I am a black belt who has been training with Master Joyner at USSD Encinitas for over 17 years. If you think that suggests a biased review, let me explain. I have actually trained with USSD since 1998 and have experienced the style and discipline of 4 other instructors, including another Master instructor at another USSD studio in the last few weeks. I am a Physician by profession and can easily discern personal as well as professional skills and comportment. Master Joyner masters both. His group classes are rigorous....but karate is not meant to be easy. Considering he is a 5th degree black belt, with rare exceptions, Master Joyner is always the instructor in his group and private classes, very unusual in this industry. He also works really well with children of all ages. If you have any desire to do martial arts or to simply help your child with discipline and structure, I highly recommend this skilled and compassionate instructor at USDD Encinitas! read more

USSD Encinitas - Few weeks ago: go Red Storm! - Martial Arts Near Me - Encinitas, California

This place is horrible. I came here and did karate for 2 years until i was a purple belt and had to leave because it was terrible. My brother is a little sensitive, and Master Joyner hates kids who cry. For example, my brother forgot to bring a note to class, so he was stressed about it. He was given 50 pushups and leap-frogs, and was out of breath so naturally, he started crying. Master Joyner got so mad that he grabbed him by his HAIR and yelled at him. He also grabbed the back of his gi and shoved him into the closet, and there was another person even watching. he resumed saying to the other kid who was a white belt, "See, *name*, I'm not rude, this is just how I act, okay?" The kid nodded in shock and I was standing against the wall while he said this, and I was scared horribly when he did this because it is generally scary to have a teacher do this. My parents later emailed him and he said that he didn't do it!! he is a horrible liar and a bad person in general. read more

My Son has been in this program for roughly 4 yrs. I was very apprehensive on signing him up, because I know there are a lot of "belt factories" in the area. Therefore, if you want a blackbelt quick, this isn't the place for you. Having said that, Master Joyner (Craig) and Mr. Bill are incredible instructors!! My Son truly loves them both, and it is evident that the instructors feel the same about their students. And it's not all about martial arts, self respect and respect for others are taught, as well as work ethic, honor and integrity. We absolutely love this place, and if I could give it more than 5 stars, I would! read more

Truly a fantastic way to improve your life. I have spent many years training and learning under Master Joyner. As a child, I was very nervous overall and every trainer and fellow student was very supportive and great to know. They are willing to work with you towards your fitness goals regardless of where you are starting in age or physique. Master Joyner is very easy to talk to and knowledgeable. I highly recommend starting (or starting your kids) at this dojo. It will be a fantastic investment in your life that can help with energy, inner positivity and confidence. Karate is a great sport that you can start with nothing but a good teacher and build from there. Give it a try! read more

This is an excellent karate school for kids. We have both of our kids here for years now, and i can not find one thing to criticize. Sensei Danny is amazing, and all the other instructors are friendly and knowledgeable. We have had experience in other karate schools so we have an idea about the alternatives. Highly Recommended !!!! read more

Master Joyner and his team are no ordinary karate studio! They develop the whole child - they focus on mental toughness and discipline and respect vs outward strength. When my son sassed me he made him drop and give 20 (pushups)! He loves kids and his passion is inspiring. I know families who train together with them. This is THE karate studio. Focus on development vs persistent belt charges and promotion. read more

My son started training with Master Joyner shortly after he turned 8 years old. He's now 17, a senior in high school and a 2nd degree Black Belt. My daughter and I joined shortly after my son, and are both still training as well. I know without question, the discipline he's acquired and the utmost respect he has for Master Joyner, has helped him become the respectful, hardworking young man he is today. Master Joyner and Mr. Bill truly care for all of their students (children and adults). The strength and self-confidence I have gained from martial arts has helped me grow as an adult in ways I could never have imagined. Now with my daughter entering her teen years, I know the confidence she has gained will help her navigate them a little easier. I highly recommend this dojo! Only positive things could come from giving it a try. read more

