USSD

March, 2003. Professor Charles Mattera on the front cover of Black Belt Magazine, sharing the unique weapons of Shaolin. #USSD #UNITEDSTUDIOSOFSELFDEFENSE #MARTIALARTS #SELFDEFENSE

As we step into 2021, we reflect on the year now behind us. 2020 was a year of adaptation. We were honored to see our Instructors and students adapt to the new climate of training, persisting with their goals despite all the obvious limitations and set-backs. Seeing this unrelenting pursuit reminded us what it's all about - to share the magic of the martial arts with our communities and to help them transform; physically, emotionally and mentally. Here's to a new year, with the same vision. Onward and upward. Cheers from the USSD family. #USSD #UNITEDSTUDIOSOFSELFDEFENSE #MARTIALARTS #SELFDEFENSE

When the best version of your life is at stake, why procrastinate? #USSD #UNITEDSTUDIOSOFSELFDEFENSE #MARTIALARTS #SELFDEFENSE

Late 1980's | Then Head Master Charles Mattera stands atop a rock on the shores of Dana Point. #USSDHistory #USSD #UNITEDSTUDIOSOFSELFDEFENSE #MARTIALARTS #SELFDEFENSE

Use this time to set your sights on what next year will look like for you. Move with intention. Although we can't predict everything, we can predict the identity we'll live by to weather the storms and move towards growth.

Wishing you a safe and merry holiday season. With Love, Team USSD

It's Monday and nearing the end of 2020. No excuses, just get up and do the work. Mileage is king. #USSD #UNITEDSTUDIOSOFSELFDEFENSE #MARTIALARTS #SELFDEFENSE

Let's talk about Character. As one of our five principles, we look at Character as the sum of all our morals, which play a big role in the identity we carry everyday. When we are honest about our character, we acknowledge everything we say, do and think as an expression of our identity. To commit to 'good' character is to be accountable to how we manifest our personal values on a daily basis. When we do things that align with our values, we cast a vote towards being an individual of good character. We consider what impression we leave with others and what overall legacy we may leave behind when we are gone. In many ways, we choose to be either the protagonist or the antagonistic character in the story of our lives. So, then, what is your character? #USSD #UNITEDSTUDIOSOFSELFDEFENSE #MARTIALARTS #SELFDEFENSE

MINDSET MONDAY Many of us have heard the saying 'A black belt is just a white belt that never gave up.' Although there is some truth to this, like many things, it's not that simple. There's no shortcut to black belt. Inevitably, you will need to put in your time. For some, it's four or five years. For others, it could take more than ten. But if simply 'showing up' was all that was needed to achieve black belt, would it really garner that much respect? So then, there mu...st be some other ingredient that outweighs time served. Skill. Skill is never created equal and unlike time, it can only be accessed through critical thinking and direct application. You can't 'wait out' skill. Unlike time, skill is gained through mileage in the uncomfortable. Skill is about stepping into the unknown, failing, and overcoming the challenge in front of you. In fact, it's doing that hundreds if not thousands of times. Skill is what separates those who simply show up from those who push their limits. To be the true black belt, you must never settle for just okay. The mindset of the black belt is to constantly avoid the proverbial comfort zone of predictability. So then, do you have what it takes? #USSD #UNITEDSTUDIOSOFSELFDEFENSE #MARTIALARTS #SELFDEFENSE

July 2011 // Dengfeng, Zhengzhou, Henan China Hanshi Jack Turner performs broadsword for the USSD delegation, Shaolin monks and the Abbot during a cultural exchange ceremony. Over the last 20 years, USSD students and Instructors have made the journey to the Shaolin Temple in China, considered by many to be the birthplace of organized martial arts methodology. Although USSD training philosophies have expanded and adapted to the modern audience, we take pride in respecting and connecting with the roots of our lineage. #USSD #UNITEDSTUDIOSOFSELFDEFENSE #MARTIALARTS #SELFDEFENSE

Education is learning how to think, not what to think. #USSD #UNITEDSTUDIOSOFSELFDEFENSE #MARTIALARTS #SELFDEFENSE

