Instructors are disciplined and dedicated. Formidable attitude and values and they don't water down structure and maintain a reverence for the arts! We have been with the program since my son was 3. They have been personally vested in my son's self discipline at home and at school. The studio is sanitary for students and comfortable for viewers.
I trust these instructors, every last one. We are located off of the 5 Freeway at the Pico exit in the Staples/99 Cent store shopping center. If you'd like to speak with an instructor face-to-face, feel free to stop by during our normal business hours or call ahead to set up a private tour of our facility.
I trust these instructors, every last one. We are located off of the 5 Freeway at the Pico exit in the Staples/99 Cent store shopping center. If you'd like to speak with an instructor face-to-face, feel free to stop by during our normal business hours or call ahead to set up a private tour of our facility.
Services
Sensei Richard Cespedes and his experienced team of Instructors have been serving the city of San Clemente for over 20 years. In that time, they have been voted "Best Martial Arts School in Orange County" by the Orange County Register's OC Magazine 9 times, voted Best Martial Arts Studio in San Clemente 2014 by "Best of San Clemente" People's Choice Ole Awards and have won the USSD Grand Championship Tournament 10 times in a row.
Our mission is to provide each and every one of our students with self-confidence, great health and fitness, discipline, and the skills needed to defend themselves and succeed in life through the martial arts.
Our goal is to create a sound foundation for children's physical growth and psychological development through motivation and encouragement; to instill in all of our students values such as self-control, discipline, self-respect, and respect for others.We strive to keep the lines of communication open between our instructors and our students and their families to ensure that our dojo and instructors are constantly improving.
Our goal is to create a sound foundation for children's physical growth and psychological development through motivation and encouragement; to instill in all of our students values such as self-control, discipline, self-respect, and respect for others.We strive to keep the lines of communication open between our instructors and our students and their families to ensure that our dojo and instructors are constantly improving.
USSD Martial Arts San Clemente is the perfect Dojo for adults and children to learn martial arts. Our Dojo is a family-friendly facility. Our purpose is to promote martial arts through excellent training, discipline, respect for the art itself and students of the art. Parents, do you worry about the dangers your young children face at school, the park, and even in your own neighborhood?
Our Juniors program offers the same benefits as the Little Dragons program but is more suitable for older children. Students learn valuable self-defense and how to avoid and escape from bullies and predators. Classes also contain good cardio workouts and teach about nutrition to help keep kids fit and healthy.
Looking for something to keep your teen out of trouble or just off the couch? Want to see better grades on the next report card and make sure your child will be equipped to handle the pressures of high school? This is the class for you! Awesome workouts, practical self-defense, and fun sparring and grappling come together to make our Teens program fun and rewarding for students and parents.
Reviews (22)
Julian Gates
Mar 25, 2021
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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
Camisha Gates
Mar 13, 2021
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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
Mar 03, 2021
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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.
Justin McCabe
Feb 25, 2021
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I have been training with Sensei Richard at USSD San Clemente for just over a year, and I can't 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
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
Peter Tunney
Feb 24, 2021
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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
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
Evan Sachs
Feb 18, 2021
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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
Kellie Webb
Feb 17, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality
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.
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.
Andy E.
Feb 11, 2021
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USSD San Clemente is a PHENOMENAL martial arts studio. The instructors are the real deal. I've improved physical and mental discipline in the years I've been training here. The classes are well-organized, effective, and physically demanding. I've seen students of all ages and body types come train and dramatically improve as martial artists and individuals. The classes are demanding; the instructors focus on each individual in a way that improves stamina, confidence, and ability. I can't say enough good things about USSD San Clemente. This is the best martial arts training I
Rock Club
Feb 03, 2021
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, Value
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!
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!
ZagKamina
Jul 13, 2020
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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. 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
Sarah Cooper
Jun 02, 2020
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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!
Edgar D.
Mar 30, 2019
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I have been coming to USSD Martial Arts since I was sixteen years old and I am now twenty-five years old. In the nine years of coming here I have never been disappointed. Sensei Richard does an awesome job at guiding young and old through their martial arts journey in a way that I have never experienced before. Coming to USSD Martial Arts has changed my life in way too many ways to list on here. If you are looking to get your kids or yourself started in Martial Arts look no further. You have found the right place. Discipline, fitness and practical self-defense skills are taught here.
Nancy S.
Nov 07, 2017
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At first it was a great place for my daughter to train until Mr. Albert left and Owner Richard took over teens class . He is a bully , worse disrespectful instructor I ever met .He compares students in a bad mean way . He supossible teaches anti bullying classes on the summer camps he has , while he has been a big bully with some of his past students including my daughter and that is the reason why we and others left. Up to now don't know what his problem is , he keeps talking bad about my daughter with others . I guess my daughter is so important and he can't get over the fact that
Steve G.
Mar 12, 2016
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Amazing environment for young kids. Great staff and facility, clean, organized and functional.
