United Studios of Self Defense (USSD) in Temecula, California is one of over 160 USSD schools nationwide. Opened in 1998, USSD Temecula is part of a more than 30 year tradition started by our Headmaster, Professor Charles Mattera, a 10th degree Black Belt. Elevated to Grand Master by the Abbot of the Shaolin Temple in China, Professor Mattera is one of the foremost martial artists in the world.

Under the continuing, weekly guidance of Professor Mattera and Master Hans Prosch, a 5th degree Black Belt, Sensei Steve Waterbury, a 2nd degree Black Belt, carries on the ancient, martial traditions of the Shaolin Temple in Temecula. With marvelous teaching and business skills and almost limitless enthusiasm, Sensei Waterbury brings the fun and insights of Shaolin Kempo to children, teens, adults and seniors in a safe and exciting environment. He conveys the disciplined way of life that Shaolin Kempo offers, as well as a superior means of self-defense, self-control and exercise.

Located in Palm Plaza at the intersection of Winchester and Ynez Roads (next to Mervyn's California and Anna's Linens), USSD Temecula provides a venue for learning and growth unparalleled in the Temecula Valley. Click here for a map to our studio. Click here for driving directions to our studio.

For answers to many of the questions we get asked about our studio, please see our Frequently Asked Questions section. Chances are that any question that you might have will be answered there.

Mr. Steven Waterbury (Shaolin Kempo Chief Instructor)
Originally from Minneapolis, MN, I completed my degree at the University of Minnesota prior to moving to Colorado and starting my career in Martial Arts. Studying with United Studios of Self Defense in Boulder, I worked to increase my knowledge and skills in Shaolin Kempo. Eventually I transferred to San Diego where I studied at the Pacific Beach studio under the expert guidance of Mr. Bill Miller, a 4th degree Black Belt. During that time, I had the opportunity of being a part of USSD's first trip to the Shaolin Temple in China in 1999. That was, without question, one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

United Studios then offered me the great honor of selection for and attendance at the prestigious Instructor's Academy. It was a result of that intense training under Master Hans Prosch, a 5th degree Black Belt that I was selected to be the new Chief Instructor of USSD's Temecula studio.

I look forward to teaching, learning from, and helping to develop all the students in Temecula.

You can reach me by email at chiefinstructor@ussdtemecula.com

Shaolin Kempo Assistant Instructor

Chris Brant chrisbrant@ussdtemecula.com	Victoria Branuelas vbran@verizon.net

Does crime and violence worry you?
Why not invest in yourself and prepare for the time you may have to defend yourself? Training at United Studios of Self Defense will give you the confidence you need to take control of any situation. Not only will you learn the physical principles of self-defense, but you will also develop the mental awareness you need to recognize and avoid problem situations.
Now is the time to use the power of Martial Arts training to achieve goals important to you.
Whether you're a beginner or experienced martial artist, United Studios of Self Defense has a Program to fit your needs. Men, women and children of all ages and professions participate in our Group & Private Training Programs.

The United Studios Self-Defense System is an ever-changing wealth of knowledge that is always interesting and fun to learn. At United Studios, you're not just another student. You will realize your full potential, because you are special to us!

Shaolin: Also Shao Lin or Sil Lum. meaning "Young (Pine Tree) Forest". "Young Forest actually refers to resilience, as a young forest of saplings resists high winds and rebounds with force. This is the essence of Shaolin Kempo -- not to meet an opponent's force with force, but to bend slightly and spring back even stronger Shaolin Ch'uan Fa (CH). The Shaolin 5 Animal Style as practiced by the Monks of the Temple in Fukien Province, later spread through China by the 5 Shaolin Elders. Also known as Sil Lum Kung Fu, Chinese Kenpo and Shaolin Kempo in China. In Japan it is Shorinji Kempo

Kempo: Kenpo Karate is a complete fighting system that is particularly popular in the United States. Kenpo places equal emphasis on the use of hands and feet and uses similar fighting techniques to other Okinawan fighting styles. Kenpo also practises Kata or forms like other martial arts. Whereas most Karate styles use white gis (uniforms) throughout, a visual characteristic of Kenpo is its use of black Gis for higher grades and even the mixing of black Gi tops with white pants and vice versa.

Like most Okinawan fighting arts, Kenpo Karate can trace its roots back to the Shaolin monks of China. Master “To-De” Sakugawa (1733-1815) from Shuri, the ancient capital of Okinawa, travelled to China in the 18th century to train with the Chuan Fa masters (Chuan Fa is what Chinese Kung Fu was called at that time). On his return to Okinawa he developed what became known as Shuri Te, from which Kenpo was later born. In contrast, the Okinawan martial arts developed in Naha, the modern-day capital of Okinawa, first became known as Naha-Te, and developed later on into Goju-Ryu Karate).

In 1916 a young Hawaiian named James Mitose travelled to Kyushu in Japan where he learnt Kosho Ryu Kempo. He later returned to Hawaii where he taught William Chow, who further developed the art. To differentiate his system from that of Mitose, William Chow called his school Kenpo Karate. As a visual break from the traditional Japanese and Okinawan Karate styles, Mitose and Chow introduced the wearing of black gis for higher ranks, to indicate that Kenpo was a different and more of a “war art” than the increasingly sports-oriented, white-Gi-wearing Karate styles.

Kung-Fu: ( CH ) " Skill, Time, Task " . Not a fighting style or system, but a measure of individual skill in any endeavor. Also, how a person devotes themselves to a specific task. " He's a Kung-Fu teacher, a Kung-Fu salesman, etc. " . Pronounced Kung-Fu ( Mandarin in the North ) and Gung-Fu ( Cantonese in the South ).

Taichi: Chinese Calisthenics, "The Grand Ultimate Art". Created by Shaolin monk Chang Sanfeng as a combat art after seeing a snake defeat a hawk. This internal martial art was hidden from American view until 1957, when T.C. Lee, a naturalized citizen from China, gave the first public demonstration of Tai Chi Chuan in San Francisco. It is now practiced to improve health, circulation and flexibility.