My 4 year old son is in the Little Ninja program and for the past year and a half I am constantly amazed at what a positive impact his experience has made on him. His instructors have astounding patience and focus with their students. It is apparent in my son's improvement in his mental concentration, his physical agility as well as in his level of respect and kindness towards both his elders and his peers. Best of all, he has so much fun! I also participate in the women's kick boxing and I have tried the Fit for Battle (which I desperately want to get back to) and I can honestly say that you will not get a better work out at any other gym or health club. You will train muscles you didn't know you had and push yourself to limits you never thought you could. Sifu Dave and Sifu Doug have helped me build so much confidence in myself, both physical and mental. They are truly passionate and knowledgeable in their craft. There is one important factor that can not be left out. Owner Sifu Dave, his family and the instructors are some of the kindest people you could ever meet. They participate so much in the community of Hackettstown and care greatly about the people who live here. You get more than just a membership when you sign up. EMA is a community in itself. They are like a family. We have made so many friends since we have joined and we continue to make more. It's amazing how they can pull well over a hundred people together with things like a neighborhood clean up, participating in the annual St. Patrick's Parade, the youth Gladiator Games and, not to mention, the annual, super fun Halloween party! If you are not already a member of EMA, you should be. It's a lifestyle choice. :) read more

I wanted my son to take martial arts in order to get healthy, to gain some self-confidence without losing humility, to learn focus and discipline, and to develop self-respect and respect for others. I think I chose wisely with Evolutionary Martial Arts. This place teaches all its members to push themselves every day and to believe they can do what they set out to do, whether on the first try or the hundredth. EMA emphasizes not only a strong body but a strong mind. The instructors are tough and push every student but in a supportive, positive way. Respect goes both ways and the instructors teach respect by example. I've never heard any instructor say anything mean or inappropriate to the students. Staff members are knowledgeable in a variety of martial arts disciplines and are excited to share their knowledge. Adult martial arts and non-martial arts classes are also available throughout the week as well as private lessons. I've taken a number of classes myself and find them motivating and fun. If you are looking for a family-type environment where you can exercise without judgement, check this place out. read more

I became familiar with EMA through Liberty Learning Center when they conducted a class there around 2007. It was very convenient having them come to the daycare center that spring. I could tell right away that Sifu Dave and Sifu Doug were people I wanted my children around. When I had my son, I enrolled him in classes at EMA as soon as our schedule allowed. He absolutely loves being there. Everyone Sifu Dave has working with the kids is wonderful. They keep the kids active, motivated and always positive! While I may not know much technique, I do know the kids learn much more than that. They learn dedication, self-motivation, respect, fairness, control, focus, responsibility and fitness (just to name a few). I even started taking private lessons with Sifu Dave :) His knowledge is extensive! This is a quality place with quality people and I will do everything I can to keep my kids there as much as possible -including summer camp! read more

If you are looking for a great martial arts school you should definitely check out Evolutionary Martial Arts, they offer great programs for kids, teens and adults. They offer private lessons as well as group classes for a variety of different types of martial arts training. All of their instructors have extensive knowledge in different disciplines of martial arts and always patient and understanding with each and every student no matter what your martial arts experience / level is. My family has been taking classes at EMA for 8 years, and we love the family environment they offer and I am always impressed with the skills we have all learned! I would highly recommend trying either an adult or kids classes at EMA!! read more

Monkey Tribe meets weekly for the Spiritual Warriors class with Dave and we are nothing short of thrilled and inspired by our program. We have incorporated elements of Fire Breathing, Escrima and Yukta Triveni meditation with outstanding results. Dave is an extraordinary instructor who has not only met the needs of the spiritual practices we have, but also is training each tribe member to be a warrior. No excuses, just personal power, strength and confidence. We are beyond grateful for his mastery and clarity. I would recommend him consistently for the incredible training I have received personally and seeing the rapid growth in our group. Thank you! read more

I trained with Sifu Dave for several years. When I first started at EMA I knew absolutely nothing about Muay Thai, BJJ, or MMA in general. SIfu Dave was 100% invested in my development as a fighter and a person. He is committed to his students and dedicated many hours outside of the scheduled class times to train those who wanted to keep going. Within a relatively short time frame I was able to begin competing in Muay Thai fights, as well as a few MMA fights. Whether you want to train for competitions, or just want a great work out, Sifu Dave will motivate and train you to do more than you thought possible. read more