Richard and his team have an amazing ability to connect with all attitudes and understand when and what pressure to apply to all personality types. My son can be on the shy side and we've watched him grew in confidence after every session. I highly recommend private sessions in a edition to regular classes as the one on one for beginners was exactly what our boy needed to really make him feel confident in his group sessions.
They should have more stars for places like these (which are very few
Richard and his team have an amazing ability to connect with all attitudes and understand when and what pressure to apply to all personality types. My son can be on the shy side and we've watched him grew in confidence after every session. I highly recommend private sessions in a edition to regular classes as the one on one for beginners was exactly what our boy needed to really make him feel confident in his group sessions.
They should have more stars for places like these (which are very few
Don W.
Dec 15, 2015
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Sensei Richard is a phenomenal leader and has created a culture that is truly special with his Dojo family. At five, my son was introduced by a friend at one of the Dojo BBQ's complete with blowup obstacle course and Sr. member Demos and after an hour, he felt comfortable with the group and was soon hooked. At 11, he's now a Green Belt and on his way to Black, but most of all he's part of a family focused on Fun, Integrity, Discipline and Personal Strength.
Ursula L.
Aug 10, 2015
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I think USSD Martial Arts San Clemente offers one of the best values in Orange County when it comes to Kempo karate and CrossFit. My daughter attended USSD for a year and absolutely loved it. She gained a lot of confidence and improved her ability to sit, listen, and follow instructions. To this day, I recommend it to all my friends. The instructors are so committed, knowledgeable, and friendly, and the kids adore them.
Kim C.
Feb 19, 2015
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I have been working out at this Crossfit for 3 1/2 years. I attend classes 3-5 times/week. I love every single workout. I am always challenged, both physically and mentally, and leave every class feeling strong, fit and accomplished. The trainer, Edgar is fantastic. He is knowledgable, positive, and will challenge you to set and meet personal goals. The environment is friendly, competitive while being encouraging and always supportive.
Mike P.
Feb 19, 2015
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I have been working out at this Crossfit gym for almost 4 years and it has been the best thing I have ever done for my health and fitness. I am 49 years old and I am in the best shape of my life. More indurance and stronger than I ever was in my 20's!!
Our coach Edgar is truly the best out there. He pushes you but he does it with a slow and steady philosophy. The reason is to prevent injury and have alot of fun while reaching new goals. This place has the best people to work out with and we have a great time sweating it out! Love it!!
Mike P.
Our coach Edgar is truly the best out there. He pushes you but he does it with a slow and steady philosophy. The reason is to prevent injury and have alot of fun while reaching new goals. This place has the best people to work out with and we have a great time sweating it out! Love it!!
Mike P.
Denise I.
Feb 02, 2015
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I purchased a very good deal through Groupon for my three-year old. We ultimately decided that she was too young for it right now. However, we had an excellent experience. The facility is clean and inviting. Parking is ample. The instructors are very enthusiastic and really great with kids. My daughter went in shy and reserved. After each session she wanted to show me all her moves and was giving high fives to her instructors on the way out the door. The kids are learning discipline and respect, while building their confidence. I like that she was able to have male and female instructors
Laura L.
Oct 30, 2014
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I take Crossfit at this gym and it's been AMAZING! The instructor, Edgar, is awesome. He pushes you to be a better version of yourself, while still ensuring proper technique is being used. The other members are supportive and encouraging. This is truly the best place I've ever worked out at!
I've also seen them with kids, and they are great! Such an amazing thing to be teaching young children, not only how to defend themselves in a world filled with bullies, but how to control them selves, discipline themselves, and be good leaders for the future.
I've also seen them with kids, and they are great! Such an amazing thing to be teaching young children, not only how to defend themselves in a world filled with bullies, but how to control them selves, discipline themselves, and be good leaders for the future.
Heather A.
May 31, 2014
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My boys have been going to this Dojo for 5 years. The instructors are amazing! I was shocked to read some of the negative remarks as this is NOT a representation of Sensei Richard or his staff. Maurico, Albert, Jose and Richard are incredible role models and I am proud to have my children trained by them. After visiting multiple studios, we chose this studio because it's not a black belt factory. They teach the kids that this is a lifestyle. Everything they learn is helping them to become stronger, responsible, confident, dedicated, well disciplined adults. Plus...they have fun!! My kids love
Jed R.
May 07, 2011
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Tremendous power house of leadership, inspiration, and growth. This San Clemente dojo raises leaders of tomorrow, and has a streak of winning the Southern California tournament 10 times in a row!
Sensei Richards leads both children and adults, in both combined martial arts and cross-fit fitness workouts. This place is amazing! Our son and friends' families have grown here for years, and the change to the individuals, as well as our community, is undeniably, positively inspiring.
Sensei Richards leads both children and adults, in both combined martial arts and cross-fit fitness workouts. This place is amazing! Our son and friends' families have grown here for years, and the change to the individuals, as well as our community, is undeniably, positively inspiring.
