Business Details
26 Years
experience
Martial Arts Training for All Ages in San Luis Obispo
US Academy of Martial Arts has redefined martial arts training by prioritizing self-defense and character development over competitive sport. Founded in 2000 by Sensei Daniel Cavaliere, our academy provides inclusive, family-friendly instruction for ages 3 to seniors. Our curriculum integrates Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, Judo, and Aikido to create a comprehensive self-defense foundation while fostering confidence, discipline, and life skills. With a team of state-certified instructors, we emphasize individualized training that adapts to each student's physical and personal growth needs.Our proven methodology combines decades of martial arts expertise with kinesiology principles to maximize technical efficiency. Over two decades of operation have established us as San Luis Obispo's premier destination for martial arts that build stronger individuals and communities through structured programs for all skill levels.
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Karate
Kids Martial Arts
Adult Martial Arts
Self-Defense Programs
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of proven martial arts instruction experience
- Our curriculum integrates 5 traditional martial arts disciplines
- Instructors certified through state martial arts associations
- Family-friendly environment with age-specific programs
- Focus on character development alongside technical proficiency
What people say
Great experience for children
Positive lifestyle habits developed
Respectful learning environment
Confidence building programs
Supportive community atmosphere
Services
Kids Martial Arts
Our youth martial arts programs develop discipline, confidence, and self-defense skills in children aged 3-14. Structured classes use age-appropriate techniques to build physical fitness while teaching respect, focus, and perseverance. The curriculum combines traditional martial arts forms with interactive games that make learning fun while instilling lifelong character values.
Adult Martial Arts
Adult martial arts classes focus on practical self-defense techniques and physical fitness for all experience levels. Students learn real-world applications from multiple disciplines while improving cardiovascular health, flexibility, and stress management. The program emphasizes situational awareness and confidence-building in a supportive training environment.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program teaches ground fighting techniques and submission holds through structured drills and controlled sparring. Students develop problem-solving skills and physical conditioning while learning effective self-defense strategies for close-quarters combat situations.
Karate
Traditional Karate instruction focuses on striking techniques, kata forms, and self-defense applications. Classes emphasize proper stances, blocks, and strikes while developing balance, coordination, and mental discipline through progressive belt ranking system.
Self-Defense Programs
Specialized self-defense courses teach practical techniques for real-world scenarios. Students learn situational awareness, de-escalation tactics, and physical defense methods applicable to various attack situations while building confidence and personal safety awareness.
People
Daniel Cavaliere
Founder
Martial arts expert with 30+ years experience, founder of US Academy of Martial Arts. Holds black belts in multiple disciplines, graduated from Cal Poly with Kinesiology degree. Developed integrated curriculum combining traditional martial arts techniques.
Leslie Galicia
Instructor
Certified martial arts instructor specializing in youth programs. Trained under Sensei Cavaliere since age 12, currently studying Kinesiology. Teaches Pee Wee and Fundamental Kids classes with engaging, detail-oriented approach.
Sam Cavaliere
Instructor
Third-degree black belt instructor raised in the dojo environment. Trains alongside senior martial artists while teaching youth fundamentals classes. Combines lifelong training experience with modern teaching methods for effective student engagement.
Chris Johnson
Senior Instructor
3rd Degree Sandan with decades of martial arts instruction experience. Former head instructor at professional martial arts organization with multiple black belt certifications across different disciplines.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, Judo, Aikido, and traditional self-defense techniques from multiple disciplines.
Do you offer family martial arts classes?
Yes, our Little Samurais program includes parent participation for children aged 3-5 years old.
Are trial classes available?
We offer free trial classes for all age groups to experience our martial arts programs.
How do martial arts benefit children?
Our programs build confidence, discipline, focus, and self-defense skills while improving physical fitness and social development.
Do you have adult martial arts classes?
Yes, we offer beginner to advanced classes for adults focusing on self-defense, fitness, and technical proficiency.
What makes your academy different?
Our integrated curriculum combines multiple martial arts disciplines with character development in a family-friendly environment.