We are so grateful for Master Dave, along with Joe and Cassidy, teaching our Girl Scouts some invaluable self defense skills. We appreciate them working with us to tailor a program that gave the girls and moms a sense of empowerment, while not being too intimidating. All the girls were given individual attention and Dave was able to answer every one of the many questions the girls had to calm some fears and give them skills. We look forward to working with them again and highly recommend this professional and dedicated studio to others. read more

This is a great place for kids to learn life skills like discipline and focus as well as many physical fitness skills. The staff is friendly and you can tell very experienced in martial arts. This is not karate or tae kwon do but a well rounded mixed martial arts program with kicks, punches and grappling moves. My son who is a very active 6 year old loves it and it certainly is a great release of energy for him. I would recommend to any parents looking to get their kids more exercise while teaching them self defense and discipline. read more

EMA is amazing! My son has grown leaps and bounds as a result of this program. I highly recommend EMA for anyone looking for a program that helps children to develop physically, mentally, and emotionally. Not only did it help him to be more successful as a student, but it has also helped him in football and wrestling. Sifu Doug is a wonderful teacher and Sifu Dave and his wife are so warm and friendly. They have all worked hard to make EMA feel like family! Thank you to everyone for your dedication and support! read more

I tried EMA about a year ago attending a free class since then I've been going at least 3 times a week. I wish I could be there more often. The gym, coaches, the lessons, the equipment and people are world class. I've been looking for a gym to push me and give me a workout I can feel great about, EMA does this and more. I feel like part of the EMA family and I am glad and very proud to be part of it. Sifu Dave and Doug are the best martial arts instructors I have ever had the privilege to learn from. read more

Dave and his staff at EMA were amazing! I am a local Girl Scout leader and my troop took part in a self defense class at EMA with other Girl Scout troops. We all had fun and learned so much from Dave and his staff! The pricing was affordable and totally worth every penny. The staff were so encouraging and knowledgeable. They took the time to help everyone in the class and were not intimidating at all. I would and do recommend EMA to anyone looking for a positive Martial Arts or Self Defense experience! read more

Great place! This is not a "buy your belt" martial arts school, this school offers high level instructors who do not just train you their art but they train WITH you! Your not going to feel like you joined the military and fear going to class, you will feel like you extended your family and look forward to going to see your brothers and sisters to train really great stuff! our family has been part of the EMA family for 4 years now and expect to be for many more! read more

My son and I take classes here and we love it. They are very friendly, but do not go easy on you in class. They really teach you well and push you to your limits if you are willing. You will not get your next belt here with ease, but rest assured when you do get it, you earned it. My son is just a yellow belt and I've seen him sparring against my friend's son who is a year older and has his black belt. My son (only a yellow belt) kicked his ass in seconds. read more

This place is the shit!! Started off about a year ago trying out one class a week and now I take about 5 a week. Sifu dave is a master of many martial arts and offers a ton of different classes from kids to adults. I was a school athlete throughout high school and college and found EMA after my school years and totally got hooked on it. The vibe is great there, everyone is cool and welcoming right away. I would recommend this place to anyone!! read more

My son has been actively attending classes at "EMA" with Dave, Doug, Joby and previously Chad for the past 6 years. During that time, he has grown into a hard-working young man who is respectful to others, is self confident, maintains a high degree of physical fitness and can handle himself in a real-world defensive situation. All of those qualities have been fostered during his many hours at EMA, and I highly recommend their business. read more

I have had the privilege to train with Evolutionary's owner and chief instructor, Dave Ferreira, for 17 years. Dave is a highly skilled martial artist with a wide and deep range of expertise. Evolutionary was built with a vision. It is a beautiful facility with an atmosphere friendly to families, as well as serious martial arts competitors. If you're in the Hackettstown area and want to train, then Evolutionary is the place to be. read more

I've been studying martial arts since 1990 and maintain that as far as martial arts schools go, EMA is as good as they come. I've trained extensively with Sifu Dave and he is one of the most well rounded martial artists I've had the privilege to work with. If you're in the Hackettstown area and even thinking about training, you should stop in and meet Sifu Dave and his instructors! read more

My son,7 years old, and I have had nothing but positive experience. Staff is extremely understanding of every child's learning style and always redirect the children's attention in such a caring, kind and positive way. In class they discuss key points for day to day situations and how to stay focused. Very happy with our choice in this school. read more

Evolutionary Martial Arts is amazing! My son has been with EMA for five years now. He has gained great confidence and knowledge of self-defense. He loves being a part of the EMA family. The owners and staff are wonderful. They are patient, kind, and respectful. I would highly recommend EMA. Thank you EMA!! read more