Don't settle for anything less than your best. Get two weeks of free in-person or online training with a certified martial arts instructor! Head to online.ussd.com to claim the offer. Spots are limited! ... #USSD #UNITEDSTUDIOSOFSELFDEFENSE #MARTIALARTS #SELFDEFENSE See more

The Five Principles of USSD // Self-Control As a core principle of the USSD training philosophy, Self-Control encompasses three primary aspects within life and work - Emotional, Physical and Mental control. Physically, we build self-control through learning our own strengths and limitations, especially in sparring. Mentally, we learn to control our thoughts and focus on what is most crucial. Emotionally, we learn to control the negative emotions that may arise and distract us from being our best self. Simple philosophies, exceptional results. #USSD #UNITEDSTUDIOSOFSELFDEFENSE #MARTIALARTS #SELFDEFENSE

Dare to be great! Get two weeks of free in-person or online training with a certified martial arts instructor! Head to online.ussd.com to claim the offer. Spots are limited! #USSD #UNITEDSTUDIOSOFSELFDEFENSE #MARTIALARTS #SELFDEFENSE

We are thrilled to welcome new members to the brown and black belt club at our advanced testing over the next two months. For many, the experience of earning an advanced rank creates memories that will last a lifetime. From the trials to the triumphs, we use testing to push our students' limits emotionally, mentally and physically. #USSD #UNITEDSTUDIOSOFSELFDEFENSE #MARTIALARTS #SELFDEFENSE

Your Monday Motivation. #USSD #UNITEDSTUDIOSOFSELFDEFENSE #MARTIALARTS #SELFDEFENSE

Start out this week with some wisdom. #USSD #UNITEDSTUDIOSOFSELFDEFENSE #MARTIALARTS #SELFDEFENSE

Wishing you and your family a safe and plentiful Thanksgiving. We at USSD are grateful for our Instructors and member support this year, now more than ever. #USSD #UNITEDSTUDIOSOFSELFDEFENSE #MARTIALARTS #SELFDEFENSE

THE ART OF THE WHITE BELT Although synonymous with the Martial Arts, we can apply white belt symbolism to many aspects of our lives. To be the white belt is to embrace the journey of being imperfect, in the name of growth and improvement. Below are three rules to live by to be the Forever White Belt. Always Ask Questions... In the name of pride, we may forego asking questions just to preserve our ego. To be the white belt, you must always be willing to ask questions in the name of solving your own problems and obstacles. Humility is at the core of the beginner mindset. Never hesitate to ask a question in the name of self improvement, even if it seems silly or inconsequential. The Goldilocks Condition In training, we have a phrase called the Goldilocks Condition. It almost sounds like a scientific theory. In essence, as a student, the goal is to always be in the perfect balance between too easy and too hard. If our training is too easy, we won’t improve and will potentially grow bored. If it’s too hard, we will become discouraged and possibly even quit. To apply the goldilocks condition, simply pursue micro challenges to your current skills that just barely pull you outside of your current abilities. In this way, you are pushing your limits, but the finish line to each goal is always in sight. Be Flexible To be the white belt, we must question everything we already know. In teaching, it is most often the student with no experience that is easier to instruct than one who may have already learned past methods. Never hold too firm to things you’ve learned in the name of tradition. If a better method is presented, embrace it enthusiastically. Regardless of the years we’ve put into our craft, there is always room for change and course correction. Imagine if other vocations held onto tradition over innovation. Medicine, law, technology and science wouldn’t be what it is today with embracing change. Like these higher pursuits , the art of combat must be open to new innovations and ideas.

