“The Senseis are great, and the sparring sessions are the best, even though I am hitting my dojo mates! The sparring in class helped since I am no longer scared of the bigger bullies in school. The training also helped my conditioning for basketball. My training helped me with my focus, especially when Sensei Steve smacks me in the head when my brain wanders!”

Matthew Kahn, Westlake Village

“Talked with friends, checked other studios and Z-Ultimate is by far the best.
The individual attention even during group classes assures me of getting the
maximum benefit from my training. My training has definitely made me feel
better about myself and increased my self confidence through the black belt club
and the tournaments.”

Jacqueline Kahn, Westlake Village

“I believe that Martial Arts is more valuable in the long run. It is a skill and a
knowledge that you will use forever. The personal attention of the professional
instructions made the biggest difference in the training. Both of my kids have
gained much confidence.”

~ Heather Miller (Parent), Thousand Oaks

“I’ve been extremely pleased about what I have seen. I’ve seen my kids develop
confidence, have the ability to get up in front of a crowd and do their forms, and
realize they have to work for things in order to achieve goals and practice things
that don’t come easily. I have seen my son go from very shy to now come out
sparring confidently.”

~ Wolf Regener (Parent), Thousand Oaks

“Senseis are fantastic teachers. Great learning environment. Great teaching
of focus and discipline and self-defense for the kids. It has definitely given her
(daughter) a lot more self-confidence, strength, focus, discipline and respect for
others. Biggest benefits – Discipline, increased self-confidence, focus, respect.”

~ Annie Kahn (Parent), Westlake Village

“The Martial Arts training at Z-Ultimate is a lot more than just training. It’s about
life lessons, life skills, and character building. The instructors at Z-Ultimate make
the biggest difference. They are connected to the students and truly care about
their well-being. One of the biggest benefits is the confidence-building program.
The instructors keep it cool and fun and welcoming. As a result, students want
to be here, want to learn more and work hard. They are motivated to give their
best.”

~ Sepideh Yeoh (Parent), Oak Park

“Love the emphasis on private/small group training – helps with learning and
retention of material. It also gives the kids the opportunity to use the techniques
in practice so they could be more comfortable in actually using them if needed
in the real word. Training has given the kids confidence. The kids are free
to be themselves and don’t have to worry about being bullied or made fun
of. They can stand up for themselves and their friends and do the right thing.
Biggest benefits are 1) mental toughness and the ability to take a hit (physical or
otherwise) and keep going, 2) physical benefits – strength and flexibility.”

~ Beth Weinstein (Parent), Newbury Park

“The kids love Z-Ultimate and the Senseis make training fun. They teach the
basics of martial arts both by showing practical applications that makes learning
fun and interesting. Senseis also are genuinely vested in improving as martial
artists and as a person. They are motivating and challenging but also conscious
of one’s abilities. The strength and conditioning has improved overall health.
Understanding the mental approach to sparring and DMs has greatly improved
martial arts skills. Benefits include better overall fitness especially with strength
and balance. I have knee and ankle problems and martial arts training has been
key to prevent further injury.”

~Rico, Noelle and Nicholas Calava, Newbury Park

“The program has helped teach Neely about honor, perseverance, self-
respect, honesty, and the value of hard work. Aside from the traits, Neely has
demonstrated more focus at the dojo, at school and at home. Last week, a boy
grabbed Neely around the chest from behind. Neely used Dragon Breathes Fire
to escape, thought for a split second about flipping him on his back by sweeping
his ankles, but decided not to “since it would have hurt him.” Z-Ultimate taught
Neely how to handle the situation physically and mentally.”

~ Robert (Parent), Thousand Oaks

“The instructors are professional, dedicated, organized, and talented! Z-Ultimate
self-defense has helped give Riley confidence, esteem, focus and discipline.
The instructors and professionalism has made a big difference!”

~ Karin Warren (Parent), Newbury Park

“Excellent! Great instruction and well-balanced training. All ages seem to
flourish. Great training. Part that made the biggest difference is renewed energy
through conditioning and training, a strong reminder of the importance of self-
discipline. At 48 years young, I feel better conditioned with renewed energy.
Again, being part of a class of like-minded individuals is essential!”

~Mark Felipe, Santa Rosa Valley

“Fantastic – more important, Cozy loves it. The trainers – Steve, stands out but all have great attitudes. Biggest benefit is I have given Cozy a passion.”

