“As parents, it is our responsibility to ensure the health and safety of our child. Entrusting his safety to others, is not something we take for granted. From the first day we brought Austin home, concern for his health has been our focus. Austin has overcome several health problems through out his young life. Until just a few years ago our attention has been on the health of our son, now it is his safety that has directed our efforts. Unfortunately as he grows our ability to be everywhere for him diminishes and he must rely on himself and others for his well being and independence. His confidence in himself and his environment will dictate his success.

We decided a year ago to enroll Austin in Karate at your studio. Since that time we have enjoyed watching him develop skill, coordination and confidence as he moved up in rank, and even competing in regional events. I recently asked Austin “what would your life be without karate?” his answer was both revealing and amusing. He said “I would get crushed”. He went on to tell me, he now feels better and more confident that he can protect himself should it become necessary.

It is with pride and appreciation in our hearts, that we acknowledge your dedication to our son’s self esteem. Through the collective efforts of your instructors, he has learned self-control and discipline to avoid conflict whenever possible, and confidence to be able to defend himself. Although we will always do our utmost to protect our son, it offers us comfort knowing we have given Austin more choices that will guide and protect him in his future.”

Thank you very much, sincerely,

Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Stahl

“In December last year, I found myself looking for a quick, motivational way to get in shape and increase my energy. I had been considering going back to the gym but knew that I probably wouldn’t be motivated enough to stick with it. I was looking for a way to exercise at my own pace and actually feel a difference. I was also being encouraged to take self-defense because it would benefit my self-confidence and self-awareness since I’m a small female.

I had always been interested to learn about martial arts. So I decided to step into the dojo to talk with one of the instructors about joining USSD and after speaking with him realized that I should give this martial arts thing a shot. I was tentative of enrolling at first because I don’t have a very aggressive nature and wasn’t really into the whole fighting idea. I was concerned of how touch it would actually be and if I would be able to handle it. I knew that the only way to see if self-defense was right for me was by giving it a try. The one nice thing about USSD was that right away I felt like I could trust the instructors with my safety and they would never give me more than I could handle. This reassurance helped ease my concerns and allowed me to be able to enjoy what I was learning.

Since I decided to study self-defense my life has definitely changed. I have a newly restored confidence in myself and live a much more balanced life. I have learned to believe in myself and not doubt my abilities even though others might. I have increased my energy level, built my strength, and have been feeling physically good for the first time in a long while.”

Caren Colwell

Dear Sensei,

“Chris has been associated with Laguna Niguel 1 for the past four years. I believe that his relationship with the studio, instructors, and you Sensei Bill, has and will benefit him throughout his life.

As you know, Chris is thirteen years old, and while the physical benefits of learning karate are obvious, I would like to mention some of the other parts of his life that karate has impacted.

You have helped reinforce my belief that everyone needs to be treated with respect while also teaching restraint when people do not do the same. Now that Chris has earned his Black Belt, the process of advancing through belts has helped him understand that by sticking to something and with hard work, practice and lots of fun, goals that originally seem far off, such as a Black Belt or college, will be achieved.

As an only child, Chris has never had the opportunity to teach a younger brother or sister, which helps develop communication skills. His involvement in the studio’s STORM club has lent him the opportunity to teach others things that he has learned at the studio.

Discipline is part of everyday life and is a key to achieving goals. While the studio requires discipline, you have been able to create an environment in which children learn, advance physically and have fun. It is your ability to create this environment that makes Laguna Niguel 1 a strong influence on Chris’s life.

Mary and I would like to thank you for all you have done. Chris’s Black Belt is also a testament to you.”

Ed Willis

Dear Sensei Huff,

“I would like to let you know about how delighted and happy I am with having become a student at your Laguna Niguel dojo for the United Studios of Self Defense. I had a desire to become a student because it would allow to me to participate in an activity with my youngest son, who is also a student of yours. But I was convinced I could, because I saw students 10 to 20 years my senior studying and achieving their Black Belt ranks through United Studios. I had two main goals when I joined the dojo; first, I was hoping to lose weight and second, improve my conditioning. Let me tell you that both you and your staff have exceeded my expectations! I was at 232 lbs. when I started. One year later I am at 181 lbs and over half way to my weight goal. That’s a loss of 51 lbs. and I feel great!

