United Studios of Self Defense

I have nothing but great things to say about this dojo and the incredible teachings from the Senseis. Whether your young or old from the inexperienced to the experienced, you will grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. The Senseis really care about each and every student. The environment in this dojo has a real sense of community. I have 2 daughters (11 & 9) that have been coming here for 3 years now. I am so proud to see their development and self confidence grow. This experience will definitely help them in so many areas of life.

I am so impressed with this studio and how it has helped my 5 yr old grandson gain confidence in himself as well as teach him respect. Cole and Steve are fabulous instructors and are very conscientious in their teaching! I was so impressed when I visited class last week and they were teaching the children how to respond when approached by strangers that were trying to whisk them away! Part of the lesson was also to memorize their parent’s phone numbers as well as their address. These are invaluable lesson for children. Cole and Steve are so professional and they make a point to speak to each parent after class and tell them what their child worked on that day! This is definitely a five star facility with a warm family feel. You won’t regret going there. I see my grandson continuing on for years there! Kudos to Cole and Steve!

Highly recommend this dojo for martial arts lessons for kids. Our son started at age 3 ½, and has been taking private lessons for a year now. Steve and Cole are such nice guys and amazing with small children. Love the focus and discipline our son has gained by taking these lessons!

From the moment we walked into the dojo we could tell it was the perfect place for our 4 year old son. Sensei Steve was working with a seasoned black belt, while Sensei Cole deftly managed the energy and focus of 3, 5 year olds. I can honestly say of all the great activities he does each week, he gets the most out of his time with Steve and Cole. Watching them work with our son is really something. Not only do they keep him focused and learning, but they do it with such a kind heart. They are soft spoken yet firm with their students, which is a lesson in itself. For us, the physical prowess our son has gained is just an added bonus to the focus and respect he has learned while training with Steve and Cole.
Thank you guys.

Both my husband and I started here in 2006. This is when it was first under Master Carter. When my daughter was 3 she began as well. She is now 10. A couple of years ago it was passed on to the supervision of another Sensei.
We are also familiar with other dojos in Orange County. I believe we have an unique perspective to leave the following review.
After all these years I felt compelled to comment ever since Sensei Steve & Sensei Cole purchased our particular dojo. It’s has gone from being Good-​OK to now Unbelievably Amazing! The energy and knowledge these two men give is beyond incredible.
I have watched my daughter go from a good martial artist to startlingly impressive, while her passion and effort has gone through the roof.
When many kids that begin martial arts very young start to get «over it» due to other activities as they near the preteens/​teens — my daughter has a renewed passion for Shaolin Kempo Karate because of Sensei Steve & Sensei Cole. She would literally go in every day now if she could.
The level of commitment and going the extra miles that both Sensei Steve & Sensei Cole give is astonishing. It is evident they are passionate about getting you or your child to a safe place where you/​they can absolutely protect yourself/​their-​selves while breaking through the challenges of karate and life in general.
I can attest it is not about the money with these two men. Although, the word of mouth over how excellent and fun their dojo is — IS taking care of that part naturally.

Sensei Steve and Sensei Cole turned me into Bruce Lee.
Wait, wait, maybe I’m exaggerating a bit too much.
Sensei Steve and Sensei Cole turned me into the Karate Kid.
No! I meant Ralph Macchio. Oh man, if someone thinks I’m talking about Jayden Smith they will NEVER give this place a shot.
Sensei Steve and Sensei Cole turned me into Kung Fu Panda.
Yeah, that’s it!
A friend got me hooked during «Bring a Buddy Month,» but if you don’t want to wait until then (or you don’t have any friends), they’re pretty much always willing to do a free class so you can see what it’s like to be a Ninja before committing to move only in the shadows and walk only on water.
The group classes are broken down by age and ability so the youngest beginners (looks like they start around 4 or 5 years old) can work on beginner techniques like kicking and screaming if a stranger tries to carry you off, following directions, concentrating on a single task, punching through armor plating, or shooting fire balls from your hands, without being distracted by the advanced group which might be learning something like defending against an angry, drunk, WWF fan in a crowded bar (probably not in the kids class) or recognizing the body language of someone who may soon be a threat, and neutralizing said threat before they know what happened and without getting blood on your shoes.
Private lessons are scheduled based on the student’s availability and are the time you get to work on whatever you want. Sometimes that’s just plain old physical fitness, sometimes it’s clearing your mind of whatever stresses are affecting you outside of the dojo, and sometimes it’s putting on a helmet and gloves and working out some aggression. One of my favorite things about Sensei Steve and Sensei Cole are that they are both willing to just take a punch to the face if that’s what will help their student. But don’t forget that they are both willing to give it right back to you if you need that too.
The skills learned in this dojo will change all aspects of your life for the better. The physical benefits are obvious, but the mental strength, self control and increased awareness changes how you walk through life. At a certain point in the training, something inside you will shift. Whether you’re talking with your boss, on a date (on a date with your boss? um, okay), negotiating some business deal, or just walking through the grocery store, there is something very calming and powerful in knowing that, if you had to, you could just beat the crap out of whoever you’re dealing with.. . unless you’re in the dojo.
The Senseis are really nice, friendly, lovable guys, but I’ve seen them both go up against 3^rd and 4^th degree black belts from other studios at the tournaments and I’ve seen those other guys end up on the floor.
Do yourself a favor and give this place a try. The dojo is spacious and clean, it’s good for you, and it’s a lot more fun than going to the dentist!

I am a complete and total newbie in martial arts and I love this place. I took an introductory self defense class and loved the lesson and the instructors. I signed up on the spot. I had my first individual class today.
Sensei Vince Murdock is great — he is patient, a great teacher, funny and a you can tell this is his passion.

For a combination of useful martial arts training, and a great workout there is no better place in the area. I have trained at quite a few different places and in different arts over the years in my travels across the country, but this place is my hands down favorite. I trained with Sensei Carter in High School and moved out of state soon after graduation, and as soon as I got back 15 years later this was one of the first places I called. The instructors are awesome and really have a knack for figuring out how students best learn, and cater to it. Extremely friendly and low key environment to train.