Stephen Kirkman, founder and co-owner, started United Self-Defense Organization (USDO) in 1988 and opened the first United Self-Defense Academy (USDA) in 1988 in Lake View Terrace. The second Academy opened in Palmdale in 1992 and is owned by Margaret Adamic and David Schoonover. The United Self-Defense System is a mixture of Shotokan Karate, Shito Ryu, Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Kickboxing, JKD, Kung Fu, Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Russian Sambo, Judo, Wrestling, Grappling, Arnis and Kali.
Stephen began his training 25 years ago, at the age of 12 in Switzerland. He began studying Shotokan Karate and continued his training in France, England and the United States. He has also been teaching for over 25 years.
His most effective training began while he was in Los Angeles as a member of the Guardian Angels. In the first three months of working in the streets, he realized that approximately 75-80% of what he had learned in traditional martial arts could not be effectively used. A street fight is far different than an orchestrated sequence in the dojo (martial arts training hall). The street life in the areas of Los Angeles where the Guardian Angels patrolled could sometimes erupt into three fights per night and often involved various weapons. Stephen remained with the Guardian Angels for three years, eventually becoming the Chapter leader of the Los Angeles Chapter.
As a result of his experience with the Guardian Angels, he developed a style of martial arts that not only includes the various techniques of all the traditional martial art forms, but in the process creating a unique art that fits into a modern world with real problems. The goal of USDA is to move with the times and problems of the real world; therefore, it evolves and is always in a state of improvement. There are no set forms or preset movements that date back 200 years. All moves are streamlined and fine tuned constantly. If it works, we keep it. If there is something better, we use it. If we don't know, we research it. We believe we are the best because we are still learning ourselves.
If you are interested in becoming your own boss, why not consider opening up your own dojo? We can offer you exciting information and help. We are nonpolitical and would be willing to assist you in achieving your goals.