Master Joiner is a great sensei. He is very kind and helpful, and I have been taking classes since I was seven. Mr. Bill is a helpful and funny teacher too who tells jokes and stories while we do a class stretch. I have learned so much and I am looking forward to later becoming a black belt! From Sophia, a present blue green belt... Looking forward to learning new stuff! Hint, hint, wink, wink. read more

Craig Joyner (Master Joyner), has been impacting our family for 25 years. As "Sensei Craig" he taught both our son and daughter for over a decade - 25 years ago. Now as "Master Joyner" he is teaching our grandson. Watching his lesson this morning compelled me to write this. Craig Joyner is a man of utmost character, heart, and integrity. He has been Teacher, Mentor, and friend to our family and has made an impact on the lives of our kids like few others. There is none better! We recommend him in the highest. Thank you Master Joyner. read more

We have been at Master Joyner's dojo for four years now... we decided on this dojo after visiting many others. His pedagogical approach strikes the perfect balance between being caring and being firm (always motivating but never, ever in aggressive ways). The kids build life skills: not just self defense but also effort, confidence and character. Master Joyner is a 5th-rank black belt which makes him pretty much one in a million, his technique is just spectacular and only matched by his humility. Mister Bill is his right-hand and is gifted in his ways with kids who just adore him. I have two kids at the dojo and I even joined myself (he offers adult classes too). There is a huge sense of camaraderie and a friendly, fun vibe! read more

Our involvement with this dojo has significantly changed our family. Our two daughters have gained a tremendous amount of self-confidence over the years as a result of their time at this dojo. Much more than the karate/self-defense skills learned has been the patient, yet firm, guidance that Sensei Craig has provided to them. This guidance comes not only in the dojo, but with respect to their personal lives and school work. I honestly cannot fully describe to you how much Craig has helped us. He is truly one of the finest people that I've ever known. Just drive by sometime after school or on a Saturday and talk to the parents that are there watching their children grow. read more

My daughter started here a year and a half ago. I had tried her at a different studio for a free week, but then found USSD. So many parents in the community recommended Master Joyner and this dojo if you want your child to be pushed to be their personal best. Master Joyner commands respect from all his students and his students respect him. I know my daughter is learning not only martial arts, but life lessons on how to act and conduct yourself. She feels pride when he compliments her and works hard to test for her next belt. If you want a teacher and a dojo that also inspires kids and expects the best from them, this is it. read more

Sensei Danny is an amazing instructor with children of all abilities and needs. He has helped my son develop a level of confidence that took him from being anxious at school to running for classroom representative. The discipline, respect and focus that is taught at the studio is reflected in the behavior and accomplishments of my sons at home and at school. read more

I had a great time visiting this academy. Sensei Daniel is an amazing instructor. I could see the private lessons happening when I was waiting to see the Sensei, and I could see that all who were practicing were having a great time. I noticed people training there were all divers in age, nationality, experience, ect, but one thing everyone had in common was the fact that they are all really nice, welcoming people. Also, one of my good friends trained there through his childhood years, and he couldn't stop raving about how wonderful of a mentor Sensei Daniel was, and how he taught him so many important character lessons that as assisted him throughout his entire life. What more can you ask for? read more

Sensei Danny is awesome. He knows when to challenge and when to encourage. He has worked wonders in my daughter's mental and physical well being. read more

I'm a perfectionist and have waited 10 months since my son 1st started Karate in this studio to write this complements. I am so grateful of this Sensei for his passion and knowledge in Karate; his friendly manner and professional disciplines; his patience with all different level and age learners. He makes each lesson structured as well as fun! I'm a teacher myself, I know regardless how knowledgeable a teacher is, the most valuable attribute being a teacher is the skills to teach well. I must say this Sensei is a very intuitive teacher that has magical abilities in bringing out the best of each individual! As the result, my son is motivated going to each of the lesson even when he is not feeling too well. He has grown out from a quiet and anxious person, to a confident student at school, when the school teacher told me that he volunteered to be the speech class president today, I was in a total disbelieve! I'm so excited about his courage. I also want to mention how we started coming to the studio back in Jan. this year: I preferred other studios' schedules which were better fit and at a lower cost. However, my son insisted to come to this studio after meeting Sensei Danny for the free try out session, I had to take him here, but resentful that I had to make my own scheduling sacrifice to accommodate. Especially I liked other studios' Senseis just as well. I've now realized that children know what they are doing and I'm so thankful that I let my son had his own way about his Karate instructor! read more