~ Robert Abbott (Parent), Newbury Park, CA (Student 1 Year)

“I joined Z-USDS to get my confidence up, to lose weight, and because one of my friends turned me on to martial arts. Having a little confidence, and being nervous about joining will happen, but my friend helped me overcome this. Because of the focus and confidence, and the will, I was able to keep focus and determined to lose weight and eat right. I lost 80 lbs. I have a lot more confidence and I am very successful in my career. I would tell others they need

to try this. If it weren’t for Z-USDS, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Z-USDS can be a life-changing event if you let them share the magic of martial arts with you.”

~ Jason Fisher, Thousand Oaks

“My son started at Z-USDS at age 3-1/2 years. I wanted him to develop self-respect and self-discipline. I was always meaning to start, but always put it off. One day, my Sensei threw a Gi at me and signed me up. Since then, I have been exposed to a new learning experience, and learned a humility and respect for my son I wouldn’t have done without it. It’s an experience I hope we’ll share forever. My son is a great student at school and has great confidence around other children. At age 40, I am in better shape than I’ve been after 10 years and realize I can continue to learn and grow in all aspects of my life. One of the greatest communities I’ve had the privilege of being part of. It is no longer surprising to me that the folks in class are pretty awesome people.”

~ Chris Nicholls, Thousand Oaks

“I’ve always wanted to do martial arts but never made the time. I had the excuse of school, then work, the marriage and kids. I finally decided it was time for me. At first, my martial arts intention was to complement my weight lifting and increase my flexibility. Now I lift to complement my martial arts. The arts has given me the confidence to walk away from confrontation if I can or end it as fast as necessary with as little force as needed. Martial Arts is not a sport or hobby, but an actual life style and it will affect you positively in every aspect of your life. Z-USDS is a tool to a better life.”

~ Scott Schneider, Thousand Oaks

“Though I wasn’t aware of it, my confidence suffered a lot because I fear I would not be able to physically defend myself. I am not an aggressive person, but the insecurity was still there. I can fight and because of that, I feel more confident as a man. I may never need self-defense but now I am more confident and more aggressive in my personal endeavors. My business has since shown marked improvement. I would describe Z-USDS as an incredibly professional and
disciplined organization that shows the applications of martial arts clearly both in self-defense and daily life.”

~ Tyler McAuliffe, Simi Valley

“I wanted to join as a kid but parents never had $. Visited the booth at Hermosa Fiesta, the price was right and signed up. I am more committed to my training sessions by just showing up even when I don’t feel like it. Feels like a family here. Able to help me get through the loss of both parents. A fun, energized crowd that likes to get together, to better improve themselves whether it is to workout and lose weight or to release stress from the day.”

~ Dimitrianne Lee, Gardena

“My husband and I started our two boys at Z-USDS to help with discipline and respect issues we were experiencing with them. We have seen tremendous growth and improvement in our children. Our oldest son, especially, has shown increase confidence in himself and his abilities. After watching my children train at the studio I decided to give it a try. I was looking for a way to exercise on a daily basis and not get bored with my workout. Z-USDS has definitely made the training fun and different than anything I’ve done before. I always have a great group class experience that is anything but ordinary. I have gone from a size 10 when I first started to a size 4 and have continued to lose inches. I get complements weekly on how great I look. This has increased my self-confidence tremendously. My children have become more respectful of those around them. They are also more aware of their surroundings and able to defend themselves when needed. Signing up for Z-USDS has been the best decision I have ever made. I always look forward to going to the dojo to workout. The classes are never boring and they keep me active. In addition to the great workout, I now have the confidence I need to protect myself if the need ever arises. My instructors are the best! They keep me motivated and encourage me every day. They not only require respect from the students but also show the students the same respect. Now that I have experienced martial arts from Z-USDS, I can’t imagine working out anywhere else.”

~ Alida Wells, Torrance

“About a year and a half ago, I suffered a serious knee injury. I didn’t think that I’d be able to continue with my training. However, after consulting with my instructor, he came up with a program that would focus on strengthening my knee and keeping it in alignment with my physical therapy. As a result, I am surprising my friends, family, even my therapists with my progress/results. I’d tell my friends that I’ve been lucky to find a place where people know how to instruct, guide, and motivate me by working me hard but I am having a blast working! It’s a balance that only Z-USDS can maintain.”

~ Jana, Redondo Beach