I used to train here actively from 1993-2009 (even back when it was USKO, not USKS!). Received my black belt in 2003, and continued to train and teach for the rest of my time there. When I was there, the Krupas were my main instructors. I trained and learned from all of them. This place is not just about self-defense. It's about character-building and humility, both applicable traits in their motto "Power under control". Although the main focus is karate, once I got my black belt and had thus mastered just the basics, my training became more focused on specific martial arts, such as judo and aikido. In order to get the most out of my training, I took advantage of many opportunities provided by the dojo, including special training sessions and a special black belt-only class. Shihan Ron was my main instructor, and he was fierce in his teaching - making sure that we were well-disciplined, had good form, and treated each other with respect. A true master of the arts, I loved training under him. One of his sons, Sensei Josh, was an instructor that I would always look forward to learning from (horrible grammar, I know). From an early age, he actually failed me on my green-belt test. I was devastated. From then on, I knew that in order to progress, I would have to give it my all. He taught from example, and never had us do anything that he couldn't. When I tested for my first degree black belt from here, I came out of the test knowing that I earned it. Having my Senseis give me my black belt was recognition to me that my kata form, sparring, and grappling were good enough to truly begin my focused training in the arts. Although I wasn't able to fend off a few black belts at once (part of the test), by the end of the few hours I had a much better understanding of how to focus even during situations that were not advantageous. But most of all, I recognized that my black belt did not mean that I was the best at self-defense; rather, that I was good enough to begin training. My only gripe about the dojo (and it may have been fixed since I left) is that a lot of the students, I felt, got promoted through the ranks without being ready. I saw some of the newer black belts (as well as the lower ranks) and felt that they should have had more training before they received it. Maybe that's changed now though. read more

I can't say enough about how pleased our family has been with USKS, its family atmosphere and quality training. Our kids began at ages 5 and 7 and have loved it. Naturally, I had a lot of questions about what they would be learning and the pace that the class would go. Sensei Joyce clearly demonstrated the many years that she and her family have been instructing students as she kindly and thoroughly answered all of my questions. I have seen first hand our children grow in their awareness of their surroundings and gain the concentration and discipline that it takes to move through the ranks of this quality martial arts program. When I asked my now 8 year old daughter her opinion of USKS, this was her reply, "USKS is a great place to go to karate. It's different from other karate places because it's Christian and they help you to memorize Bible verses and character traits and what they mean, like attentiveness. They want you to apply them to your life. They have special rewards for people who seem like they work their hardest. They treat everyone equally and really help you learn." My daughter has asked for a private lesson with Sensei Joyce for her birthday which is coming soon and I'm delighted that she sees the excellence in training that she would receive. If you want to be a part of a family community, fun activities, an atmosphere of self-discipline and respect, check out USKS. I wouldn't go anywhere else! read more

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Excellent dojo with talented senseis' and sempais'. Family owned by a wonderful family too. They are so kind and welcoming. Truly a great program for kids and adults. Oh and u can't forget the annual events for the students - tournaments, beach training, pictures, ninja night, open house, anniversary show!! read more

USKS Martial Arts Center - Grappling - Karate Near Me - Concord, California

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Signed up my son and was happy at first. After a few lessons it comes out that memorizing bible verses is a required part of the curriculum. I contacted the owner because I didn't feel it was appropriate for them to teach my kid about religion in a karate class. She didn't offer up any work around, just said that it wasn't a big deal and that it was part of building character. I pulled my son out of the school and asked that she refund our initiation fee that we just paid to join. The owner said we already got our monies worth, I explained to her that I felt something as personal as teaching the bible to kids should be disclosed before signing up and that I wouldn't have joined if I had known. I'll repost if she actually refunds our money. Bottom line, if you like your karate served with a side of bible study this is the place for you. If you would like a non-denominational karate studio look elsewhere. read more

My 10 yr old son has been training with USKS for 4 1/2 years. It was such a great find for us. USKS provides a structured, comfortable, and fun learning environment which is not only great for the kids to learn in, but also to make friends and form some community. They offer more than just martial arts training. They offer fun events and activities outside of class as well. This is a place that values children and their families, and the relationship between us all. The instructors are awesome. They teach discipline, self control, and respect. They provide guided instruction, a gentle firmness, specific encouragement, an understanding to individual needs, constructive fun, and they are always available to the children and parents. I know my son enjoys going to class, what he's learning, and the people he has met. I know what I love about USKS as a parent (which is everything listed above & more), but out of curiosity I asked him, "What do you like about USKS, why do you like it so much?". His answer... "I have made a lot of friends there. Everyone is really nice. I like that they teach kids how to defend themselves. I feel comfortable with all the things I'm learning and just comfortable there. You know, when you drop me off I don't worry. I feel safe there." That one statement ("I feel safe there") is more than enough for me to be assured that we have made the right decision in choosing USKS martial arts center. I honestly can't say enough how happy we are with them. Check out USKS and see for yourself how great it is. read more

