★ 5

My family have been in martial arts for over 10 years. We have studied at 3 different dojos (because of moving). We shopped around to a number of dojos in the Mira Mesa/Poway area trying to find one that fit both our prefered style and our family's needs. 4S is a drive, but well worth it!!! Walking into to this dojo was like walking into a place we'd been studying at for years.

We have two kids ages 8 & 16 who have been at this for years and they love coming to class. My teen just became an upper belt and competed at tournament! She usually avoids presentations or "being watched". The Ninja bucks incentive program for the kids is a wonderful. My young son has learned the lesson of saving up his money along with the discipline and joy of karate. Best thing for my kids has been this dojo.
~ As of 2025 they have a 3-4 year olds "First Kicks" class. I'm there at the same time and ALL the littles in that class come out just oozing joy.

My husband calls it his "happy place". We have all studied weapons as well as the martial arts (and a bit of boxing movement) here. Sensei Stef even made arrangements so that I could fulfill a bucket list dream of learning a war fan form. Even with my chronic pain issue. I know they absolutely work to include everyone even if there are needed heath and disability accommodations. (edit: I decided to fully join. The senseis have ALL been so kind as I get back into it, overcome depression, and regain my health.)

Every dojo I've been to has a chaotic feel between classes, but not all of them have the positivity and inclusion we have found here. We plan to stay with the dojo as long as possible.

Edit Dec 2025: My kids are older now and are advancing nicely. Daughter has competed more and got 1st in her division & 4th place all around at her last tournament. Husband is close to his Black belt.

Shaolin Academy is a great place for the whole family.

Source: Google

★ 5

We always look forward to going to our classes! My 2 boys and I (their mother) love the family that owns this Academy! Sensei Stef, Sensei Ben and Sensei Maddie are the best! They are always so warm, understanding, easy to communicate with and welcoming. I also love they that are patient, but firm. The feeling of everyone being a tight knit family is a plus! Come and see for yourself what they are about!

Source: Google

★ 5

SAMA is hands down an amazing place to learn martial arts and develop as an athlete and leader. I believe that learning self defense skills and confidence in your own abilities is critical in today’s uncertain world. As the mother of a young daughter, I feel it’s my duty to help her learn self defense and how to react if she is ever in a vulnerable physical situation. I started learning karate when I was a young teen and have continued my training as an adult. It’s great for fitness and mental acuity. There is some challenging memorization that helps keep the brain sharp. The movement promotes flexibility and strength. My balance and stress levels benefit from my training. One thing I love about Sensei Stefanie’s program is that they offer Zoom remote group and private lessons for times a student cannot come to the studio in person. That makes it so flexible, especially for busy professionals like me. I have on occasion joined a Zoom class from my office; I just found a quiet spot and Zoomed from my laptop! Lastly, I want to shout out and thank the incredible staff. I’ve been with the program long enough to have been taught by numerous instructors. Sensei Stefanie, Sensei Maddie, Sensei Ben, Sensei Cole, Sensei Shannon, and Sensei Dara. Every instructor has their own style and everyone has been really great to work with. I highly recommend this dojo!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

We feel incredibly lucky to have found SAMA 4S Ranch for our daughter. From day one, it’s been so much more than just martial arts — it’s a place where she’s grown in confidence, character, and community. Sensei Stef, Sensei Ben, and every single person she interacts with are absolutely amazing. I truly can’t say enough about how supportive and kind everyone is — even the other students. It really feels like one big family, where everyone lifts each other up and brings so much positivity. They go above and beyond to make sure she’s not only learning but thriving. This place has become a second home, and we’re so grateful to be part of it. We’re looking forward to being here for as long as possible!

Source: Google

★ 5

Very good martial arts school

Source: Google

★ 1

After class, I noticed my daughter was sad and asked her why. She explained that she and her classmates had worked very hard, but the instructor only picked a girl for the reward, even though that girl had spent a long time in the bathroom during the class. No one else received any prizes. I did notice there was one happy girl walking out of the class, but many others had sad, disappointed faces. My daughter felt it was unfair. I encouraged her to speak up to the instructor, and I also inquired about the criteria used to select for reward.

