Rules & Principals

The total sum of qualities making up an individual.

Answers to some of your questions

At what age do you take students?

We start students as young as 4. After a 1-on-1 introductory session with an instructor we will be able to assess if your 4 year old is ready for our standard group and private training program or if focusing on private instruction only will better meet the students’ needs.

What makes United Studios different than other schools?

United Studios is the ONLY martial arts organization with a professional teaching academy to train all of our instructors how to be the best in the business, and instructors who receive continual training to keep updated of new developments in the business. In addition, United Studios has nearly 200 schools throughout the United States and Canada, making us easily the largest martial arts organization in North America. Here’s a small list of other things that separate us from the rest:

Video/DVDs for each rank enabling the student to practice at home.

Black Belt Student Manual
USSD sponsored tournaments
Online magazine with new technique and exclusive interviews
In-house supplier for uniforms, sparring gear, and other supplies
Access to seminars and other special events
MUCH more, just ask…

What is Kempo?

Shaolin Kempo (also spelled Kenpo, also known as Shaolin Ch’uan Fa) is a mix of Karate, Kung Fu, and Ju-Jitsu. Kempo is known as an art that incorporates elements of several styles, and blends them into one style. It doesn’t have one specialty, but rather adjusts itself to fit the situation that presents itself. Kempo is commonly taught at several schools advertising “Karate” or “Kung Fu” but United Studios teaches the truest form of Shaolin Kempo in the world today. We are the only organization supported by the Shaolin Temple in China, considered the birthplace of modern martial arts.

How long does it take to reach black belt?

The average among adult students is 4-6 years from white belt to black belt. At United Studios, students who reach the rank of black belt prior to their 16th birthday are considered junior black belts, and may re-certify for their black belt once they are 16. It may take longer for children, and is of course dependent on the level of commitment, how often you are able to attend, and every individual’s style of learning.

Do I need to practice at home?

It depends on how often you attend classes, but it will certainly help, but yet not completely necessary either. It is possible to overtrain and start to get burned out. I recommend a review of material on days you don’t attend class, and a brief review of newer techniques on days you have class.

Can someone still train with physical limitations and/or learning disabilities?

YES! We have taught hundreds of people with learning disabilities such as autism, mental retardation, and other conditions such as dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder. Parents of children have commented countless times how our program turned their child’s life around, minimizing the effects of their learning disorder. We also train people with medical conditions such as asthma, high blood pressure and other conditions. We have also taught people with serious physical limitations such as back injuries, arthritis, and even people in wheel chairs or with one leg or arm!

Are your rates competitive with other schools in our area?

The short answer is yes. The long answer is that schools make their money two different ways. Some charge less for tuition, but then charge exorbitant testing fees, membership dues, etc. At United Studios, our monthly tuition is more, but these other costs are minimal or even non-existent in many cases. After all things are considered, we are competitive, but not always the cheapest, but like most things in life–you get what you pay for.

Will my child become more aggressive because he/she is learning martial arts?

Absolutely not. At USSD Mission Viejo North, children spend as much time learning discipline and control as they do learning martial arts. We teach children to avoid violence whenever possible. However, if violence does become necessary, USSD Mission Viejo North also teaches children how to defend themselves without permanently harming their opponent.

Do I need to be physically fit or need much coordination to start?

No. Anyone who has determination can succeed in the martial arts. Physical fitness and improved coordination are just two of the many byproducts achieved during your training.

How do I get started?

We suggest students start with an Introductory Private Lesson. This is 100% free, with no charge, obligation, or strings attached. This is to help students get acclimated to the various terms we use, get familiar with the various punches, kicks, stances, blocks, etc., and to assure you that we are a place you feel comfortable at. You are also welcome to observe any of our group classes at your convenience. Call us today to schedule your first private lesson, and start a journey that can last a lifetime.

Rules & Principles

The Five Principles

Effort – Putting forth an exertion of strength or power, physically, or mentally.
Etiquette – The conventional code of good manners which governs behavior in society; professional and business decorum.
Sincerity – Honesty of mind or intention; truthfulness. Always tell the truth. Say and do exactly what you mean.
Self-Control – Control over ones own impulses, emotions, and weaknesses. Always do what you have to do. Finish what you begin.
Character – The total sum of qualities making up an individual; moral excellence, the person that you really are.

Rules to Remember at the Studio

Always Bow before entering the dojo, and right before leaving. This shows respect to our place of training.
Keep your shoes off while training at the studio. This helps us keep it clean. However, training shoes are available at your request.
While classes are happening, please try to stay as quiet as possible as to not interrupt them. If you are in the lobby, please refrain from taking phone calls and having loud conversations.
Walk behind the class when crossing the studio. This is mostly for your own safety.
No eating or drinking in the studio. A water bottle is allowed for students, but please keep it in your bag, or with your shoes.
Kneel down while putting your belt on and taking it off. Also, never wear your belt outside of the dojo. This is a sign of humility and respect towards your training.
Address instructors as “Sensei”, and answer questions with a “Sir” or “Ma’am” at the end.
Keep your sparring gear and anything else you need to train at the designated area until required.
If you are at the studio early, practice! Don’t waste your time at the dojo.
Kneel down when Black Belts put their belts on, and when they take them off. This is a sign of respect to their years of training.
Wear your full uniform when training including T-Shirt, Jacket, Pants and Belt. Have your logo patch displayed on the left side of the jacket over the heart. Keep the uniform clean and as nice as possible when you show up to train. However, never wash your belt. It symbolizes what you have learned over the years, and you don’t want to “wash away” your knowledge.
During times of High Heat (May-October) you will be allowed to wear a USSD T-Shirt, pants and Belt for your training.

Belts

One of the most exciting experiences of your Martial Arts training is rank testing for your next colored belt. This is an earned opportunity that is scheduled and based on your continuous growth and development in the Martial Arts.

Although colored belt ranks may appear to be the same within the various disciplines and styles of Martial Arts, United Studios of Self Defense has structured a system of required material outline for each belt rank. This structure will ensure you are continuously expanding your skills and gaining the necessary physical and mental principles towards your next belt rank.

White is the color of innocence. The White Belt symbolizes one whose mind and spirit are “blank”; one who knows little or nothing about the Martial Arts. It is the color of the beginner.

Yellow is the color of the sun as well as the color of light and new riches. The Yellow Belt indicates that the light of a new day has begun to shine. It is the color of learning.

Orange is also the color of the sun, but at its zenith. The Orange Belt indicates the first flash of day has matured; on whose skill and understanding are reaching new heights.

Purple is the color of courage. The Purple Belt symbolizes that a student has started to unite mind, body and spirit.

Blue is the color of the sky and ocean. The Blue Belt symbolizes that a student’s aspirations have begun to expand to new horizons.

Green is the color of growth, grass and forests. The Green Belts symbolizes that the student has begun to absorb the light and started to blossom and bear fruit.

Brown is the color of earth and solidity. The Brown Belt indicates ones techniques have become competent, the mind is fertile and the spirit is formed.

Black is the fusion of all colors. The Black Belt indicates one has gained all the traits of characterized skill necessary to surpass obstacles encountered on the “first day of the way.” Black is the color of night. It shows that the first “day” is over and that a new day is coming. The student’s journey has not ended, but merely begun.