Sensei Richard Cespedes
Chief Instructor Sensei Richard started his Martial Arts training in Brazil where he first achieved Black belt in Kyokushin Kai Karate and continued later on in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, two styles that would ultimately give him a strong base for Kempo and Mixed Martial Arts.
After moving to California in 1992 to continue with his academic studies, he extended his Martial Arts training to Kempo, a style that would allow him to incorporate everything he learned in his prior Martial Arts training. In 1994, he began teaching with United Studios of Self Defense when he acquired the San Clemente studio, which he later lead to become the first and only studio out of over 160 studios nationwide to win the USSD Grand Championship Tournament ten consecutive times. Since then, USSD Martial Arts San Clemente has become known as the best Martial Arts studio by far in San Clemente.
Our Instructors are Homegrown
All USSD San Clemente Instructors must graduate with honors from our S.T.O.R.M. apprenticeship program (Special Team of Role Models), which follows the proved guidelines of the USSD Insructor Academy. S.T.O.R.M. trainees must undergo rigorous Martial Arts training in addition to normal group classes and private lessons. They are required to complete a minimum of 100 additional hours of apprenticeship before receiving their Red Belts and must keep their academic grade point average at or above a 3.0. All USSD Martial Arts San Clemente S.T.O.R.M. members are handpicked and trained by Sensei Richard and his Black belt Instructors, and are certified in CPR and First Aid.
Mr. Albert
A favorite amongst the Little Dragons, Mr. Albert specializes in teaching kids' and teens' private lessons and group classes. His insane flexibility and coordination easily make him one of the best kickers in the studio.
Ms. Meka
Ms. Meka was born with a special gift for teaching Martial Arts to children and has now been teaching for over 10 years as the Junior Chief Instructor. In addition to organizing all of our kids programs and events, she also trains all future kids' Instructors to ensure that our children's programs will always be the best of the best.
Mr. Charlie
Mr. Charlie has been training at USSD Martial Arts since he was 5 years old. The benefits of training from such a young age certainly show when he’s in the ring and teaching techniques to the next generation of great Martial Artists.