The next day, I received a long email that not only judged but also insulted my parenting skills. The email included condescending statements like, "I do not mean to insult but it is what it is," and "I have way more experience at parenting than you guys." I was also told that I "need to apologize to Sensei Shannon in front of Amia to show respect to the authority." This kind of response implies that she believes she is better and more experienced at parenting, which is both presumptuous and offensive.
My child respects her teachers. Questioning or addressing concerns is not a sign of disrespect; it is a necessary part of ensuring her well-being and growth.
As parents, it is our right and responsibility to question and address any aspects of the program that we feel are not in our child's best interest. This does not equate to disrespect; it equates to involvement and advocacy.
We are not here to be judged and insulted by the owner Stef when raise concerns; we are here to ensure that our child receives the best possible environment for her growth.

To all the moms and dads out there, I strongly suggest reconsidering this place due to its values and practices before enrolling. The owners are defensive and confrontational, refusing to accept any constructive feedback.
I am also attaching the owner's emails in screenshot.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Love it and our kids love it. After trying two other places we finally found a dojo and staff that we love. Kids feel super comfortable and safe here and enjoy going. All the sensei teaching here are awesome!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

My son has gone here for 2 years and it's such an amazing place. Sensei Stef does an amazing job making the kids feel welcome and successful in their work. All the instructors are wonderful. They also do birthday parties which are SO much fun!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

My child has been going to USSD since she was 5 years old,she is 13 now and has blossomed into a self confident and self assured individual.The instructors are wonderful and encourage her to strive hard and give her best.I would highly recommend the studio.

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent martial arts school, we have both, daughter and son enrolled. Both of them enjoy attending classes and have learned discipline and self defense.

Source: Google

★ 5

Both my children are enrolled here and we couldn't be happier with the top quality of instruction as well as the honest, family-style, inclusive environment that they have created. Your child's well-being and positive development are their top priorities hand in hand with instruction that is both fun and functional.

We have seen our daughter thrive in the group classes, and our son receives instruction individualized for his requirements.

The extra classes like kickboxing that they provide are a nice option for the whole family too. Highly recommended.

Source: Google

★ 5

We love USSD 4S Ranch! My kids have been attending for years and love every minute. The staff is wonderful, the facility is beautiful, and the experiences are treasured. The dojo is always finding new ways to add value and opportunities for the students and we couldn’t be happier!

Source: Google

★ 5

My son has been going to USSD 4SRANCH for about a year and a half now and he likes it! He is not only learning martial arts but basic values are also reinforced like respect, integrity, responsibility, trustworthiness, etc. The sensei’s are amazing and and work well with the kids. My son has learned so much from them in a short time and the skills and values he learned in karate gave him more confidence that his teachers even noticed it in school. (Minnie)

Source: Google

★ 5

My 12 year old son has been with USSD 4S Ranch for about five years now and I have seen an incredible difference in him. He's growing and maturing with good values that parallel what we teach at home which are supported through this studio. He absolutely loves the program and has been training under Sensei Will and Sensei Stephanie. He's participated in class offerings for weapons training and Ninja nights (before Covid, of course) and loved them all.
When I asked him specifically what he loves about the program, he said he likes that he does the techniques on his own (once he's learned it) as opposed to following someone through a routine. He learns not only the routines, but practical knowledge and application as well.
I appreciate how flexible they are with rescheduling and how kind and respectful they are to everyone. I am impressed with the older students, such as the brown belts, who have offered a helping hand or a kind word at any opportunity, including young kids! They are definitely doing this program right and I'm happy to be a part of the USSD family.

Source: Google

★ 5

Sensei Stephanie is amazing!
I Love her and her teaching style

Source: Google

★ 5

Sensei Will is amazing! He truly knows how to captivate and teach strong morals to young children. I'm humbled and impressed with his teaching style.

Source: Google