This is a great new additional location to their main location in Dana Point and Irvine…read more "Sifu" Derek is a certified master and great teacher for young and teenage boys + girls. He is very knowledgeable of the traditions and has a very easy-going manner that draws kids in. This is the practical Kung Fu like Jackie Chan/Bruce Lee tradition, but obviously more basic defense moves. Teaches balance, strategy, focus, and commitment. Enthusiastic assistants help on some days. They are still doing the "soft opening" so they welcome folks to come and try it out. My 7yo son loves it and loves to perform the exercises and engaging other students in live physical practice.

From the beginning when I was doing my research to actively having my grand daughter in class the…read moreexperiences have been great. Elisabeth was super easy to communicate with and made everything easy during the sign up process. Sifu Derrick is more than qualified to teach this martial art. He is great with kids whether high or low energy and parents as well. He speaks softly but you dont miss what he is saying. Coach David adds to the blend with his skills in Wing Chun and his great sense of humor. They are a great team. Happy and proud to be a part of The Dragon Institute.

My 7-year-old had such a great experience here. The instructors are fun and patient, but they also…read moredo a really good job teaching discipline without making it feel rigid or stressful, which is not easy to pull off with kids. My daughter has ADHD and struggles with focus, and over the six months she attended, we saw real growth. She started using strategies that she had never done before. If she forgot a move, she would close her eyes, take a deep breath, and keep going. It might sound like a small thing, but for us it was huge to see her pause, regulate, and move forward instead of getting frustrated. We had to step away because of soccer and school schedules, but this was a really positive experience and we fully plan to come back over the summer!!

The only thing I can say is that United Self Defense Academy has been a great help for my son. He…read morehas grown a lot and has learned to control his emotions and be more disciplined. The staff are very kind and flexible; they adapt to your schedule and always try to do what works best for you and your family.

I am grateful for the lessons, discipline, and motivation you have given my son. Thank you, Saga.read more

This place is awesome my kids started right when he opened. The family is great and instructor is…read morewonderful and his two children who help with the class are also great. My girls have gained so much confidence and strength. They went from not being able to do push ups to being pros. They get a lot of exercise in this class and learn great techniques. My purpose to enroll was to get them more confidence is self defense and also to gain strength. I highly recommend the class to anyone kids or adults.

Russ Miura embodies what it means to be a master of one's craft. Discipline, honor, and respect are…read morethe pillars upon which his jiu jitsu is founded. I was initially drawn to Russ when I competed in his "sub only" tournament in August. I told myself in that moment that I would be in to just "check out his gym" before the end of the year. Russ' kindness and energy inspired me to sign up after my very first class. There's an apparent family vibe radiating through the gym - and I leave happier than when I arrived - every single time. Russ' teaching style is so unique in that he is able to convey the most advanced techniques in a digestible, perspicuous format. Last, this gym is the cleanest, most well kept facility that I've ever trained in. I am so honored and grateful to be a student of Russ', and to have found my jiu jitsu home. I couldn't recommend it more!

Short Review: Come check out a class, you won't regret it…read more Tell them you read Panda's review. Long Review: Panda here. Sixteen years later, I'm still training with Russ Miura. In 24 years of training Jiu Jitsu, I've come to know what the differences are regarding Instructors. Ok-Instructors are like Road Maps. You learn what they have to show you & then you decide what your path will be. Some students will find their path, while others may still be looking for the best route. Good-Instructors are like Treasure Maps. You learn what they have to show you & then they show you their pathways. They may not be the best pathways for you initially, but having direction is good and eventually you'll fit into the route. Amazing-Instructors like Russ Miura are like a Road Map with GPS. You learn what he has to show you & once you choose your path, Russ will help you refine it as he guides you through it, even though it's different from his path. Hopefully this is helpful.

My daughter and I have been taking this for over 6 years together, lasted thru Covid and still…read moregoing strong. The instructors Master Sue and Mr David are so good with the kids with all types of personalities. Great school for families, kids and adults.

i saw their class from the lake forest leaflet...and took all three kids there. the teacher…read more(David) is great and the kids had great fun! They also give out these really cute uniforms. and i think each lesson costs about $13? (which is really good). I heard they give sibling discounts too. anyway, my kids had a great time there. Would recommend. The place is also very nicely AC'ed so parents can just hang around while the kids are in class. There's also a ping pong table downstairs.

I love the place. My journey was short yet it holds meaning. I was an amateur beginner new to…read morekarate and I was treated with patience & love. I am grateful for the memories I have and I wish to continue learning skills that help me in long run.

We were recommended this place by a friend, and it did not disappoint! From the moment we reached…read moreout through text messages until we got there, the communication was excellent! For the first time visit, Sensei Luis met up with us and did a little intro with my son and he was so friendly, and so attentive to my son's needs, and my son was so engaged! We signed my son up right away and he came in a few days later for his first class and loved it! The staff is so supportive and friendly. The space itself is large with lots of windows with natural light which helps my son. Highly recommended!!

Catherine is an amazing and knowledgeable instructor. I started working with Catherine in 2020. As…read morean avid gym-goer I was fairly distraught and depressed when all the gyms closed. With the gyms closed, I wanted to try something new. I had never done yoga before and didn't really think it could be that challenging until I started working with Catherine. Through working with her I have gained flexibility, clarity and strength. She has a meditative voice that helps me focus solely on our practice. She combines elements of tai-chi as well and I feel more balanced, grounded and connected to myself. After each session, I truly feel like I can make a difference in the world and I have the strong urge to take action. I highly recommend her!

Catherine is a great instructor. She really is thorough and patient. Her techniques are custom…read moretailored to every person's particular needs. I highly recommend her to anybody who wants to take up yoga or strenghten their already established levels.