About
USSD Yorba Linda has been teaching martial arts in the Yorba Linda Community for over 25 years. We teach a traditional and ancient martial art with practical and modern applications. We have a reputation for developing skilled, confident and respectful martial artists whose growth inside the dojo often spills over into their home and school life as well. Our students and their families are our family as well. We are active in the Yorba Linda Community and offer Women's Self Defense Programs, Fundraising Opportunities and our Demo Team often performs at community events.
The thing we enjoy the most about teaching martial arts has very little to do with punching and kicking. We love seeing our students grow and turn into young men and women. Many of our students start with us at a young age and will stay with us well into their teenage years and beyond. To be a part of their lives and their journey is what we love most about what we do.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When new students come to us our first step is to have them come in for a Free Introductory Class. We want to make sure that we are a good fit for eachother. For parents especially, it is important for new students to see how we work with the kids. As for adults looking to train, the process is the same. We want to make sure what we offer is what you are looking for.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
We have been teaching martial arts in the Yorba Linda and Anaheim Hills area for over 25 years. Our Chief Instructor, Trent Zappen, has been studying martial arts for over 30 years and teaching for over 20 years. All of our instructors come up through the ranks right here in our dojo. We do not hire instructors off the street so that we can maintain our high standards when it comes to their martial arts and their abilities as an instructor.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
We have a number of Programs available. We offer both Private and Group Lessons and prices depend on the program you choose.
How did you get started teaching?
Our Chief Instructor Trent Zappen, started training in the martial arts at the age of 9 years old. He fell in love with the martial arts and when he was old enough began teaching. The path for all of our other instructors has pretty much been the same. A love of the martial arts and the desire to make a positive impact on people's lives runs through all of our instructors.
What types of students have you worked with?
We have students of all ages and from all walks of life. We have extensive experience in working with women on Practical Women's Self Defense Skills and students of all ability levels including, Autism, Asperger's, Blindness, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Cerebral Palsy and more.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
This summer (2018) 55 of our students and parents travelled with us to Japan and China where we trained with the Shaolin Monks. Our students and their famillies are our extended family. We frequently have dojo events where we can all get together and hang out. Some of our recent events include: Private viewing of Star Wars: Rogue One, our Annual Christmas Party & Food Drive, Dojo Trip to Lake Arrowhead, Video Game Night for the kids, Movie Night at the Dojo every 3rd Friday, and in the Summer we run Light Saber Academy Camps.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
We always advise that a student go in and try a class with the school that you are looking at. Sit down with the instructor and ask them questions to make sure they will fit your needs. Ask them their philosophy on teaching the martial arts. There are a lot of misconceptions out there about what the martial arts are like. Those misconceptions can lead to fear so when you are able to go in and try the school out before making a committment, you are able to ease some of those fears, ask any questions you have, and make sure you have found the right school for you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
It is a good idea to write down any questions or concerns you have before going to your first lesson. That way you won't forget when you are there. Some things you will may want to think about / or ask:
What are your goals? Ask the instructor how they can help you meet these goals?
What are your fears? Share your fears with your instructor. It's probably not something they haven't heard before.
Do you have any physical limitations? How can your instructor work with those limitations?
What things are important to you when looking for a school? Discipline, fun, attention to details, cost, comraderie among students, experience of the instructors, reputation in the community? Find out how the school fits with your priorities.
...and any other questions you have. Whichever school you go to should be happy to sit down and discuss these things with you.