My family is moving away from Menlo Park and we will miss this place! My son and daughter started taking karate at USSD about 6 months ago and they both loved it. Since I came to the night classes here as well as the womens kickboxing class, Ive had plenty of opportunity to get to know the instructors (Teacher Caldwell, Teacher Willie, Jodi, Brian, etc.). They are not only all excellent teachers, but friends that our family will miss. Since this location hosts many classes, Ill break down the review into each class/instructorKarate: My kids (ages 5 & 7) just tested for their yellow belts here and are both eager to continue karate. They tell their friends about how much they love their class. I was so pleased with their instruction that a close friend started her kids training here as well. Teacher Caldwell is kind and patient with the kids, and Teacher Willies energy makes him one of the kids favorite teachers.Kickboxing: The women in this class have become good friends. I loved this class so much that I would tow my younger two children (5 & 2) to class when I couldnt get babysitting. Jodi is energetic and knowledgable and let my kids play (or held my toddler) while I trained, which is a rarity. Expect a hard cardio workout with a lot of focus on careful technique.Tuesday/Thursday night grappling/striking: I made this class less frequently than the others but was always glad I came when I could. Willie brings the same energy to this class that he does to the kids karate class, and I appreciated learning not only from him but from the other class participants whose experience surpasses my own. Grappling is (in my experience) focused on BJJ and takedown techniques while striking is strikes/kicks. Both classes often involve sparring, which Ive found to be one of the most helpful ways for me to put what Ive learned into practice.Monday/Wednesday Urban Combat: An excellent self-defense/HIIT workout class. I left a detailed review on the Urban Combat Yelp page.Martial arts has become one of my favorite things to do, something Im hoping to teach in the future, and a source of discipline and confidence in my life. I owe it all to the investment and mentorship I have received through this studio, and I will miss it dearly. If youre looking for a solid martial arts experience for your children or for yourself, USSD is as good as it gets.

My son has been going for several years. Great instructors and a wonderful atmosphere in the dojo. Their flexibility with juggling multiple sports has made a huge difference in my son being able to continue martial arts for so many years.

Awesome dojo and very nice teachers

We have been going here for a little over year, and the way that the instructors work with the kids is absolutely outstanding!

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