UCS :: Testimonials

"Grahm, thanks so much for your dedication and belief in all of us! In the 2-3 months I've been taking your classes I have seen such an amazing overall improvement in my confidence, self-esteem and self expression! I feel calmer and more centered and feel blessed to have a new family that is UCS!

- Leigh Walker
Musician
Los Angeles, CA

"Grahm is an excellent teacher of martial arts and physical fitness. Three weeks after hiring him as a personal trainer, I was surprising myself at how much my strength and stamina had increased in such a short time. His training methods are concise and his teaching style is firm but friendly. From the most serious student of martial arts to the casual worker just trying to be fit, Grahm has something to teach them."

- Philip Bailey
Video Game Professional
Glendale, CA

“Grahm Baker. Martial Artist and self defense instructor. He's the best there is. Free your mind.”

- Phillip W. Palmer
Production Sound Mixer
Woodland Hills, CA

"Receiving my Black Belt in Kenpo Karate was one of the most memorable and defining moments of my life; however Universal Combat Systems ("UCS") has taken my self-defense knowledge one step further and changed the way I think about martial arts.

The UCS classes focus on defending yourself from both the stand-up and ground positions. Each lesson demonstrates how the human body can be manipulated, even by a single finger. I always thought defending my life had to be about power, strength and size. I was wrong. The UCS curriculum has taught me it’s about understanding simple body mechanics and knowing how to use what is available to me to defend myself. Grahm teaches basic moves that are effective and easy to remember.

The Filipino Martial Arts ("FMA") classes are exciting and different than any martial art I have known. This is my true passion! It’s fast and fun and who doesn’t love fighting with sticks and knives?

Everyone who trains UCS/FMA has respect for one another and takes pride in what they are doing and learning. I have made valuable friendships that I will always treasure. Grahm's patience and accessibility help every student get the most from the classes no matter what their skill level. It is hard work, but worth every moment. Class is fun, exhilarating, and it is extremely empowering. I leave every class a better person and a better martial artist. I know now that I can defend my life and give myself a fighting chance.

Since starting the Conditioning, UCS and FMA classes three months ago, I have lost 10 pounds and lost two sizes. However, what I have gained means so much more. I have gained the skills and knowledge to become a better martial artist but most importantly, I have re-gained my self respect."

- Linda Whitney
Event Planner
South Pasadena, CA

"I knew what I wanted but simply could not afford it. Then I found UCS. I found the money. Grahm's training is priceless. He teaches with an easy style at the highest intensity level. No one compares with Grahm."

- Amanda McQuade Crawford
Consultant Medical Herbalist
Dip. Phyto., MNIMH, RH (AHG), MNZAMH
Studio City, CA

"Since deciding in 2004 that the philosophy of ballet was too rigid for my spirit and body, I have been in search of an atmosphere where the passion for physical movement is coupled with respect for my individual learning process. UCS conditioning classes have increased my personal knowledge of the body and encouraged me to trust the signals that my body gives me from the inside out.

Every class proves to me that this synthesis between information and personal awareness will not only protect my body from physical injury, but teaches me that it is the balance between these two ideas that actually makes it possible to reach further, work harder, go faster!

Everyone who trains here is in it for real—no frill, no ego; just good times, great music, and a routine that’ll make you sweat till you bleed!"

- Kelly Baker
Family Therapist
Silverlake, CA

"Until almost the middle of 2008, I could usually be found at the local bar or on my couch being lazy and drinking myself to sleep. When I moved back to Los Angeles, Grahm began telling me about his conditioning classes and Universal Combat Systems. I accepted his invitation to participate in both. After an hour of conditioning and an hour of UCS, I realized just how out of shape I was and found myself hooked on the program. I loved the effectiveness of UCS, even at the beginner level. It's not a style taught to fight in tournaments. You could do that too, but it was obvious to me that UCS was taught to teach you what actually works in a real fight.

The group I trained with all encouraged me and each other, and didn't judge or make fun of how out of shape I was. Everyone trained with intensity, but the atmosphere was completely laid back. There was structure, but it wasn't like the strict, rigid form of traditional martial arts; everyone interacted, talked, made jokes and had a lot of fun, but still had the same respect for each other stressed so adamantly in most martial arts.

One year later and I'm still training with Grahm and friends. But now I'm in the best shape of my life. I'm leaner, stronger, quicker, more agile, and I have greater endurance; all by leaps and bounds. But the best part for me, is thanks to Grahm Baker, his conditioning, and UCS, I haven't had a drink in over a year. I like to think of my UCS family as my sponsors; they encourage me in many ways."

- Jordan Warrick
Personal Trainer
Woodland Hills, CA

"I’ve been training with Grahm for over five years. I moved up the ranks from white belt to black belt where he was head instructor in American Kenpo. He runs an excellent class, every class. I’m now finally beginning to find the “flow” that I’ve been waiting to experience. He combines concepts and attributes from many disciplines, I constantly get that “Oh yeah, that’s what that is!” feeling on the ride home from class and have to try it in my living room. This is a well thought out curriculum and its just plain fun. And he lets me play with sticks… I like sticks."

- Mark Sherman
Actor
Hollywood, CA