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September 2023 by Rick Siegrist
The owner is a great guy.
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August 2023 by Anthony Rodriguez
My son started attending USSD in Livermore back in April and has quickly integrated in. We chose USSD due to the reviews and proximity to our home and work. Our son was experiencing some confidence issues and had a little bullying happening at school so we wanted to help build his confidence. Sensei Mike immediately set up a time that he could come in and do an assessment and he started class the following week. In a few short months he has grown leaps and bounds and his confidence is back. Karate and the dojo have made him a new kid again. He looks forward to each class and is upset if there is something that he has to miss. Sensei Mike and his staff do a great job to train and build all their students up. They are passionate about the martial arts and are yet so patient while teaching students respect. I would recommend Sensei Mike and USSD to anyone!
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August 2023 by Sarah Pancoast
My son attended Sensei Mike’s dojo for quite some time. My goal for my spirited son was not for him to become a black belt, but for him to find a positive male role model who would respectfully work with me on my sons ability to listen to directions, his impulse control, and how to consciously focus his energy to himself, while becoming more aware of his spacial awareness. When first meeting with Sensei Mike, his first question to me was, what do you wish Terrance would get out of this, and this is how I answered his question, not realizing at the time that we would gain a lot more from his class than what we had expected.Sensei Mike was a great role model for my son. He promoted/modeled patience, assertiveness, humor, humility, success, self respect, anger management, kindness, acceptance, forgiveness, self love, good choices, mistakes made right, self reflection, etc. Sensei Mike taught the kids in his class to be themselves.. and that nobody is perfect. He taught good morals and values. My son looked up to him, and respected him. I absolutely recommend this dojo for your kids.. plus they get to learn some pretty cool Karate moves while feeling good about themselves.I also would like to add that my son loved Sensei Mike, and so did my daughter (she also wanted to attend his classes). Sensei Mike really cares about his students and you can see his passion for treating everyone with respect, including the kids.Thank you Sensei Mike for being such a positive light.
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May 2022 by Chen C.
Sensei mike is the best! I enrolled my son here and he loved going to his karate sessions. He has learned a lot and his discipline improved. He is now wearing purple belt and advancing to the next one soon. Unfortunately, we will be moving to a different city soon,he was sad to find out that he will need to stop going soon. we asked him of he wants to stop attending already and but he wants to keep going till the week before we move. He loves going so much that he wants to go as much as he can. He goes 4x a week and it is a routine he never want to miss. He is always excited at how Sensei Mike responds to his questions. Nate will surely miss attending his classes once we move.
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November 2020 by Gary F.
Mike is a great instructor and business man. He cares about his students and parents. Mike works hard and enjoys teaching for the community of Livermore. Mike makes martial arts fun and respectful with discipline.
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November 2020 by Kristen S.
I'm ashamed to say I've been with this dojo for nearly 3 years and haven't posted a review until now. Short story - we love it! My oldest son started attending first, my husband joined 2 years ago, and recently our youngest son started. Sensei Mike and this karate dojo have been wonderful for our family! Mike is great with kids and adults alike, is great at explaining and demonstrating techniques, the history of Kempo, and (what I love most as a mom) the character building he integrates with every lesson. My boys are not only learning a fun sport, but also important character traits. Mike makes each class informative, fun, and safe. I also love that belts are truly earned, not handed out. There is a real sense of accomplishment in each rank. Other positive things to point out: 1. great response and implementation of Covid guidelines 2. Zoom sessions available for members not attending in person 3. multiple group classes by age/rank throughout the week in addition to the weekly private lesson 4. social events throughout the year so the members can get to know each other and build camaraderie (not so much during Covid)
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July 2020 by Renee Bullis
We have been with USSD for years. I signed my kids up because they needed a place where their individual achievements were earned and recognized. Sensei Delfino is great with kids and sees each child for their individuality and potential. He encourages them to build on their strengths, and to work on the potential he sees in them.
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May 2020 by RhynoFlush
I am one of the the older folks, in my sixties now. I wanted to learn self-defense but I find myself improving balance, coordination, flexibility and strength. Sensei Mike brings humor and years of professional experience to each class. Great group of people and I highly recommend USSD.
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May 2020 by Piedpiper6666
Sensei mike and all the staff at USSD have been some of the most important people to me. As I grew up, I grew up with this dojo by my side. I spent 9 years learning from them and not is Sensei mike extremely competent, but he is relentlessly kind, generous, and caring. This is a dojo where *anyone* can learn, kids or adults, and he will make sure you get what you need to be the best you can be. I cannot recommend them enough. If you want to learn from an incredibly amazing teacher under an authentic “curriculum,” do not pass them up.
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April 2020 by Francesca Paurel
My kids and I all attend this dojo, and have for many years. The kids started at least 8 years ago, and I a year or so later. Mike is an awesome instructor. He genuinely cares about the students. He makes the training fun, but manages to keep everyone focused. He has great passion for the martial arts, which he conveys to his students.
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April 2020 by Sarah Helling
Highly recommended! Well rounded instruction with a genuine love for the art and craft of karate. Sensei is truly fantastic with students, allowing them to enjoy learning while challenging them to do their personal best at each class/lesson.
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April 2020 by Hannah Peacock
I have been studying at this dojo for over 10 years and I have nothing but positive things to say about the instructors and the students. The head instructor is wonderful at instilling the core principles of the martial arts (such as discipline and self control) while also making it enjoyable and fun. It’s great to have classmates who I have known for so long and who are so willing to help one another as we learn together. Studying at USSD has enriched my life immensely.
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April 2020 by Amy Stalcup
I absolutely LOVE this place. I joined this dojo wanting to learn a little self defense. I was super timid and nervous about going. The instructor, Mike is such a genuine and kind person that I instantly felt at home in this dojo. I'd be lying if I said this place didn't change my life. What I've learned here has made me so much more confident in all walks of life, and not only that but in the process I feel like I've gained a whole new family along the way! If I could give it 10 stars I would, I HIGHLY recommend this place. :)
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April 2020 by Angie Hurricks
clean dojo, excellent teacher
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April 2020 by Francesca P.
My kids and myself have been students at this dojo for many years, i think the kids around 8 and myself for at least 6. Mike is a great instructor, he has a very solid foundation in the martial arts as well as a knowledge of sports training. This gives him a real understanding of how people are using their bodies and how to work around issues (I have some arthritis issues). I have seen Mike work with students from five to over 60, and show each person how to get the most out of their training. He is great at keeping things fun, but focused during classes. I have gotten a lot out of my training and feel more comfortable when I travel solo. I also know my kids are safer as they head out to college. Both of my kids received their black belts under Mike and USSD, and they really worked to earn those.