Throughout my entire training at USSD I have received nothing but encouragement and help. When I started, it was a struggle to do one sit up and a few push-ups. The staff kept me positive in my attitude and my efforts. While I am far from being Superman, I do feel in much better condition than a year ago and I am still improving. Losing this weight has been great for me in many ways. The other activities in my life that I participate in have benefited from my USSD training and weight loss as well. I have neighbors and fellow employees who had a hard time recognizing me because of the physical change that comes with losing so much fat.

You and your staff have kept the training fun. It was difficult to just go to a gym and run on the treadmill or lift weights because it was so boring. I am learning a skill that is both practical and valuable. I am having fun while I am learning and achieving my weight goals at the same time. Money well spent? No doubt in my mind! I wish I had not procrastinated and started martial arts training so late in my life. Had I known early in my life what I know now, I would not ever have had problems with my weight. I am so grateful that my youngest son has had the opportunity and benefits of training at a much earlier age. Again, thank you.”

Chuck Lew

“Connor has been receiving instruction for about four years (since the age of 3). United Studios of Self Defense has helped him with his coordination, which has helped to make him a better soccer player. It has given him the opportunity to perform in front of a group while sparring and testing, which gives him more confidence in other situations such as in school, on stage, etc. Since he is one of the smallest kids in his class, it has given him the confidence not to be intimidated by bigger kids.

Discipline and confidence are extremely important, but the fun that Connor has, and the pride that he feels every time he gets a new belt are priceless! Connor intends to become a Black Belt, and one day hopes to teach his skills to others.”

Connor’s Dad

“Hello my name is Danielle Luzar, I’m thirteen years old and joined the United Studios just over one year ago. My mom and dad are divorced and my mom and I moved to Laguna Niguel about one and a half years ago. I had to start a new school by myself in the seventh grade and didn’t know anyone or have any friends in this area. I am very shy and did not have much self-confidence.

My mom had a friend that has a son that used to teach karate and was an instructor at United Studios until he injured his knee, his name is Neal Graham. He took the time to come to our home one night and spent about two hours with me, showing me some moves and what I could expect to learn. I was very interested. My mom made an appointment and we came to the studio along with my dad. We met some great people and I was convinced that I wanted to join.

I have been overweight for some time and was never comfortable with myself and the way other kids treated me. It made me shyer and so I kept to myself. Once I started my karate classes I started to feel more self-confident and I really liked it and felt that I was able to do as well as everyone else. I learned respect for others and I became very flexible. I started to feel great. My mom helped me with an eating program and since joining and participating in karate I have already lost approximately 20 pounds!

I have much more self control and self-confidence, and I no longer feel like the one who is always left out of the crowd. I have new friends in school and at karate and I really like my instructor. When I’m at karate I don’t feel like I can’t compete, I feel like I’m part of the group. I am much happier with all my new surroundings and I am a much stronger person.

I chose karate over other activities because I felt that I wouldn’t be the one competing to be better than anyone else but instead I’d be learning more about myself.

“United Studios – Uniting me with myself”

Thank you United Studios for the opportunities you have given me!”

Sincerely,

Danielle Luzar

“I was just looking for something fun to do during my spare time and also to escape from the daily routine. Some of the activities I was considering were some soccer league and some other kinds of martial arts. I chose USSD because they have a friendly and cool staff and also the Shaolin Temple is the original and the most interesting martial arts ever.

The only negative factor I was worried about was hurting myself while training. After my very first class I realize that the instructors wouldn’t push me far away my limits, they would encourage me to do my best and just that, and they still do.

Some of the benefits I have acquired from karate are more self-confidence, improvement of my senses and speed. When I was playing flag football in my PE class realize that I was faster and that my abilities had improved, also I could do things that were impossible like jump over long distances and land without making much noise.”

