I have to say this about Master T @ USSD because I am still just so beyond impressed. I randomly ended up at a church kids event and saw him doing ASL interpreting and I'm not kidding, I literally moved across the church just to sit closer and watch. I was in complete awe. I grew up with my mom as an interpreter, so I KNOW what I'm looking at and his skill is on another level. So of course I went up to him after like "okay that was incredible." EXTREMELY SKILLED Somehow in conversation he mentions he has a martial arts studio in Oceanside and I just kind of paused like God what? Because I had JUST been talking about finding something like this for my son. So we signed up. And I'm telling you right now this is not just another class. Not only is he a top Tier ASL Interpreter he is truly a master at his skills! I have sat there and watched him run a full room of kids--20+--all over the place, all different personalities, all different needs... and somehow he keeps them engaged, respectful, and still connects with each one individually. It's honestly amazing to watch. Like some magical supernatural superpower! And for my parents who get it kids with energy, ADHD, autism, sensory disorders this is where I was really watching closely. Because my child is full speed, no brakes all days, And somehow... it brings tears to my eyes to see how this is making a huge impact and difference in our lives! Like really trying. He wants to listen. He wants to do better. He wants to earn that respect from Master T and Sensei Elias. That right there means everything to me. Because it's not just kicks and punches. It's discipline. It's self-control. It's focus. It's respect. Character Sincerity Effort Etiquette and so much more! It's absolutely stunning to watch real life lessons being intertwined into these kids lives! I'm just sitting there half the time like... how are you doing this with this many kids?? It's impressive. It's consistent. And you can tell he genuinely cares. I am just so glad we found this place. This is one of those things you don't realize you needed until you see it. read more

USSD Oceanside - Listening to Master T! Accomplishment! Huge! Success for my little guy! - Martial Arts Near Me - Oceanside, California

See all

Okay I thought I left a review but I am not above double dipping if it's for the greater good. Master Terrell and his team are the best instructors you could ask for. If a kid is struggling for one reason or another he employs patience I don't possess. He encourages them every step of the way without being a pushover. It's not "cheap" given today's reality but a super value for the dozen or so times a month they participate. read more

This karate dojo is such a fantastic place to learn and learn or grow your karate skills! My daughter has been at USSD since 2018 and their Sensei's have made a huge positive impact in my daughter's life. She has learned discipline, grit, and respect which are character traits that have lead her to be the incredibly successful, tri sport, high school student athlete that she is today. We are so thankful for what karate had taught her over the years and how it continues to contribute to her character and athleticism. I highly recommend for any parent looking for a way to build their child's character and resilience! read more

Couldn't be a better fit for three siblings! Master Terrell is phenomenal with the children in the youngest class. He is a great role model, has a lot of patience and uses different techniques to teach a concept that allow everyone to get it. The personal lessons have been the money maker in my opinion. Instead of a lesson a week, there are two group lessons AND a personal lesson. My three children go together and that's where they really seem to grow. We've been to one other karate studio and this outperforms it in every way. My kids look forward to each lesson! read more

USSD Oceanside has been great for our son! At 8 years old he wanted to learn Karate... So we signed him up! He never stopped going, he went every single week for 8 years straight. He is now 16 years old and has worked hard and earned his Black Belt! He still continues going to karate weekly, still learning and now also helps teach the younger kids classes with Master Terrell, who has taught him everything he knows! read more

My daughter has been attending here for a year, and I also joined the adult classes eight months ago! I would highly recommend this dojo for both children and adults! The weekly private lessons included in the monthly fee really help with mastery of techniques. Master Terrell is a truly exceptional teacher for all ages, and he has a gift for accommodating a variety of special needs and ability levels. In the children's class they put a strong emphasis on building character and focus in addition to self-defense. My daughter has had a dramatic improvement in her focus, and in one year she has gone from focus being a big struggle at school to getting the highest marks in citizenship and study skills! She's also gained a lot of confidence and self-defense skills as she's progressed through the program. The adult class is more focused on practical self-defense techniques and exercise, and Master Terrell does a great job tailoring the program to everyone's skill levels and athletic ability. I have to give him a special commendation for working with me as an arm amputee as well. He has worked hard to modify techniques to make sure I can do the moves and still be effective! read more

We recently started at USSD. My son is a little older than the typical beginner but the USSD team has embraced him and the challenges that a very tall 12 year old bring! I was very concerned about him starting so late and his challenges with ADHD however, I have read this was a great way to help him focus. The team at USSD addressed my concerns and accommodations were made to ensure he is challenged and accepted into the groups. We enjoying having an opportunity for personalized growth and joining in class lessons. I personally feel my son's self confidence has blossomed at USSD. My son looks forward to his classes and the "homework." We are so glad that we found such a welcoming place to grow. Such a wonderful place! read more

This is a great dojo that has helped with my sons self confidence and provided him the skills to avoid conflicts. Master Terrell is a great teacher with the ability to get even the most difficult children to focus and excel. If you have thought about getting your child into martial arts look no further and sign up with Master T today. read more

