It's been 10 years since I wrote my last review, so I think we are due for an update. The Pure…read morefacility has more than tripled in size since 2015, and has turned into one of the largest, most state of the art MMA facilities in NJ. They have also grown an amazing kids and adults isshinryu karate program that started in 2019, and their women's Jiu Jitsu team has grown exponentially as well - making it the biggest woman led, women's only Jiu Jitsu programs in New Jersey. It has turned into one of the most sought after places to train, with multiple members who travel more than 45 minutes to train there. I can't express into words how welcoming the community is to people of all walks of life, all experience levels - whether you are coming alone or with your entire family. I highly recommend checking them out!

There's so much I can write about Pure MMA. The staff, the owners, the classes, the other…read morestudents... they are honestly ALL amazing. Coming in to Jiu Jitsu with an extensive background in Tae kwon do I thought would be an extreme challenge... but here I am! Learning and loving every second of it thanks to everyone there supporting me and helping me be better on, as well as off, the mats! I never thought I'd find such an amazing facility where you legitimately feel like part of a family. I HIGHLY recommend Pure MMA to anyone with an interest in trying any of their multiple programs!!

Excellent Martial Arts School! The owners go above and beyond to take care of their "MA family"…read more Not only the school strives to teach top-level Martial Arts but individual growth is always top-of-mind! During difficult times, such as COVID-19 quarantine, the staff has really step up to the plate to implement online tools to continue live streaming classes as well as fun events to keep all ages engaged on learning!!! Definitely best MA school in NJ!!!

This dojo is by far the best I've seen. Both our kids attend there school for several years and the…read moreattention they get from the owners to the black belts are amazing. Looking for s great dojo school. Look no further.

I was a student decades ago. For fitness, respect, growth, self-defense and humility, MDK is…read moreexemplary. I am of the opinion that all children should be given the opportunity to become a practitioner.

Both of my daughters have attended this school for well over 10 years. The instruction and training…read morethey have received have been wonderful- I can clearly see how it's helped them throughout their school years.The instructors are caring, down to earth, experienced, and have a deep passion for the art. This is my third style of martial arts, and I absolutely love it... I started here many years ago myself, after sitting on the sidelines watching my two young girls take class week after week... The mirrors reflecting the energy and determination on the kids faces as they kicked their way across the polished wood floors. I couldn't stay seated. Hwang karate is a great way to keep body AND mind stimulated.

I've been studying here and I'm enjoying the Filipino style of Escrima Arnis . They also have Jeet…read moreKun Do , tae kwon do, and Brazilian jujitsu . They also have kids and teens classes and I have talked to few and they love it. The instructors are great and patient with each student. You also will get a good workout and leave out at class learning something.

Amazing place, they are world-class martial artists, attentive teachers, and wonderful people.read more

I trained here for a year and a half and learned not just about self defense, but self as a whole…read more I've visited other Aikido dojo's and this one definitely has a feel of authenticity. There were ample amount of classes to take advantage of, with many different sempai's and sensei's sometimes from out of state and out of the country! What was great about the exposure to the guest instructors was that you were then exposed to different teaching styles and philosophies even though the principles of Aikido are all the same which involve philosophy, spiritual and of course martial aspects which train in effective ways of defending oneself. The school is great for adults, kids and as a result families. The parking is plentiful, except on testing days and seminar days. Overall I enjoyed my time here. The senior students for the most part are very supportive but just like any school many of the other students are a mixed bag. Still, if you're going to train in Aikido, in NJ, I recommend here. Y.W.B.R - Sensei Stickles

Punch, whiff, pivot, spin, throw - KA-BLAM! This is aikido, among the most beautiful and effective…read moremartial arts in the world. There are certainly arts that dispatch an opponent more directly, but most of those leave him shattered on the ground. Aikido is unique in its ability to calibrate response to an incoming attack in the service of inflicting no more harm than absolutely necessary to diffuse the situation. If that sounds awfully charitable among the world of fighting systems - it is. And mastery of that calibration requires study and self-control. In the bargain, the aikidoist gains a set of techniques - really a mode of operating in the world - that is applicable to an expansive range of human experiences, not just those that devolve into hand-to-hand combat. I have been lucky enough to study at over a dozen different aikido schools during my 30-year career in the art. Aikido Schools of New Jersey (ASNJ) is distinctive for its warm, family-friendly atmosphere. If you're looking for the next hot MMA school to unleash your brutality and exert your dominance -- keep on scrolling. Walking into ASNJ you will find people of all different sizes and shapes smiling, laughing, supporting, and respecting one another. Sure, we're also wiping each other out on the mat, but we're doing that in the service of learning, growth, and mastery. ASNJ supports a robust adult program, weapons training, iaido, kid's classes, tai chi, meditation, and yoga. If you're looking to move your body and expand your mind, there's probably something going on there for you. Note that aikido is also an excellent mode of full-body aerobic exercise. Big muscles, little muscles, core muscles, cardiovascular, circulatory - fall down and get back up 100+ times in an hour and you'll be feeling it for sure. ASNJ classes targeted at specific intensities help lots of different body types work up a lather in a way that is safe, comfortable, and fun. Drop by, flop on a sofa, and check it out for yourself. You'll fall for us, guaranteed.

