At USSD Burlingame, our instructors bring passion, skill, and heart to every class.
They're more than a team—they’re mentors driven to help every student grow stronger, more confident, and ready for anything.
Sensei Greg was first inspired to train by Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan— to continue training and teaching— students are his inspiration. He loves sharing his passion and knowledge of the Kempo Karate with as many people as he can.
Sensei Greg's most memorable moment with USSD is training at Shaolin Temple, which was his dream since childhood. His advice to newcomers: “Don’t wait—just start.”
Ms. Diya is a Second Degree Black Belt with over eight years of martial arts experience. At USSD Burlingame, she brings a mentorship-focused teaching style, connecting with students and supporting their growth on and off the mat. She finds the most joy in seeing students succeed through dedication and persistence.
Outside the dojo, Diya enjoys sports, family time, and discovering new Bay Area restaurants. A favorite memory: training in historic dojos during a USSD trip to Japan.
Assistant Emma Shraiman has been training for more than seven years. Her most poignant martial arts memory is travelling to Japan and testing at the famous Nippon Budokan. In the dojo, Emma enjoys working with our youngest students— she says "I love how they enjoy learning".
Outside of the dojo Emma loves doing arts and crafts.
Assistant instructor Tomo holds a Junior Black Belt and brings over 10 years of training to the dojo. Dedicated to both learning and teaching, Tomo enjoys helping students better understand their material—often discovering new perspectives in the process. Earning a black belt remains one of Tomo’s proudest accomplishments, symbolizing years of discipline and growth.
Outside the dojo, assistant Tomo is a talented artist and musician. He has a passion for painting, origami, piano, and cello.
Assistant Bryce Makela is a Purple Belt with seven years of martial arts experience. He enjoys teaching because it allows him to support newer students and share what he’s learned along the way.
Earning his Purple Belt was a major milestone—an achievement he once thought was out of reach.
Outside the dojo, Bryce enjoys golfing and playing video games, always striving for balance between focus and fun.
Isaac is a Blue Belt with over eight years of martial arts experience, including five years of Taekwondo before switching to USSD three years ago. He brings high energy and enthusiasm to every class, believing that his excitement helps spark the same in his students. One of his proudest moments was placing first in his weapons division at the most recent Las Vegas tournament.
Outside the dojo, Isaac enjoys performing magic tricks, playing tennis, and practicing parkour—always exploring new ways to stay active and creative.
