Team USA TaeKwon-Do (1580 Lemoine Avenue #2, Fort Lee, 201-947-8994)
You would never know that this unadorned storefront located in the heart of Fort Lee is a mecca for Martial Arts Classes in Bergen County. Between training Olympians and World Champs, Master Alvin Bernard teaches proper technique and methods to aspiring students while building their confidence and strength. Although Tae Kwon Do is the master’s passion and expertise, the studio also offers sweat-inducing Kickboxing Classes, Sparring, and Fitness class plus one off Self Defense classes perfect for learning quick tricks to fend off an offender.
Tiger Kim’s Tae Kwon Do Center and Tiger Twins (Closter and Fort Lee locations, 201-767-7171)
Not only are the instructors at these two studios top notch (all are high level black belts in TKD and go through extensive teacher training) but they are also great with kids. Good form is an obvious objective of their program with “board breaking days” and “belt tests” regularly scheduled to keep your kid enthused, but teaching respect outside the studio is a tenet as well- having many parents bow in thanks to program’s achievements.
Northern Valley Martial Arts (508 Livingston Street, Norwood, 201-784-2411?)
At NVMA students gain not only the skill of Tae Kwon Do, but important values such as self-control, respect, and determination. NVMA helps students reach their maximum potential by promoting self-esteem and motivation to succeed. The skilled instructors and fun environment make it easy for your kids to excel and stick to the program.
Pro Martial Arts (140 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, (201) 857-5111) New kid on the block Pro Martial Arts offers a cohesive blend of the best elements of traditional Korean martial arts. Incorporating elements of Tang Soo Do, Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido while teaching life skills like confidence, leadership and self defense. Little ones (ages 3-5) can enroll in the Little Rhinos class to start skill building early, while older kids can take advantage of their proprietary anti-bullying program- Armor which combines self defense skill training with how to look for red flags so they don’t become a target in the first place.
Englewood Krav Maga (10 Grand Ave, Englewood, (866) 557-1572) Krav Maga is an Israeli form of Martial Arts that teaches that the only way to stop an assailant is through force- in other words, none of this “turn the other cheek” stuff. Kids learn discipline, self defense and build stamina from their in-class sparring sessions- taught in street fighting style.
