I began taking lessons at this school on October 1, 2009. By July 1, 2010 I had lost 50 lbs. By…read moreAugust 1, 2010, I had lost 55 since starting.
My six year old son also takes there. I am very proud and impressed at his growth - in strength, balance and confidence. This in less than a year.
As a child and teenager (I am 34 now), I took Kempo/Kung Fu from a fantastic instructor in Plano, TX for many years. During that time, I also studied Taekwondo at another school, and took classes in various other martial arts.
When my son turned five and told me he wanted to take Karate, and wanted me to take with him, I knew I had to find a school that taught Kempo. The problem was, the closest one I could find was way out in Paletine, and didn't really leave me impressed (I watched, but didn't take any classes there).
I called my old instructor and friend Mr. Portnoy and told him the only schools close to me that met my qualifications were both USSD schools. His response was honest, and not totally positive. He said that although many of the techniques, etc... would be similar, my family's experience at USSD would be quite different to what I had experienced with him, and I may not like it. He explained USSD is known for an academy-like atmosphere and that they are set up like franchises (he actually referred to USSD as "McDojo". He knew I didn't like the cookie-cutter feel of the Taekwondo school I went to - and he warned me about the high costs.
He was right, except I like the school I am at. In fact, I'm very happy. Yes, USSD is operated like an academy, and the schools are franchised. Both aspects are something that have added to mine and my son's success. He was right about the cost. The fact is, I feel that I am getting my money's worth.
In One yelp review, Jim P. from Niles posts a 3-page essay about one of the local USSD schools (Skokie) which at one point states that USSD couldn't be good due to the rotation of instructors. That's ironic because I have always found great value from learning from different people - regardless of rank or style.
My first instructor, Mr. Portnoy, from Plano, TX, is a very respected, highly ranked Grand Master of a different style. I think very highly of the advice he always gave me and consider him a great friend. He said repeatedly that learning from a variety of people was key to his growth and success in martial arts.
Mr. Portnoy always pointed out that different people have different perspectives, and have honed different skills. That is the most positive aspect of the style of learning at USSD. You take what works best for you, and work on what you can. The difference to what Mr. Portnoy's school does to gain those perspectives for his students was that he brings in outside guest instructors for periods of time. At USSD, the knowledge base comes from within the USSD system. That works because the system is enormous. That contributes to the cost, which is also worth it to my son and to me.
USSD also does without the "cookie-cutter" feeling that permeates many other systems. I receive a thorough explanation of what you are learning and why, which I found lacking in many other styles and schools (most notably my experience with Taekwondo). Most importantly, advancement is not based upon a time line, and not forced. It occurs only when the skill level attained. As it should be.
I feel very strongly about the positive experiences I've had, just as I feel about knowing there are similar experiences awaiting anyone who brings a positive attitude to USSD. It's fun, and not easy. Nothing this good for you could ever be. It IS very rewarding.
