If you're seeking a genuine Shotokan Karate experience this is your dojo! Sensei Ty Aponte leads with remarkable expertise, and my family's journey here has been fantastic. My son joined a year ago, followed by my daughter six months later, and recently, I've joined in too - training three days a week under the guidance of three skilled sensei. The learning curve for some techniques can be challenging, but the instructors are incredibly patient, taking the time to explain and demonstrate practical applications, ensuring everyone stays engaged. What's fantastic is the welcoming atmosphere for all ages - from kids to middle-aged parents like myself. Beyond Shotokan Karate, the dojo offers various other martial arts styles like Aikido, Wing Chung, Kodubo, and more, broadening the learning opportunities for anyone interested. New students are even offered a free week of training, which is a great way to experience the dojo firsthand. The dojo is located inside of the Eleventh Street business park, with lot of parking available. read more

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This is an excellent studio for training at all levels and ages. The training is rigorous and also enjoyable, with a range of classes and instructors. The instructors are approachable and easy to learn with. A student who is ready to work and learn will make rapid progress here, and have lots of fun doing it! The sense of community among the teachers and students in different classes is clear, including group excursions. Sensei Ty Aponte and team are invested in their students' success, and they make every lesson count! read more

The Defense Arts Center offers a variety of traditional martial arts training by passionate and qualified high level instructors under one roof. These arts include: Shotokan Karate-do, Aikido and the Sword, Iaido (Samurai training), Kobudo (Okinawan weaponry), Japanese Jujutsu, Tai Chi Chuan, and Wing Chun kung fu. As a student of Shotokan Karate, my very first two martial arts classes that I have ever taken were very memorable. The first evening was with Sensei Ty Aponte (owner) and the next training session was with the late Sensei Leo Shortle (5th deg. BB). Although I was eager to begin, I was also a little nervous due to not having any prior martial arts training experience. However, both Sensei's were extremely welcoming and I immediately felt right at home. There is a sense of a family-like community with the people who instruct at this dojo and I am completely honored and thankful to be a part of it. Not only have I participated in their weekly karate training at the dojo (training hall), but also at the numerous training events held outside of the dojo. We have been on local hikes and practiced karate training on top of mountains, trained in the wavy waters of the ocean, and even had a Big Bear karate Getaway (arranged by Sensei Irene) in the springtime with the backdrop of a beautiful lake in the backyard of a lovely home that we pitched in and rented for the weekend. The training in these special outings are sometimes designed to push ourselves to our physical limits and in turn strengthen our wills. The Big Bear Karate trip was special because it was a time where both beginners though advanced Karate-Ka's (students of karate) had a chance to bond with one another. We had karate training (taught by Sensei Mike Whiteside and Ty Aponte) in the morning, at a nice park with a lake view on the grass. We meditated, learned different bunkai techniques (self-defense applications to the forms (kata) that we practice), and we even had some fun training Escrima (Filipino stick fighting). Furthermore, the Big Bear Home we stayed at was a house full of activities. There were plenty of rooms to sleep and had a game room which was fully equipped with a pool table, shuffleboard, tv, movies, dart board, board games, and on the porch was a bubbling warm jacuzzi and just a couple steps from the home was the lake, where we were able to swim during the times we weren't training. Later in the evening, we sang karaoke, made smores, and laughed until we couldn't laugh anymore. The next day Sensei Ty took us out on a boat ride while we played music and tried to catch fish as we cruised through the calm waters. When we got back to the cabin, we watched the sunset together in the backyard...It was a moment of serenity at its finest and I was so happy to spend it with such good people. It was definitely a trip to remember and I loved every minute of it! Another activity that we do is karate beach trainings. It is always a blessing to break from the dojo routine and train in beautiful areas that commune with nature. Working out in the sand is great for the body and my favorite part is when we perform our katas in the ocean because it is the ultimate test to balance while still trying to be in control of ones strong Shotokan form. Technically, the dojo can be anywhere one practices martial arts, even in one's own backyard. Practicing martial arts in complete harmony with nature helps us to be one with ourselves and Mother Earth. It gives us the opportunity to understand what it truly means to be grounded within ourselves emotionally and physically through the connection of the natural external forces that surround us. This dojo and the Shotokan style that I practice has taught me to be confident in not only myself, but as an assistant (sempai) to the senior instructors, has allowed me to learn to teach others to be confident in themselves as well. Coming to the dojo has definitely been one of my favorite places to clear my mind and help me to re-energize my bad days and turn them into better ones. Not only am I learning how to defend myself but also learning to be present in the moment and not worry about the past or future. Mindfulness is the gateway to joyfulness and overall peace. My life has become more purposeful in a light that I wouldn't have imagined before. The Sensei's have taught me that the greatest moments exist outside of one's own comfort zone. The people I have met and trained with have become my second family and it is always a thrill when we are able to come together in the spirit of comradery for a special training adventure. I have a deep appreciation for the Defense Arts Center and the instructors who make it special. The gratitude I feel is more than words can express. Be prepared to embark on a journey filled with passionate, caring, and inspiring martial artists who help keep the spirit of traditional martial arts alive. Shotokan Karate for me, is a beautiful way of life. Osu! read more

