United Studios of Self Defense Palo Alto

United Studios of Self Defense Palo Alto offers karate and martial arts training, including Kempo Karate and Shaolin Kenpo. The program includes self defense instruction, one-on-one personal training, private lessons, team lessons, group lessons, and birthday parties. The studio uses a Kempo-style from United Studios of Self Defense that combines Japanese Karate, Shaolin Kung Fu, and Jiujitsu, and also teaches Shaolin Kenpo as a mixture of Karate, Kung Fu, and JuJitsu with elements from other forms.

• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: Class options Monday–Saturday during daytime and evening hours
• Price: $295 DISCOUNT; $199 Registration 2 for 1

The studio offers a very spacious and child-safe martial arts training area and a comfortable sitting area for parents. United Studios of Self Defense Palo Alto provides a combination of private, team, and group lessons. The program offers a free 30 minute introductory tour and class with no obligation. All students receive a weekly private lesson, unlimited group classes, a uniform and belt, school patches, an instructional manual, a student DVD, and a USSD T-shirt. According to a parent testimonial from Sally-Ann R., two 9-year-old children, a boy and a girl, have been training there for almost a year and both enjoy the training and look forward to their next session, and the instructor Gary Flickinger is described as a very positive sports instructor who gives the kids discipline and encouragement. The program’s mission statement says that whether parents want themselves or their kids to become more confident, focused, or disciplined, or want a fun family activity, United Studios of Self Defense Palo Alto is there to help. The studio’s Palo Alto karate students come from Menlo Park, Stanford, Los Altos, Mountain View, East Palo Alto, Los Altos, and beyond.

Last updated July 3, 2026.