Monday Motivation with Melville #USSD #UNITEDSTUDIOSOFSELFDEFENSE #MARTIALARTS #SELFDEFENSE

We look forward to the day when we can host seminars again! Here's a throwback to a Women's empowerment seminar hosted by USSD Yorba Linda last year. #USSD #UNITEDSTUDIOSOFSELFDEFENSE #MARTIALARTS #SELFDEFENSE

Winning doesn’t always mean being first. Winning means you’re doing better than you’ve ever done before. - Bonnie Blair #USSD #UNITEDSTUDIOSOFSELFDEFENSE #MARTIALARTS #SELFDEFENSE

Focus on what is essential to you and pursue it relentlessly. #USSD #UNITEDSTUDIOSOFSELFDEFENSE #MARTIALARTS #SELFDEFENSE

Build your team. #USSD #UNITEDSTUDIOSOFSELFDEFENSE #MARTIALARTS #SELFDEFENSE

Self-Defense Vs. Sport Whether you train in the Martial Arts as a hobby or long-term commitment, you will undoubtedly hear the age-old debate of how some Martial Arts techniques may be better served for sport over self-defense. So then, what is better - Martial Arts for sport, or self-defense? The answer, as it were, isn’t so simple. To adapt to the modern audience, where healthy competition and milestones create an environment to stay motivated, many Martial Arts styles ha...ve incorporated more sport-based applications. Whereas a student may go their entire life never having to apply their abilities in a street-scenario, we can guarantee that there is always the next tournament, the next belt test, sparring match, and so on. For some, there is always the risk that training purely for sport will outweigh and overshadow the commitment to learning methods that are well rounded to work in an unpredictable, no rules situation. So then, how should you train? The answer, as with many things, is Balance. The beauty of self-defense training is that it’s not just about learning scenario-based techniques, such as a grab escape or blade defense. Any aspect of improvement can put you at better odds should you be put in a threatening situation. Although sport-based Martial Arts training prepares you for winning in a rule-based system, you will acquire many universal skills that crossover efficiently into self-defense. With dedicated training, your stamina will improve, as will your accuracy, timing, power, balance and so on. All of these skills are crucial in the event of an unpredictable attack. Therefore, we’ve applied a hybrid strategy. To stay motivated, always train for the next level-based goal - Tournament competition, rank progression, etc. While you pursue these measurable goals, compliment your skill-training with specific problem-solving skills - such as defending against a mount, grab, specific strike etc. With this hybrid-based training, you achieve the trifecta of self-defense preparedness - Physical, Mental and Emotional clarity. Physical - Be the type of person that can thrive in the no-rules scenario. Mental - Become the problem solver to as many situations as possible - Sport and Non-Sport. Emotional - Develop mental discipline and calm when under pressure. With the above strategy, you can apply this road map to both sport and self-defense based training.

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The Five Principles of USSD // Etiquette What does etiquette mean to you? As one of our five guiding principles, we help our students apply etiquette through their behavior and interaction with one another and their instructors. Employing traditional values of bowing to one another, addressing the Instructors as sir or mam, help to provide an environment of professionalism not always found in other circumstances of life. Establishing an environment of protocol allows the focus to be put on growing and improving, avoiding unnecessary lapses of discipline. The underlying goal is to teach that to get respect, we must give it. #USSD #UNITEDSTUDIOSOFSELFDEFENSE #MARTIALARTS #SELFDEFENSE

On this Veteran's Day, we thank all the brave servicemen and servicewomen who have served this great nation. #USSD #UNITEDSTUDIOSOFSELFDEFENSE #MARTIALARTS #SELFDEFENSE

Friday Wisdom // "Our Doubts are traitors. They make us lose the good we might win by fearing to attempt." - Shakespeare #USSD #UNITEDSTUDIOSOFSELFDEFENSE #MARTIALARTS #SELFDEFENSE

10 Laws of Kenpo by Professor Charles Mattera Originally published in Black Belt Magazine For decades, kenpo has been renowned in the West as one of the most effective and efficient martial arts in existence, and for hundreds of years before that it enjoyed a similar reputation in Asia. Much of that success can be attributed to a set of fighting principles that has been defined and refined into an exact science through the efforts of scores of masters who knew the meaning of...Continue reading

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"Not engaging in ignorance is wisdom." - Daruma A nearly 1500 year old quote that with never lose relevancy. Daruma, or Bodhidharma, was a monk from the 5th century, credited with introducing the use of practiced movement to improve energy and efficiency for the Shaolin Monks. For many, this established one of the oldest known records and origin points for Martial Arts in the eastern world.... #USSD #UNITEDSTUDIOSOFSELFDEFENSE #MARTIALARTS #SELFDEFENSE

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