Defense Arts Center

Defense Arts Center is a traditional martial arts facility situated at 1842 West 11th Street, Unit D, in Upland, California. Established in 1977 as USKL Defense Arts Center, the dojo provides classical Japanese martial arts instruction for children, adults, and families. The school was founded by chief instructor Shihan Ty Aponte, a sixth-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate who began training in New York City in 1972. Shotokan instruction is supported by third-degree black belt David Michelson, who also teaches Matayoshi Kobudo. In addition, Eugene Morales, a fourth-degree black belt certified by the Aikido Association of America, teaches Aikido alongside Sandra Morales, and Tim Richmond, a fourth-degree black belt, instructs Araki Mujinsai Ryu Iaido. The timetable delivers age-appropriate classes, family sessions, morning, day, and evening training seven days a week without long-term contracts. Disciplines taught include Shotokan Karate, Aikido, Iaido swordsmanship, and Kobudo weaponry.