USSD Dana Point

USSD Dana Point offers Tiny Tigers, Young Dragons, and Teens & Adults programs. The Tiny Tigers program includes focus, fitness, fun, positive reinforcement-based belt goals, and Saturday sparring. The Young Dragons program includes coordination, flexibility, strength, self-control, respect, focus, self-discipline, confidence, and Saturday sparring. The Teens & Adults program includes the Service and Mentoring Program for teens and training for fitness, discipline, empowerment, and self-defense.

Programs

• Tiny Tigers — Ages 4-6 · Mondays & Wednesdays 4:00 - 4:30 pm; Saturdays (sparring) 10:30 - 11:00 am · Children’s program focused on building strong, focused, and confident kids through focus, fitness, fun, and positive reinforcement-based belt goals.
• Young Dragons — Ages 7-12 · Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:00 - 4:45 pm (beginners); Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30 - 6:15 pm (advanced); Saturdays (sparring) 11:15 am - 12:00 pm · Program for children to develop coordination, flexibility, strength, self-control, respect, focus, self-discipline, and confidence.
• Teens & Adults — Ages 13+ · Mondays & Wednesdays 7:00 - 8:00 pm; Saturdays (sparring) 9:00 - 10:00 am · Teens gain leadership experience through the Service and Mentoring Program; adults train for fitness, discipline, empowerment, and self-defense.

At a glance

• Ages: 4–18 years old
• General schedule: Programs by age: Tiny Tigers (4-6), Young Dragons (7-12), Teens & Adults (13+).
• Facility hours: Mon - Thurs 12 – 9 pm; Friday 1 – 7 pm; Saturday 8 am – 2 pm

About the provider

USSD Dana Point has served the community for over 30 years and was founded in 1968. Sensei Mike Giannicchi is the Owner and Chief Instructor, and Sensei Mel is the Assistant Instructor. Sensei Mike has a 4th Degree Black Belt, over 34 years of martial arts experience, and nearly three decades as an instructor. Sensei Mel has a 1st Degree Black Belt. The program states that it teaches self-defense skills, develops coordination and focus, helps strengthen the body and mind, and builds confidence, and that it emphasizes confidence, flexibility, strength, focus, discipline, character, and positive development.

• Sparring — Ages 4-6, 7-12, and 13+ · Saturdays 9:00 - 10:00 am (13 and up); 10:30 - 11:00 am (4-6); 11:15 am - 12:00 pm (7-12) · Sparring is offered by age group on Saturdays.
• 1-Week FREE TRIAL — Includes 1 week of group lessons and 1 private lesson.

Students may train in private and group settings. Sparring is not required for all students but is highly encouraged for those who wish to progress to higher ranks.

What families say

“We Love this Dana Point Dojo. Mike & Mel are the best. All 3 of our girls have been doing karate here for over 3 years. Best decision we have made as a family. What girl doesn't need to know self defense! Highly recommend.” — Jessica G.

Last updated October 8, 2026.