Efren Torres

Sensei Huff,

“I just wanted to take a moment to thank you and your staff for the hard work that you put in to share your experience and knowledge with myself and your students. I want to express to you and your staff, the sincere pleasure it has been over the last year or so, that I have been involved again with United Studios. As you well know my past with United Studios, as a teenager, I first learned the discipline necessary to be successful in the martial arts. After taking a ‘break’ of almost 13 years, rejoining United Studios has been all that I had expected and more. Your professionalism and ability to motivate individuals of all ages and skill levels has been truly inspirational to me. My goal for years has been to involved myself again in the martial arts, in an effort to increase my level of physical fitness and to continue with an activity that I hold so dear. I must also communicate my appreciation for the world-class events that United Studios organizes for its members. Events such as the Masters’ Seminar and the rare opportunity to train with the Shaolin Monks of China with remain among my most vivid and positive memories and experiences during my life, because of what the martial arts, and United Studios has taught me over the years. The opportunity to re-certify for my Black Belt in front of the Shaolin Monks after 13 years was extremely inspiring to me. With events such as those, and the daily motivation on your part, I have found a renewed sense of accomplishment and energy that will continue with me for years to come. I feel that I have found not just a place to learn with other like-minded individuals, but also a place to call home. Thank you so much for your efforts and dedication, I can only hope that all of your students find the same in you, that I have learned. My most sincere appreciation.”

Jason Kozek

“Two years out of high school, with no real college diploma, I was a 20-year-old weighing 159 lbs at 6 foot 1. I had no career in mind and when college baseball did not pan out the way I wanted it to, I desperately needed a new activity to keep me busy. I had tried several types of martial arts in the past but found them to be lacking something that would keep my interest for more than a month or two. One day I came across United Studios of Self Defense in Laguna Niguel. My first impression was that of a friendly atmosphere where I would not feel intimidated. Along with an extremely nice studio, kept clean and organized, there was a short little bald guy with a huge smile greeting me. His name was Bill and the owner of the school. He did not seem that of a “dangerous” man at first, I though all karate teachers were arrogant and verbally direct making sure they seem superior to you. However, Bill was different. His mannerism kept me wanting more of what he was offering. Within ten minutes of walking into this never before seen school, I was totally at home and was absolutely convinced this was the place for me.

I now have been under Mr. Huff’s wing for over eight years, earning several competition trophies and continue to progress in my training. Nidan is the Japanese name for second-degree Black Belt, which I currently hold, and will be testing for third degree Black Belt before the year is over. It is hard to describe the feeling I get when I look back and see where I was before coming to United Studios. I had little strength, flexibility, confidence and self-control. What I have developed over the last eight years is truly irreplaceable and priceless! I would not trade it for anything. Because of the martial arts and the guidance of Mr. Huff, I am able to take what I have learned and apply it to my job, marriage and every aspect of life. The confidence you can build is truly amazing. Now I am 175 lbs, 8% body fat, calm and in control of any situation. I would guarantee anyone who gives it a try just once or twice; it will change thief life forever! Just ask me, I am proof!”

Jeff

“I am offering this letter of thanks to USSD and Sensei Huff for offering the instructor leadership class at Laguna Niguel #1 this last summer. The tools I have learned during that course were instrumental in turning the new group I manage around from marginal performance to success.

As the Senior Director of Network Associates Expert Services, I am required to motivate and lead a geographically-dispersed and highly-specialized team of consultants that perform root-cause analysis on some of the largest and most complex computer networks in the world. There were issues with motivating this team. Because of their geographies, there was little interaction between each other and management and a great deal of autonomy had developed within the group. This, in turn, led to broad variances in the services offered and how these services were performed.

I applied many of the principles that I learned in William Huff’s leadership course to this team, in particular pre-framing and positive imaging, to effectively move the team towards our established goals and motivate the consultants to exceed our customers’ expectations. Although the economy continues to be difficult, we are continuing our path to success. In two quarters, we have increased our revenue significantly and our customer satisfaction to its highest levels in our history (4.6 out of a perfect 5). In fact, during a recent economic downturn in the tech sector, we did not lose one member of our team because the company recognized that our team was contributing on many fronts.

