Learn about our local Fountain Valley dojo run by the father and son team of Ben and Jake Schneider
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At United Studios of Self Defense Fountain Valley, running the dojo is a family affair. Guided by the dynamic father-and-son team of Chief Instructors Ben and Jake Schneider, the Fountain Valley Dojo has become one of USSD’s most vibrant studio communities. Together, they balance wisdom with innovation, and tradition with fresh ideas— creating a dojo culture built on respect, growth, and connection.
The Fountain Valley dojo thrives on the balance between Ben and Jake’s strengths. Ben brings decades of martial arts knowledge and wisdom. Jake, meanwhile, has become the dojo’s spark of innovation. He leads much of the day to day instruction, and he has also been the creative force behind their social media presence. His fresh content has drawn significant attention online, helping new families discover the dojo.
Together, they form a true father-son partnership— one rooted in mutual trust, complementary skills, and a shared commitment to their students.
Building a Legacy
United Studios was not Ben’s first experience in the martial arts. After attaining a high rank in another art, he realized that a belt around the waist wasn’t enough to prepare someone for real world self defense. As Ben puts it, “I had a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, but I realized I didn’t really know how to defend myself. When I found USSD, it was a totally different experience — the focus on real self-defense and personal attention completely changed my perspective.”
Teaching became a calling; his mission is clear: to enhance the lives of students by helping them become stronger, more confident, and more successful. Ben says, “Every day, Jake and I are thinking about how to make classes better, more accessible, and more enjoyable,”. Their shared mindset guides the growth of the Fountain Valley dojo today.
Jake’s journey into martial arts began much later. After graduating college and joining the workforce, he felt disconnected and turned to USSD as a way to connect with his community. “The biggest impact of my training was on my mental health,” Jake recalled. It gave him structure, purpose, and a healthier outlook during a difficult time.
Like many students, Jake’s early path wasn’t always steady. He admitted to taking classes inconsistently. He even failed his first brown belt test— a setback that ultimately pushed him to take his training more seriously. That determination carried him forward, transforming not only his martial arts but his sense of self. Jake sees teaching as life-changing: “It improved my communication and confidence. It gave me a sense of purpose by directly helping people.”
One of the defining moments in Jake’s martial arts career came when he traveled with his father to Tokyo to test for his black belt at the legendary Budokan. Recovering from a broken foot at the time, Jake had to push himself through intense training to prepare. The experience became more than just a test — it felt like a pilgrimage. “Testing at the Budokan was legit… a really amazing experience,” Jake said.
For Ben, the trip carried a different but equally powerful significance. The opportunity to stand alongside fellow martial artists— being on this overseas trip— was a reminder of how being part of USSD opens doors to experiences that extend far beyond the walls of the dojo.
Together, the father and son not only achieved a milestone but strengthened their bond through the shared pursuit of growth.
As we look to the future of the Fountain Valley dojo, both Ben and Jake are focused on growth— not just in numbers, but in impact. Jake has set his sights on making Fountain Valley a top competitor in USSD tournaments, while Ben is committed to finding new ways to support students at every stage of their journey.
Their story is one of service, growth, and community— values that lie at the heart of United Studios of Self Defense. Together, Ben and Jake are not only preserving a martial arts legacy but shaping a new generation of leaders through their dojo in Fountain Valley.
