USSD Martial Arts San Clemente - San Clemente, California

Olga Rod

When we moved to OC 7 years ago, we visited every karate studio in the area to find the best one for our kids training. When we walked into USSD Martial Arts San Clemente dojo it felt like home right away and its been our second home ever since. The kids get the best training with Sensei Richard and Miss Meka, grow stronger physically and emotionally, and I get a peace of mind to know that first of all they can protect themselves if needed and second - when they are at the dojo I know that they will be taken care of. Both of the kids have brown belts already and we have so many great memories of going to the tournaments together, enjoying special events, camps, birthdays together! One of our family favorite places in San Clemente - thank you for everything you do for the kids!

Cristina R

We have been with Sensei Richard and Ms. Meka for the past nine years, and we absolutely love them both.

They have continued to instill respect, discipline and honesty in both our kids. Prior to signing up, we scouted some other local dojos, and since both my husband and I had martial arts experience, we chose USSD because of the discipline they instill. Other dojos allow their students to earn their belts quickly, giving students a false sense of security and ability. Not every dojo has a true martial arts Sensei teaching the students. A few dojos had students teaching students, with no real Sensei in sight.

We are very grateful to have found them and can't wait to see what the year has in store. Thank you Sensei Richard and Ms. Meka for all the hard work you do today and everyday for our kids!

Julian Gates

I am a martial artist myself with over 20 years of experience. When it came time to find a martial arts school for my two sons to follow in my footsteps I was super annoyed at all of todays pseudo karate schools that give away belts too easily. Luckily I found USSD San Clemente. My boys have now been training with Sensei Richard for over 7 years and I couldn't be happier. 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. If you are looking for a place where your kids can get a black belt in two years, do not come to this Dojo! His students have to work and train hard for every belt they get which is what martial arts is all about! If you want your kids to get stronger, gain self-confidence and learn respect for himself and others, not to mention be able to defend himself, USSD SC is the best option I found with in Orange County.

Rock Club

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!

Kellie Webb

USSD San Clemente has been a blessing for our 16 year old son for the last 11 years. Through Sensei Richard’s guidance, he has grown into a confident, respectful, strong and focused young man. We are grateful for the supportive community and second home that our son has at this awesome Dojo.

Peter Tunney

My son and I have been training at USSD San Clemente for six years. He’s ten. I’m forty nine. Training here has been a life-changing experience for us both. I cannot say enough good things about it. Seriously. My only regret is that we didn’t start earlier.

Sensei Richard is a rockstar and Miss Meka is a truly gifted instructor. The dojo’s motto is, “Discipline, loyalty, honor, respect.” Wow. And make no mistake, these are all in evidence in abundance in every aspect of the teaching and community that the instructors have created.

It feels like a family. Except we get to spar with each other. Oh wait, some families may already act like this -- just without the protective headgear. But seriously, I believe that there’s not a single person who wouldn’t benefit from the training we do and the inclusiveness and fellowship (ladies too!) of this amazing group.

My son adds... “Its great exercise and a great way to make friends. It also teaches good discipline and it has helped me so much!”

Camisha Gates

Both of my sons have been taking lessons at USSD San Clemente since 2014. Now ages 11 & 16, they are strong, confident & coordinated thanks to Sensei Richard & Miss Meka. The lessons learned at this dojo have been invaluable. I am also thankful to the safety protocols they put into place with Covid. I feel like their diligence and cleanliness has helped to ensure everyones health is a top priority. We are grateful to be apart USSD San Clemente!

Cameron Green

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. 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 would recommend training here to anyone.