I have been managing consulting teams for a while now, and my technical background is integral to understanding the requirements of the customer, my MBA is critical to understanding business process and profitability, this leadership course has enhanced that knowledge and provided me with a means to better apply that knowledge to very real situations.

Sometimes you have to look outside your discipline for motivation. I’m glad that and proud that I received it through my martial arts training at USSD.”

Sincerely,

Joseph P. Bruetta
Senior Director, Network Consulting/North America
Network Associates Expert Services

It is important to me, as a business professional, to acknowledge the benefits of practicing martial arts in daily life. Lessons learned about combat are not simply about indominable strength or a fighting technique but rather about the resolution of conflict towards an obviated goal. The popularity of “The Art of War” in boardroom reading circles is testament to that. However it is the physical practice of the martial arts that drives the discipline home and, in fact, makes it practical. It is the goal of the martial arts to “look at everything” and yet “act intelligently” and specifically during the heat of battle. Whether it is meeting a deadline, motivating people, or maintaining focus during enduring lengthly meetings, the martial arts helps me understand and practice the interaction of self-discipline with others.

“When I started karate, before the instructors class we started talking about a year ago I started going out with some new friends to Church. I was searching for a newfound confidence in talking to people, and meeting new friends. My two Churchy friends Erica and Nicole helped me to meet new people, and do things outside of my other friends. Through the Bible and their help I found that I could be myself and didn’t need to do anything if I didn’t want to do it. At that time in an instructors meeting of some sort, you came up with the idea to have a guy doing the number’s and a guy doing the teaching. Kent and I were brought up to working full time. Something I know we both weren’t prepared for. With our job experience of working maybe two times a week for 6 hours. We started working, trying to keep people happy, and follow the footsteps of sensei Dave. Through being at the Dojo all the time, and all of the random times you have pulled me aside because I screwed something up or to help me with the many aspects of signing someone up. I was probably no the best candidate for getting people into the school, or the best to do the numbers seeing that I hate math. Your constant persistence and willingness to help me whatever hour of the day, whatever your doing I feel is priceless. I have never had anyone be there for me, for anything as much as you have. All the lessons I learn in business through you and the various experiences with people is great. I realize now that the people I used to depend on like Nicole and Erica are still there, and they may not agree with the way you teach things, or the way we run our business. But this business, this martial arts school has given me something to call home. Paying 175 a month for karate lessons was cool and was a great activity for after school. I didn’t know it would me to you. I feel like this is a letter to a girlfriend or something, but at this point, I don’t care. Anyway, you have done so much for me and my well being that I can hardly fit in this paper. These sorts of experiences are probably going on all over United Studios with other instructors, and their senseis. That’s something I hadn’t thought about that in depth until this moment writing this letter. All those talks about how passionate we are supposed to be about what we do, and how that is the key to seling our services to change their lives. I guess I had been looking for that example for myself. I didn’t have to look that far because I guess it is me. A surfer bum, who used to be failing school, and in life, to a Martial Arts Instructor looked up to by many. This has even made me hold myself to a higher standard in public because everyone may see me somewhere down the road in karate, and they would always see me as that guy who did this stupid thing in public and not sign up. Besides I do enough stupid things in karate. I am writing this thing, watching The Lion King, and Pumba just said my favorite line, “Home is where your rump rests.” I guess that makes me think I have found a home, United Studios. I guess the whole point of all this rambling is to say thanks for all that you have done, and exposed me to, which is about ten times as much as the Bible has helped me the previous year. This started off as a testimonial letter, don’t know what it turned into but I think that’s good, and hey it’s almost 9… I might be able to get to Bushido on time!”

Thanks,

Rob

Dear Sensei Bill,

“I want to thank you for all your support over the past 5 years that has helped me earn my black belt. As you know, five years ago I joined United Studio of Self Defense with my then six year old son. I stated that my intentions were to get in shape, learn some self defense and encourage my son to learn karate. During these five years, you not only met my expectations but far exceeded them. More specifically, your encouragement and enthusiasm has led me to achieve a goal I never thought I could obtain. Earning my black belt has been a very rewarding experience that I will treasure for a lifetime.

