Business Details
Premier Martial Arts Training in San Clemente for All Ages
USSD Martial Arts San Clemente has been empowering individuals of all ages since 1986 through disciplined martial arts training rooted in Kempo and Jiu-Jitsu. Our programs are meticulously designed to cultivate self-defense skills, physical fitness, and mental resilience while fostering a strong sense of community in San Clemente. With Chief Instructor Richard Cespedes leading a team of certified professionals, we emphasize personalized progress tracking, safe training environments, and age-appropriate curricula that address the unique needs of juniors, teens, and adults.Our commitment to authentic martial arts principles ensures students develop not only technical proficiency but also character, discipline, and confidence that translates to success in all areas of life. As part of a nationwide network of 160+ USSD locations, we maintain rigorous standards while offering exclusive opportunities like national tournaments and international training experiences.
Services
Kids Martial Art Classes
Teen Kempo
Adult Kempo & Jiu-Jitsu
Self-Defense Training
Fitness Workouts
Tournament Preparation
Private Lessons
Group Classes
Belt Promotion Programs
Family Martial Arts
Highlights and features
- We offer age-specific programs developed by 30+ year martial arts veteran Richard Cespedes
- Our instructors provide personalized progress monitoring for academic and behavioral development
- We maintain a safe, non-competitive training environment with certified black belt instructors
- Students gain access to exclusive national tournaments and international training opportunities
- Our curriculum combines practical self-defense with character-building principles
What people say
Priceless instruction
Life-saving self-defense
Outstanding instructors
Positive impact
Safe environment
Services
Kids Martial Art Classes
Structured programs for children aged five and up develop self-defense skills, physical fitness, and character. Curriculum includes bully prevention techniques, cardio workouts, and nutrition guidance while emphasizing parental progress tracking through regular instructor consultations. Safe, engaging environment fosters confidence and discipline through age-appropriate drills and non-contact sparring.
Teen Kempo
Dynamic Kempo training for teens combines practical self-defense with high-energy workouts to improve physical fitness and mental focus. Program addresses adolescent challenges through structured goal-setting, academic performance tracking, and advanced sparring techniques while offering progression into adult classes for experienced practitioners.
Adult Kempo & Jiu-Jitsu
Comprehensive adult programs blend Kempo striking techniques with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu grappling for complete self-defense capabilities. Tailored workouts accommodate all fitness levels, emphasizing stress relief, practical defense scenarios, and progressive skill development in a supportive community environment with certified black belt instruction.
Tournament Preparation
Specialized coaching for regional and national USSD tournaments develops competitive skills in point-sparring, kata forms, and weapons demonstrations. Training focuses on timing, precision, and sportsmanship while maintaining safety standards through supervised drills and equipment requirements for participants aged six and up.
Private Lessons
One-on-one instruction accelerates skill development through customized training plans addressing individual goals. Sessions focus on technique refinement, belt promotion requirements, and personalized self-defense scenarios while offering flexible scheduling options to complement group class participation.
People
Richard Cespedes
Chief Instructor
30+ year martial arts veteran with black belts in Kyokushin Kai Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, and Kempo. Trained under masters including Charles Mattera, developing a comprehensive teaching methodology emphasizing technical precision and character development for students of all ages.
Mika Cespedes
Instructor
Certified martial arts instructor with over 15 years of teaching experience, specializing in youth development programs. Focuses on creating positive learning environments that build confidence, discipline, and physical coordination through structured, age-appropriate training techniques.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We specialize in Kempo Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, offering comprehensive training in practical self-defense techniques, sparring, and traditional martial arts principles.
Are your instructors qualified?
Chief Instructor Richard Cespedes holds black belts in Kyokushin Kai Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, and Kempo, with over 30 years of experience and formal training from martial arts masters.
What age can children start training?
Our kids' program accepts students starting at age five, with customized instruction to match individual development and readiness levels.
Do you offer family discounts?
Yes, we provide family discounts and package deals for multiple students or extended lesson commitments.
How long does it take to earn a black belt?
Adult students typically achieve black belt in 5-7 years through consistent training, with progression based on skill mastery rather than fixed timelines.
Are tournaments mandatory?
Participation in regional and national tournaments is optional but encouraged to develop skills, sportsmanship, and confidence in competitive settings.