New Jersey Martial Arts Academy

We have been involved with NJMAA for four years now — our two older children train here, and we plan to begin our youngest this Spring. This school offers both physical/​martial arts training and character education in a highly professional environment. Some of the things that set this dojo apart: 1) There are a LOT of students here. This means that your six year old is not training with tweens. Classes for children are developmentally appropriate in class groupings: 3 – 5 year olds, 6 – 8 year olds, 9 – 12, teen and adult. 2) This place it its own community. Parents don’t just pay tuition for kids to attend, entire families get together for picnics, water gun events and community events (Susan G Komen breast cancer walk team 2 years now, town parades, community improvement projects such as area maintenance and building a ⁹⁄₁₁ Memorial in Hopatcong). 3) Emphasizing the second part of my number 2 — this dojo actively participates as group in its local communities. In addition to group projects, they provide anti-​bullying/​self defense workshops for local scout troops and the like. 4) Top-​notch instruction by dedicated black belts led by a nationally reknowned martial artist, Shihan Marvin Carmona. NJMAA offers a variety of martial arts in addition to Isshinryu karate (including kendo, XMA and ju-​jitsu), and encourages and facilitates physical fitness for dojo families through additional fitness classes, free access to their basement fitness gym for adults, and other incentives (recently, parents were offered a free month of training for creating personal fitness goals in concert with the students’ character-​development principle of the month.) We also love how flexible the class schedule is — many classes are offered at each level each month, so you’re not always locked into one day and time and locked out if something comes up during your regular class time.

What an excellent school! So family-​oriented and inclusive to all members. Two classes can run at once, as there are two dojo decks. Superb teachers. Many classes to choose from (go as often as you want for your monthly fee). Gym for parents during class time downstairs. Children’s waiting area w/​TV and homework area, awards given for academics, optional karate homework each month, tournaments, testing (no fee for testing), lots of special days for families and parent nights. We picked this school after trying another one first. Highly recommended by friends and only advertisement is word of mouth.