Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts Academy in Riverside, CA
Founded in 1972 by Sensei Joe Pagliuso, USKO Martial Arts has established itself as a premier martial arts academy serving Riverside and Anaheim, California. Our legacy spans over five decades, rooted in fostering a family-oriented environment where individuals of all ages develop self-defense skills, physical fitness, and life-changing discipline. With expert instructors certified in Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Karate, and Kickboxing, we offer tailored programs for adults and children, emphasizing goal achievement, mental focus, and community support. As an approved vendor for Charter schools, we integrate martial arts training with educational enrichment, empowering students to build confidence, resilience, and concentration.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our competitive teams, award-winning instructors, and a curriculum designed to nurture both personal growth and technical proficiency. Through structured classes, sparring opportunities, and a focus on practical self-defense, we provide a transformative experience that extends beyond physical training, cultivating respect, teamwork, and lifelong skills.
Services
Jiu Jitsu
Muay Thai
Karate
Kickboxing
Kids Martial Arts
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of combined martial arts instruction experience.
- We provide programs for all ages and skill levels.
- Our instructors are certified experts with competitive backgrounds.
- We partner with Charter schools for educational enrichment.
- We offer free trial classes to new students.
Services
Adult Jiu Jitsu
Adult Jiu Jitsu focuses on ground combat techniques, including holds, locks, and submissions. This discipline enhances self-defense capabilities, physical conditioning, and strategic thinking. Students learn positional control, escape tactics, and precise submission techniques in a structured environment.
Kids Karate
Kids Karate introduces traditional martial arts fundamentals through stances, strikes, and katas. This program builds discipline, respect, and mental focus while teaching age-appropriate self-defense. Structured lessons emphasize teamwork, coordination, and character development in a safe setting.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai training develops striking proficiency using punches, kicks, elbows, and knees. Classes focus on technique precision, defensive strategies, and clinch work. Students improve cardiovascular fitness, reflexes, and combat readiness through drills and sparring exercises.
Kickboxing
Kickboxing combines boxing and kicking techniques for full-body conditioning. Participants learn striking combinations, footwork, and defensive maneuvers. This high-energy workout enhances strength, agility, and self-defense skills while preparing students for competitive scenarios.
Charter School Programs
Approved Charter school programs integrate martial arts with life skills development. Instructors focus on concentration, discipline, and confidence-building through structured curricula. These classes align with educational goals while providing physical activity and character education for students.
People
Joey Pagliuso
Head Instructor
7th-degree black belt in USKO Karate and Jiu Jitsu, trained since age 4. Retired Muay Thai and K1 kickboxer with international competition experience, including K1 Max Final 16.
Nina Pagliuso
Instructor
3rd-degree USKO Karate black belt with multiple World Kata titles. Began training at age 4, specializing in traditional forms and precision techniques for youth development.
Paul Arras
Head Instructor - USKO Riverside
3rd-degree black belt and experienced MMA veteran. Focuses on practical self-defense applications and advanced grappling techniques for adult students.
Ray Gallardo
Head Muay Thai Instructor - USKO Riverside
Specializes in Muay Thai instruction with emphasis on clinch work, striking combinations, and competitive preparation. Brings professional fight experience to student training programs.
Jose Arias
Instructor
Certified martial arts instructor with expertise in youth programs. Focuses on foundational skills development, discipline, and creating engaging learning environments for children.
Questions
What martial arts disciplines do you offer?
We offer Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Karate, and Kickboxing for adults and children, with specialized programs for different skill levels and age groups.
Do you have martial arts classes for kids?
Yes, we provide age-appropriate martial arts programs for children focusing on fundamental techniques, discipline, and character development in a safe environment.
Are your instructors certified and experienced?
Our instructors are certified experts with decades of combined experience, including competitive backgrounds in international martial arts competitions.
Do you offer free trial classes?
Yes, we provide free trial classes for new students to experience our programs and determine the best fit for their goals and interests.
Is there a Charter school program available?
Yes, we partner with Charter schools to offer approved martial arts programs that develop concentration, discipline, and life skills for enrolled students.
What benefits can I expect from training here?
Students gain self-confidence, physical fitness, self-defense skills, and mental focus while becoming part of a supportive community that values personal growth.
