.png)
An international journey celebrating our historic roots.
At United Studios of Self Defense, martial arts is more than movement; it’s a path of legacy, growth, and lifelong connection.
That spirit was front and center during our most recent international journey, where USSD students and leaders traveled to two of the most revered locations in the martial arts world: the Shaolin Temple in China, and Nippon Budokan in Tokyo.
In China, our leadership team visited the world-famous Shaolin Temple, a sacred birthplace of kung-fu and a long-standing partner in our journey.
This visit wasn’t just symbolic — it was historic.
We’re incredibly proud to share that USSD and several of our leaders have been permanently honored on a monument at the temple grounds.
This powerful tribute stands as a testament to the decades-long relationship between USSD and the Shaolin Temple. A bond rooted in the shared values of discipline, service, and respect.
.jpeg)
This recognition reminds us that what we do in our dojos every day is part of something much larger. We don’t just teach martial arts, we preserve and pass down a tradition that spans centuries and continents. It’s a legacy built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to the future of our art.
Meanwhile in Japan, students and instructors from across the nation are gathering in Tokyo for nine unforgettable days of cultural exchange, training, and advancement.
The highlight of this journey? Students will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to test for their next rank at the legendary Nippon Budokan.
The Budokan is a historic arena and a sacred site for Karate and Japanese martial arts.
Beyond belt testing, this trip is a powerful reminder of what it means to grow through challenge, to honor tradition, and to come together as a community.
From shared meals to joint training sessions with fellow martial artists, every moment in Japan is a chance to build friendships, deepen respect, and continue the lifelong pursuit of self-defense mastery.
Whether etched into stone at the Shaolin Temple, or bowing in at the Budokan, these experiences reinforce what we believe at USSD: martial arts is a global language, and our community is stronger together.
%20-%20Edited.jpg)
To our families, students, and instructors: Thank you for supporting this mission every day.
And to those just beginning to explore what it means to train with purpose — we invite you to join a tradition that’s as rich in culture as it is in character.