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I have been training at the Defense Arts Center(USKL) since 1979. This is a family-oriented traditional martial arts dojo with excellent instruction for both children and adults. Each art has a separate instructor and they are all superb and greatly appreciated by their students. I train in Shotokan karate and Matayoshi Kobudo and this is traditional hard training. If you are looking for a McDojo, look elsewhere. Any belt you receive, you earn the hard way, with sweat, effort, and integrity. There are second-generation families training with us now. I encourage anyone looking for a traditional family dojo to please come in and try a class! read more

Good family environment. All instructors and students are exceptional in there attitudes no egos there. Keep up the good work

I've been training here since I was 8. Sensei Ty andSensei Lyn are the best. They are strict in their teaching but very understanding in everyone's limits. I started out unsure of doing karate but with this dojo it grew into a love for the art and respect for those who practice. I recommend this place for children even adults!! I am a green belt as of now but am working really hard toward my brown belt under Sensei Leo who is one of the kindest Sensei I've met! read more

I've known the owner and main instructor for almost 40 years! Ty Aponte taught me as a kid and I wouldn't take my own son anywhere else. As a doctor of physical therapy I'm always concerned with appropriate and safe techniques and Defense Arts Center never compromises safety while being extremely traditional in the Arts! This is the BEST way to learn discipline, self motivation, and how to get the most out of yourself....& the health and fitness part of it is just a bonus. If you've ever thought about checking out a Karate studio or martial arts in general it would be completely worth your time to go see Ty and his awesome team at Defense Arts Center! read more

The Defense Arts Center in Upland provides superb instruction in traditional Shotokan karate for adults, children, and families. My 80 year old mother-in-law was even taking a class with my wife and three children. We love the friendly atmosphere and the intense exercise with a well-rounded approach to personal development and self-defense. Shihan Ty is a wonderful teacher and mentor. read more

Defense Arts Center - Sensei James Auger, 5th Dan, demonstrating an arm lock - Karate Near Me - Upland, California

I started training here when I was 8. Received my black belt almost 10 years later. Not because I wasn't good but because this dojo makes you earn your belts. Belts aren't bought here. I strongly recommend this dojo. Sensai Ty has made the dojo home to a lot of people. Even though the dojo relocated multiple times Sensai always found us a place to train. I had so much fun training. Don't get me wrong some days were hard. But that just made us better. What's best was the family environment we had. We competed with each other but hung out outside of the dojo. Now that my son is of age to train I will be bringing him in to start his training. read more

I am 4th Degree Black belt of Karate in Shorin Ryu and I started training in this Dojo few months ago and taking picture of their classes for their website being a Photogtapher on my free time. You feel welcome and part of a Big Family where values, principles and hard training are the foundations. Thank you for your generosity. God Bless. Chris read more

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There is so much to appreciate about the Defense Arts Center, and I highly recommend this dojo to anyone considering joining karate or continuing their Shotokan journey. My son and I attend this dojo together since the classes are primarily based on skill level rather than age except for very young children, who have their own class. This has had numerous benefits as I have been able to train (reached green belt level now) alongside my son (8-years old), see him progress, and see his particular learning style in action. Likewise, he has been able to see that a 47-year old continues to learn, fail, and try again. This has brought us closer together since we started at Defense Arts Center back in January of 2017. As for the dojo itself, there are so many true experts at karate. Indeed, there is a surprising depth in terms of the number of advanced belts, all of whom are not only devoted to the art, but they are humble in its practice. They realize that everyone is a learner, no matter what rank they have achieved, and these people have been willing to help all of the novice and intermediate students all along the way. Lastly, I would like to mention that this is not a dojo where ranks are "given out" for the sake of promoting students. Students have to earn their belts through deliberate and consistent practice. This philosophy is really appealing to me because I want any promotion, should my son and I be fortunate enough to achieve one, ought to mean something. I have been a teacher for the last 22 years and have studied educational paradigms. I highly recommend this dojo. It is a collegial, welcoming atmosphere that combines with real martial arts training. Dr. Lash Keith Vance read more

I have been training at the Defense Art Center for the past 4 months, in Shotokan Karate. I am an adult beginner. Sensei Ty & his staff are professional and provide excellent training. For beginners, there are several classes to choose from during the week & weekends. The fees are a lot less than other dojo's I visited in the area. The dojo itself is new, very clean, changing rooms & a private parking lot. If you are interested in karate & other disciplines, check out the Defense Art Center. read more

I have two children, 7 & 10, who have been attending the Japanese Jujutsu class for the last 4 months. Sensei Ruben is very patient and engaged with the children. This Dojo is very warm and welcoming. I would highly recommend anyone who is interested to check it out. read more

I want to give a shout out to USKL for being such a great environment and an amazing martial arts studio. The discipline and self-control makes my adventure soar to higher levels to reach goals that I have set for myself and for others to better our lives and our situations in whatever way they are .thank you uskl. Thank you to every instructor and student. read more

I have studied with a handful of Dojos over my history in martial arts, and the Defense Arts Center in Upland is truly exceptional. DAC offers a full-rounded martial arts experience with a deep-rooted traditional karate lineage, but an open-mindedness, respect for and comradery with other styles; often providing opportunities to cross-train with both resident and visiting instructors. The Sensei's possess an incredible wealth of knowledge and expertise, and are very welcoming to their students creating a family atmosphere. They are particularly attentive to and supportive of children and beginning students. read more