Now normally, I don't write reviews about non-food establishments. But for this place, which I have…read moretrained at and have a few family members enrolled I will. This is currently the best traditional martial arts school in Elizabeth and probably for a good radius around. I received my black belt in Kenpo Karate and trained in several styles under Dan Miragliotta Jr. I know a good school when I see one. It is always great to see an icon make a comeback and SMAA did so after so many years dormant. Programs: They have programs for all ages. For kids, they have a few that fit various ages and experience levels. My cousin and godson are 8 and 10. But they have programs for as small as 3 years old as well as adult (kick-your-butt) programs. Instructor: Master Oscar is one of the best. He creates a great environment for the kids and pushes the adults. This isn't some run of the mill school owner either lol. I mean for starters, Oscar is a friggin marine! He knows how to get the most out of people lol. He was a student there, from what I understand, back in the 80's and that's when Shim's was winning Olympic medals, awards and tournaments all over the place. He took over the school about 2 years ago and it's fantastic under his leadership. Oh and he is trilingual too, born and raised in Elizabeth to Hispanic parents and his wife is Korean... so the Spanish and Portuguese speaking parents as well as the Korean parents love that. There is no twisting the truth from the kids on what Master Oscar said today haha My personal take: I have a godson and a cousin that go there, both under 10. My cousin grew up with some nerve damage in his leg and left side of his body. He at times walked unbalanced or favored his right side due to this. After his brother, my godson joined, he asked to join as well. To attest how amazing this kind of after school activity is - ever since he started training there he has shown a huge boost in strength, agility and control of his weaker sides. My aunt is so happy about that. What is is not: Shim's is NOT an out of the box UFC-wannabe building type place. No meat heads, no excessive tattoos. This is traditional, disciplined and "golden rule" martial arts. You'll be speaking in Korean by the end of the year, you'll be meditating at home, have amazing mind focus and be in great shape. If you want to simply "get in shape" - you'll get a regiment built by martial law and military law... exactly... lol. I highly, highly recommend to anyone looking to learn the Tae Kwon Do or get in shape and not have to worry about getting into an octagon. I also recommend it to parents who want to give their kids an activity that will be with them for life.

My son has been practicing here for a few weeks now and I love it!!! Master Óscar is a great…read moreteacher! The fees are fair and my son likes it. My boy has autism and since he started there, he has been improving his motor skills...I'll recommend this school!!!

I have been training with Sifu Thomas since 1994. The school is a great place whether you are…read morelooking for a workout, practical self-defence, or traditional martial arts training. Come check out a class! Beginners are most welcome - everybody gets personal attention. Wing Chun classes are Mon, Wed (6-8pm), Sat (3-5pm) Tai Chi and children kung fu classes are also available

So ! My relationship with Elite started when I sent both my boys there for half day summer camp…read more2019. They were stellar with handling the children during Covid and allowing them to play and learn while introducing them to martial arts. After that program ended they followed up and we decided to enroll our 9 year old into their Martial arts program. So far all staff and other parents have been super helpful and welcoming. My son enjoys his class and I enjoy all the scheduling and class options. I must also note their communication, facility, and systems are the best. There so ahead with the contactless options, app, and roadmap which is vital as a new participant. I am always kept informed early on of what's going on with any changes or updates. Their YouTube content has also been very helpful and I often refer to it when I have a curiosity. Another bonus is my unenrolled son gets to participate in activities now and then which gives us a nice break ! I will absolutely recommend Elite Martial Arts !

Great school for adults and children. Our grandson has been going for over 5 years. The instructors…read moreare truly dedicated. They are like family. They know each child by name and make sure they learn in a safe comfortable environment.