The Team
Karate Trainers Santa Barbara
Kempo, escrima, boxing, wrestling and ballet — the people you will actually train with.
Donavin
Shaolin Kempo · Escrima · Boxing
Sensei Donavin is a Santa Barbara local who has dedicated his life to martial arts. After spending his first ten years in Santa Barbara, he moved with his family to Atlanta for the next nine years. Donavin has gained extensive experience as a personal trainer and a martial arts coach, focusing on self-defense.
He has studied escrima with Dan Inosanto, the first student of Bruce Lee, and Shaolin Kempo with 9th degree black belt Hanshi Jack Turner, and he is also a current amateur boxer.
Xena
Karate · Classical ballet · Fencing
Xena is an instructor at United Studios of Self Defense in Santa Barbara. She came to California seeking new opportunities and experiences, and discovered karate at USSD Santa Barbara, which provided her with essential self-defense training.
A native of Detroit, Michigan, Xena grew up traveling back and forth between her home on the east side of Detroit, where she fended off bullies, and a nearby suburb called Grosse Pointe, where she found her passion for dance. In Grosse Pointe, she not only trained in classical ballet with her sister but also took up fencing with her brother.
As she reached her teenage years, Xena landed several dance jobs, performing with the Macomb Ballet Company, Eisenhower Dance Detroit, Ballet Renaissance, and the Detroit Opera House. Recognizing her talent, she was awarded a dance scholarship to Marygrove College, where she stayed and performed with the company for five years while pursuing her BFA.
Aaron
Shaolin Kempo · Wrestling
Born and raised in Ventura County, Aaron began his martial arts journey by participating in CAGWA and Tri-County wrestling tournaments, where he achieved state-level success. After wrestling, he continued his involvement in sports and fitness activities, ultimately leading him to Kempo. As a sensei, he has trained numerous high-profile clients including All-Pro defensive lineman Andre Carter. He remains committed to his own development, training with Shaolin Kempo 9th degree black belt Hanshi Jack Turner.
What families say
“Sensei Donovan and Xena have made each class fun while instilling important values like respect, focus, and perseverance.”
“I've been training at this dojo for about 20 years now and can't recommend it enough! The instructors are knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely great people.”
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United Studios of Self Defense - Santa Barbara3971 State St — Five Points Shopping Center
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
805-696-6820
First-time visitors and local residents only. Certain restrictions apply. $85 minimum value. At participating studios offering karate classes and self defense for kids in Santa Barbara only. See studio for details.