Meet our Instructors
Our Senseis are all Black Belts in one or more disciplines
Martial Arts Instructors
Sensei Matt Shapiro – Chief Instructor
I am the chief instructor at the North Mission Viejo Studio. I started in the marital arts when I lived on a little Island in the Caribbean. Once i moved back to the United States, I started training with USSD. I have been studying martial arts since 1998, and have been an instructor with United Studios of Self Defense since 2004. I went to high school locally at Trabuco Hills High and attended UNLV (University of Nevada Las Vegas), where I went to school for Business/Marketing. It has been very rewarding to teach the martial arts for not only the physical aspect ,but the mental aspect as well. It has helped me in everyday life and I get to see it help others as well in a positive way.
Shehan Liyanage – Assistant Instructor
My name is Shehan Liyanage, I grew up here in Mission Viejo. My martial arts journey began when I was fifteen and attended my first class with Sensei Matt Shapiro. From that first lesson, I was learning skills that were simple and effective, and I quickly realized how much discipline and commitment was required to master those skills further. It was a gratifying and addicting experience that led to me eventually becoming a full time Instructor, allowing me to show new students how martial arts can positively impact their lives as well. From physical fitness to mental toughness to discipline, martial arts has given me so much, and I am passionate about sharing those gifts with the world.
Taylor Foote – Assistant Instructor
My name is Taylor Christian Foote; I was born in Anaheim Hills, CA. When I was 4 years old I moved to Ashford, Kent in England. I lived there for 11 years until I was 15, then I moved back to Orange County.
I started martial arts with a year of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with my dad. When I learned about United studios of Self Defense and how they taught Kempo, I checked the studio out and immediately knew I wanted to start training there. I fell on love with the martial arts through their program and eventually the opportunity was presented to me to start teaching and moving towards running a dojo being my full time job.
I love teaching the martial arts to my students because it’s not only about self defense and getting physically in shape. It’s about discipline and making you a better human being. Martial arts have taught me how to be more confident in everything I do, as well as developing a hard work ethic. I used to be a very anxious person and lacked confidence. But since I began my training at USSD, I have learned to develop self confidence and reassurance in my ability to be successful. These are traits I want to instill to all the students I work with.