The martial arts education I’ve received from you and your instructors has been extremely practical and is something I believe I could use if ever the situation arose. The training program has improved my physical conditioning dramatically, so much so that at 46 year of age I am in as good a shape as when I was in my twenties. My son, who is not active in sports, has also enjoyed and progressed through the years of karate. He is now more than capable of defending himself against other children if needed.

Please let any new prospective students of United Studio of Self Defense know that they too can obtain the kind of results that I have over the past 5 years. Also feel free to let the busy potential student know that they can achieve their goals and more in your program even if they own their own business, are a single parent or have a lot of family commitments.

Once again, I want to thank you for all you support, and also the support of Sensei Dave, Sensei Fred, Sensei Jeff and all the other Black Belts that have provided instruction and advice of the past 5 years. USSD at Laguna Niguel 1 is now an extended family for my son and I, one that we not only have fun with but also one that we “fight” with.”

Forever Appreciative,

Roy Hornstein

“Mr. Bill Huff is a positive role model for young children and adults. Kempo karate not only teaches many aspects of self defense, but instills discipline and focus in the minds of those who strive to perfect it. Mr. Huff has always shown the utmost respect to me and my family throughout the 5 years that we’ve known him.”

Sincerely,

John, Rachel, Sarah and our Black Belt, Sean

“My son was an impulsive young boy who had problems getting along with other children and difficulty accepting authority. At United Studios of Self Defense Steven has learned more than defense maneuvers, kick, sparring and forms. He has developed confidence and has learned how to be mature, respectful young man.

When I first brought Steven to United Studios of Self Defense, I was amazed at how mature the young teachers were. Sensei Mike, who taught Steven for over three years, exhibited maturity far beyond his age. In fact, when he began teaching Steven, I thought he was in his twenties, and later found out that he was only sixteen years old! I hoped that someday my own son would develop the same confidence that Mike exhibited.

Sensei Huff has been very strict, but also very caring and supportive. Under his direction, Steven learned how to show respect to his teachers, young and old, and to always strive to be the best he can be. The other teachers, particularly Sensei Dave Prutch and Sensei Mike, have served as role models and mentors to Steven. Sensei Mike was great when Steven was younger. He helped him learn to lose and develop a sense of sportsmanship and teamwork. Sensei Dave has mentored Steven during adolescence, and has helped him to accept and deal with situation that arise both inside and outside of the karate studio.

At United Studios of Self Defense, Steven has experienced unconditional support and acceptance, as long as he keeps trying to do his best. As a mother, I feel that this environment has been the most positive experience I could ever want for my child. He has developed the ability to work with adults and children in a mature manner. He enjoys working at the studio, teaching the younger children and communicating with their parents. He also has developed friendships and camaraderie with other mature young adults. I am thankful that my son has had this experience in his life. I recommend it for anyone, young or old.”

Kathy Kahn
Single Mom & Teacher
Laguna Niguel, CA

“As a single parent of a 3 ½ year old I wanted to teach my daughter responsibility and focus. When I enrolled her in United Studios I was amazed at how she reacted to her sensei and how well she focused and learned. I would highly recommend USSD for all kids of any age.”

Teresa McCormick
Aliso Viejo

Dear Sensei,

“When I try to think of all the things that karate has done for me, one of the first things that comes to mind is the physical conditioning I’ve been through. I feel stronger than I’ve ever been in my life. I never thought that punching, kicking and screaming would become an integral part of my life.

But karate is so much more than just push-ups, crunches and jumping rope. It’s about strengthening the mind and spirit, and giving you the tools and confidence to do things you never thought possible. If you told me 3 years ago that I’d voluntarily hold a small piece of foam and allow a 200 pound man punch and kick at me as hard he could, I would have said you were crazy. Now that I’ve done that, there’s nothing at work or in my personal life that can scare me.

Unfortunately the world we live in is an unpredictable, sometimes scary place. Practicing karate won’t make me Jet Li, but having more control over my mind and body has given me confidence that doesn’t come with plain old-fashioned exercise.

I’m proud to be a member of USSD, because it’s much more than a gym… it’s a brother (sister) hood!”

Tina