming environment for all types of people: regardless of skill, body type, age, or gender.”

friendly, respectful dojo 18 mentions

“While the whole culture and family feel at your dojo is wonderful, I want to give credit to one of the teachers, Sensei Donovan.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 3 mentions

“The team helped them customize their training to focus specifically on self-defense techniques for women, empowering them with practical skills and confidence.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“My daughters love coming to their classes and I love knowing they are learning important, lifelong skills of discipline and how defend themselves.”

active competition / tournament team 3 mentions

“He has grown so much in his karate skills and has stretched himself through belt testing, tournament participation and sparing.”

From the reviews

Training at Z-Ultimate has been a game changer for me and my family. Their instructors are incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and passionate about what they do.

★★★★★ — Casey, Aug 2025

🥋 An Exceptional Family Experience at Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studio in Upland! As a doctor and mother of two young daughters, finding a self-defense studio that prioritized safety, confidence, and fitness for my whole family was crucial. For the past two years, Z-Ultimate has exceeded every expectation.

★★★★★ — Tenli, Dec 2025

I’ve been attending Z-Ultimate for nearly a year and I love it! It’s a welcoming environment for all types of people: regardless of skill, body type, age, or gender. They have martial arts classes, sparring classes, and kickboxing for women.

★★★★★ — Symonne, Jul 2025

I absolutely love being a part of Z-Ultimate! This dojo has been such a wonderful and positive addition to my weekly schedule, it's like I can't get enough! Being a part of both the adult women's kickboxing and adult's martial arts, I have been able to learn an abundance of new information and gain a tremendous amount…

★★★★★ — Leesli, Apr 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 48 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios

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 Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios

912 Monte Vista Ave, Upland, CA91786

Get directions

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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.