My son has been attending for a month now, and so far we love it!!! From the beginning this place has been a very organized and great place from the start! My son is a little shy but has really loved it and enjoys each class he has attended. Master Terrell is a great teacher and really knows how to show kids how to focus and excel in what they are learning! I would recommend this place to anyone :) read more

We started our son here last May and love it! It has really improved his confidence and he loves the exercise. He attends at least 2 group lessons a week and 1 private lesson. The instructors are great and very patient. We looked at one other studio but decided on this one due to the great family atmosphere! read more

My husband and I have been bringing our children to USSD Oceanside for over 4 years. It has been a wonderful experience in so many ways for both my kiddos, and I am grateful for all the time and efforts from Master Terrell (Mater T). At first, we wanted our daughter to learn some basic self-defense before she tried other activities, maybe gymnastics or soccer. We quickly realized, though, that this was going to be something we'd invest in for the long-term. Our daughter wasn't just learning self-defense; she was learning self-confidence, integrity, perseverance, respect, self-control, and on the list goes. We watched all the lessons that we as parents were teaching her get reinforced by another authority figure who she admired and respected. When our younger son grew old enough to start karate, we were excited to repeat the experience. We were a little worried about him because he was slower to warm up to new people/situations and he had a hard time communicating because of a mild stutter. It still makes me choke up today when I remember how he stopped stuttering the minute he walked in the dojo. In fact, he never once stuttered during one of his lessons. Two+ years later, he is progressing through the classes, benefiting from many of the same lessons as his sister but also other lessons, too. He's learning to push through challenges, the feeling of accomplishment when he doesn't give up, and that the pain of discipline pales in comparison to the pain of regret. I am so pleased with the valuable lessons that Master T has helped teach my children. I know that the character traits being developed will carry over into all aspects of their lives... they already are. We highly recommend USSD Oceanside and look forward to benefiting from Master T's gifts for years to come. read more

Our oldest son has been with Master T at the Oceanside dojo for over 2 years now. Master T is by far the most professional and personable instructor we have ever know. Our son has gained much confidence and sense of responsibility through the consistency and instruction he receives at UUSD Oceanside. I definitely recommend this dojo. We are so grateful to be a part of this UUSD family! read more

We absolutely love USSD Oceanside. Master Terrell is very professional and patient with our son. We began classes here a few months ago and have seen great changes in our son. He has learned to be more respectful and focused with everyday activities. Our son currently takes a private lesson and 3 group lessons with Master Terrell and is always very excited to attend. I also started taking the women's self defense class with Master Terrell and really enjoy the class. USSD is so much more than just a dojo. Both Master Terrell and his wife, Michelle, are there for us as a family. They are genuinely interested in promoting our children to be the best they can be and achieve their goals with grace. I would highly recommend this class to anyone interested in self defense. read more

We really appreciate this business. I called many places asking if any would be willing to work with my son, who was 3 at the time, and all of them said no except for Master T. He is truly such a wonderful person and positive influence on the young people he coaches. My son loves him and we have been able to employ some of the strategies we observe during his session that Master T uses to gain his focus and keep him motivated. He has so much fun and is learning self control and discipline. We have had to cancel sessions due to sickness and they've been so flexible and understanding. Pretty much you just text to make it up. Master T is genuinely just concerned that your child is feeling okay. I feel these lessons and this school is an investment in my child's life and not just a weekly activity he attends. There are many karate schools out there, but the personalization, flexibility and kindness of this one is truly a gift. read more

This is probably the worst dojo to train at 13 katas and pians 20 punch defenses required form from white to Black Belt. They string you along for three degrees of Brown Belt so they can get more testing fees out of you Ninja nights for an extra fee Belt and stripe test to make more money Off students Unrealistic techniques being taught. Try defending your self against a knife using what they teach. These places are nothing more than a glorified daycare for moms to leave thier kids at. Your best weaopn is situational awareness second to that getting off the line of attack and running away. These guys teach you to bow in stand in front position and most importantly pay your dues on time. NOT RECOMMENDED I am a FORMER student and this place sucks big time read more

The sensei at USSD in Oceanside, Master Terrell, is a gifted instructor with adults and kids. I have learned a great deal from him including balance, discipline, physical fitness and of course a high quality form of martial arts - Shaolin Kempo. The dojo is clean and well-maintained. I highly recommend this dojo and system for any practioner of the martial arts. read more

Master Terrel is an awesome instructor. He has a great way to engage kids rarely seen in instructors or teachers. He promotes discipline and self control and as a result the confidence of children is improved. Would I recommend USSD Oceanside? With out hesitation. read more

This is a great studio! Master Terrell knows how to communicate with youngsters. He meets them where they need to be. I love it! The studio is impeccably clean and well managed. I feel confident that my son is getting high quality attention both during his private lesson and during the group lessons. Very impressed! read more

This is the best Karate Dojo around. They are really good with kids and teach valuable skills.