USKS Martial Arts Center - Karate Near Me - Concord, California

Just got off the phone with this place . The woman answering the phones is extreemly rude and not helpful at all . Do Not Go to This place . Try one that does not have a angry person answering calls. Worst customer service i have ever had in my life read more

We are long time participants with this dojo. It's been nearly 6 years. My son is part of their black belt academy which asks the kids to commit to studying until a black belt is achieved. The combination of pushing kids to do their best and encouraging the child is well done here. It's not easy. But it is doable and something to be proud of once achieved. No free badges, merits or trophies here. My son has year round training and gains in many aspects of athleticism. Highly recommend. read more

Class act. Both my sons train here (4 and 6 years old). We wanted to introduce martial arts to teach discipline, focus and of course self defense. Sensei Mario is an incredible teacher. My kids are active and moving from the beginning of class to the end and get direct attention the entire time. It costs a little more than some competitors but the trade off is you get Sensei Mario and more focussed attention for your child. Want your kids in martial arts? This is the place. read more

wow. my kids went here for three years. i payed for my daughters monthly fee, my ex paid for my son. This has been the case since they started. My children enjoyed it for awhile but really were not passionate about being here. Joyce, while preaching the lords word is incredibly condescending and belittles all the children, including my own. The way she speaks to people was truly shocking. When i did come and watch it was clear other parents thought the same thing and even joked amongst themselves and made comments at her demeanor. This year i decided i wasnt going to force my children to go here any longer. I told them both extra curriculars were important but i wanted them to have a say in what that would look like for them. thier father decided he wanted to continue taking them (or rather have his dad do it) he was meant to go in and talk to them regarding taking on adelies payment, transferring to his card which he failed to do for the entire month of march and some of april. On april 14th joyce and i have a written agreement that she will be taking my card off her billing system. On june 13th we noticed that USKS had charged us for may as well as june. I reached out to her (very kindly) and shared we were still getting charged, i requested a refund (of course) and for my card to be removed. She responded that she totally forgot to remove my card and informed me she reached out to my ex to have him pay me back. I said uhhh ... no i prefer to not involve him at all, he and i have no contracts and to please refund me and follow up with him separately. I reached out to him and asked if they had made this agreement and that of they had to please not involve me and to keep it seperate. I made it clear to both of them i was in no way ok with this. Here we are today, almost a month later, surprise surprise he has not payed me (which i dont want him to nor did i ask him to) and she is literally will not refund me. Now she is actually saying 'i will not be involed in the issues between you and your ex, you must follow up with him' he did not have the $300 to pay her so he said yah sure ill pay liz back for you and they agreed on that. And now its my problem? read more

I, and both my sons train here. We all love it. I started my oldest son when he was in kindergarten, he was struggling with his dad leaving and wasn't sure how to deal with his frustration. Under the playful and understanding attention of his Sensei he really changed. I see a strong improvement in his self-control as well as in his focus and attention. My younger son started just a few months ago. He really wanted to do participate after seeing my older son train and after enjoying a few "Ninja Nights" events with the Senseis. I am starting to see improvement in his self control and focus. He is truly dedicated to his training. I had seen this dojo do a demo years ago and was interested. But was far too busy at the time. After my son started training, I decided to find the time to do this for myself and started a few years ago. I really enjoy it; it is a challenge and I see myself growing. For me, when I first started my son, I really wanted this specific dojo, because of the values and character traits they require with advancement. I felt that having self-control, courage, obedience and humility are important, as well as all the other character traits they teach. Growing in character is very important and should be part of the journey to black belt. They need to understand the responsibility of that honor and have the right character to back it up. read more

This place is just a wasted time and money for my kids. Our kids used to Love karate before they screwed us up. I agree with some of the filtered reviews. Exactly how we got treated, they're all just about money. All candy coated BS. I used to recommend them but not anymore. read more

My son and daughter have been attending this Dojo for ten years.Best teachers ever.Love the way they have taught them self discipline, how to defend themselves and how to overcome self doubts.Highly recommend this school. read more

The place has skilled teachers that are skillful in the martial arts, self defense, and with weapons. The place is family friendly and is great for all ages. One of teachers was a former military officer. The teachers are proud of being American and are proud of teaching a variety of Asian martial arts. I saw them perform at this past Kid Fest in Concord. read more