Business Details
Premier Martial Arts Training in San Clemente
USSD Martial Arts San Clemente has dedicated itself to empowering individuals of all ages through disciplined martial arts training. Founded on principles of respect, focus, and community impact, we offer tailored programs for juniors, teens, and adults designed to build physical fitness, self-defense skills, and mental resilience. Our experienced instructors prioritize personalized attention, ensuring students progress at their own pace while fostering a safe, inclusive environment. With a proven track record of transforming lives through martial arts, we emphasize character development alongside technical proficiency.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our structured curriculum, competitive opportunities, and emphasis on lifelong values. By maintaining rigorous standards for belt promotions, we ensure students earn achievements through dedication and hard work. As part of a nationwide network, we provide continuity for families relocating while maintaining local community engagement through events and outreach. Our focus on practical self-defense techniques prepares students for real-world scenarios while promoting confidence and personal safety.
Services
Juniors Martial Arts
Teen Kempo
Adult Kempo
Self-Defense Training
Fitness Classes
Highlights and features
- We offer age-specific programs developed by experienced martial artists with multiple black belts
- Our instructors provide personalized progress monitoring for each student
- We maintain a safe, structured environment with proven self-defense techniques
- We emphasize character development alongside physical training
- We offer competitive opportunities through nationwide USSD tournaments
What people say
Priceless teaching
Mentally tough
Outstanding instructors
Improved confidence
Family favorite place
Services
Juniors Martial Arts
Our junior martial arts program develops discipline and self-defense skills for children aged five and up. Through structured lessons, students learn physical techniques while building confidence and focus. The curriculum emphasizes safety, parental progress tracking, and age-appropriate challenges that promote both physical fitness and character development.
Teen Kempo
Teen Kempo combines practical self-defense with physical conditioning for adolescents. This program addresses high school stress management while teaching effective combat techniques. Participants benefit from instructor guidance, peer interaction, and opportunities to advance to adult classes as they mature, ensuring continuous skill development.
Adult Kempo
Adult Kempo classes provide comprehensive workouts tailored to individual fitness levels. Students learn practical self-defense techniques while improving strength, flexibility, and mental focus. The program accommodates all experience levels, offering both physical conditioning and practical combat training in a supportive environment.
Self-Defense Training
Our self-defense instruction emphasizes real-world applications for all ages. Students practice techniques against common threats while learning situational awareness and conflict avoidance strategies. The training builds confidence through practical scenarios and controlled sparring, preparing individuals for various safety challenges.
Fitness Classes
Martial arts fitness classes combine cardio workouts with strength training for all ages. These sessions improve overall physical conditioning while teaching martial arts fundamentals. Participants benefit from structured routines that enhance endurance, flexibility, and coordination through engaging, goal-oriented activities.
People
Richard Cespedes
Chief Instructor
With black belts in Kyokushin Kai Karate, Jiu Jitsu, and Kempo, Richard Cespedes brings decades of martial arts expertise to USSD San Clemente. He personally trains instructors and oversees curriculum implementation.
Mika Cespedes
Instructor
Co-instructor Mika Cespedes contributes to the dojo's success through dedicated student mentorship and community engagement. She plays key roles in organizing events and supporting student development programs.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We primarily teach Kempo Karate with elements of Jiu Jitsu, focusing on practical self-defense techniques and traditional martial arts principles.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, we provide free assessment classes to help you experience our training methods and determine the best program for your needs.
How long does it take to earn a black belt?
Dedicated students typically achieve black belt in 5-7 years through consistent training and demonstrated mastery of required techniques and principles.
Are there competitive opportunities?
We offer regional tournaments and competitions through our USSD affiliation, including sparring events and kata demonstrations for all skill levels.
What age can children start training?
Our kids' program accepts students starting at age five, with introductory lessons available to assess readiness and interest.
Do you offer family discounts?
Yes, we provide family pricing options and discounted rates for multi-month commitments to make martial arts accessible for households.
Reviews (6)
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. Hes ten. Im 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 didnt start earlier.
Sensei Richard is a rockstar and Miss Meka is a truly gifted instructor. The dojos 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 dojos 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
