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.