The instructors are knowledgeable and the classes are well-planned and focused. Each child is given appropriate attention and encouragement to excel. It is run in such a way that the children want to succeed. My granddaughter who is 6 goes here and it has elevated her self-esteem immensely. I'm grateful for their program and all of their instructors. read more

Yes, it is true. Sensei Craig Joyner is as good as you will find. My two boys have trained with him since they were each 4 years old. Sensei Craig has provided a loving, demanding, yet safe environment for them to develop. I myself joined and learned first hand the incredible benefits. Have since moved away and regularly miss this wonderful studio. All the best Sensei. read more

Brought my 5 year old daughter here and I'm blown away with how much confidence she has gained. Master Joyner and Mr. Bill are excellent and very patient with the kids. This was certainly one of the best things I have gotten my child into. Highly recommend! read more

Master Joyner and Mr. Bill are both incredible instructors and both of my daughters love training here.

Master Joiner and Mr. Bill are fantastic instructors. My son Arwan has been a part of the dojo since he was 7 years old. He is now 10 and a blue/green belt. In the process, he has grown extensively - he is stronger, both physically and mentally, he became more confident, and has participated in 2 tournaments. He has learned the value of determination to achieve a goal and is looking forward to someday becoming a black belt. read more

I can not say enough about Sensei and his dedication to his students! We left a Karate studio in Encinitas when our son became bored and it seemed that we were simply paying for a new belt every 3-6 months. Sensei had our son "start over" at his studio. He has been here now for about 1 1/2 yrs and has absolutely earned every belt with lots of hard work and sweat! Sensei greets every student and parent by name and always has an encouraging word. He is firm, commands respect ,and yet patient. I especially like it that pure physical fitness is so stressed, not just "forms." My son can do more push-ups that anyone I know! LOVE this place and I recommend it all the time to other parents who have kids at other studios. read more

Our daughter is in her first year of college but Sensei Craig's dedication to her continues. She emailed him from school asking for some fitness guidance, he was more than happy to assist; she is trying to start a karate club at school. During winter break she'll be back at the Dojo, taking classes, helping teach the younger children. Her college essay was all about the mental as well as physical challenges of obtaining her black belt, it was VERY well received and contributed in large part, I believe, to the high rate of college acceptances she received. Thank you thank you Sensei Craig!!!! read more

As a twenty year veteran of the Martial Arts I can offer a unique perspective on this school. The Chief Instructor is a true professional with decades of experience. He and his team of Assistant Instructors offer a well rounded and family oriented training facility while providing instruction in one of the best styles of Martial Art available. Although great with children they also offer instruction at the most advanced levels. They teach Kempo which is a mix of Karate and Kung Fu but technically older than either. I've trained in many styles but have returned to this one and this school after truly finding no other school like it. read more

Sensei Craig is devoted to his pupils - from the tiniest to the oldest- in a way that is spellbinding in its comprehensiveness. Yes, as the previous poster attests, this man is interested in their whole lives, who they are both in the dojo and out, how they manifest their developing characters, and how much character and commitment they put into the spirit and form of the training they are receiving with him. I, too, would attribute my teenage [son's] self confidence and endurance to Sensei Craig and his support staff. We can no longer imagine the young boy we took to Sensei, but are enormously proud and pleased to live with the young man he is becoming under the skillful guidance of Sensei Craig. read more