Ive 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.

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.

Sensai Richard is phenomenal. All age groups extremely well protected during Covid. I am 67! and very fortunate to be in his adult class. I came here to maintain my strength and agility (joined just over a year ago) while having a great deal of fun and developing a valuable self defense skill. This sport reminds me a bit when my brother and I used to safely tussle with each other each of us having a sense of humor. Everyone has a good spirit here. Richard helps everyone directly or in groups...develop their particular strengths, skills, and ..work on their weaknesses. A very very useful class in self defense and fitness for all ages. Sensai Richard is inspiring, highly respected, very encouraging, and accomplished. Very Highly Recommend to parents for their kids, or for adults wanting to remain young in spirit and body..

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!

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 couldnt be happier. Because Sensei Richards 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.

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!”

I have been training with Sensei Richard at USSD San Clemente for just over a year, and I cant say enough good things about the training, the instruction, and my fellow teammates at the dojo.Sensei Richard does an amazing job instructing to all skill levels, from beginner to expert, motivating all of his students to strive past what they initially thought themselves capable of, guiding them through the mastery of difficult skills and techniques. He blends the arts of martial arts with the functional skills of self defense to develop his students into complete martial artists. Forms, striking, and ground fighting are all drilled regularly at the dojo under Sensei Richards expertise.The dojo is comprised of a great group of students, coming from a variety of backgrounds, and varying across the age, gender and skill spectrum. The group works as a team to push its members to perform at their highest individual potential every class, while still having fun in the process. I leave every class feeling a sense of accomplishment, with a smile on my face, knowing that as a team, we got better at our craft and had fun doing it.If you want to be developed into a complete martial artist who can defend him/herself in all facets of stand up and ground fighting, under an awesome instructor, with a great team, all while having a great time, then I highly recommend USSD San Clemente.

Sensei Richard and Sensei Mika are outstanding instructors, who care about their craft and students.

This place changed my life. Through Sensei Richards 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. The community he has built is nothing short of remarkable, and I am honored to be his student. 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. To those who lack confidence or direction in life, or those who wish to learn well-balanced and practical self-defense skills, I would whole-heartedly recommend USSD Martial Arts San Clemente and Sensei Richard.

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!

My daughter loves karate at USSD Martial Arts San clemente! She has learned so much that has helped her in school, home and with her friends. We love the community and have also made friends with the other families in the program. Four years in now, we couldn’t imagine our life without USSD. One of our best decisions signing her up!

We love USSD Martial Arts. We tried four other places in San Clemente before we chose USSD, we liked them the best because they seemed to be the only real place for our boys to learn. They provide instruction, discipline and fun, the kids really have to work hard and learn respect-they dont give out belts. The other places didnt match this dojo on any level.

Great Training! Great environment and atmosphere. Will be taught how to self defend and to be a better fighter.

Great all-around! My son has been here for three years. Hes learned teamwork, discipline, and karate, not to mention he has grown as a young boy substantially.

One of the best studios youll find. The instructors are a great group of guys mixing discipline with encouragement and fun!

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. His experience with Mika and Richard was amazing and prepared him for an amazing life. I cannot recommend USSD strongly enough!

My boys love USSD. The instructors are so friendly and helpful; they are like family! My husband, who has a black belt, has been very please with the instruction.

Best martial arts in Orange County!

Best martial arts training!

Best Martial Arts studio in San Clemente!!