Martial Arts for Teens and Adults

Who trains here

People who never did a martial art and always meant to. People who trained years ago and want it back. Parents who spent a season watching from the bench and decided they wanted the mat instead. Teenagers who want something that is theirs.

There is no upper age limit. There is no fitness prerequisite. The only thing required is showing up willing to learn.

What you will train

White Tiger Dojo teaches Isshin Kempo, a modern evolution of traditional Okinawan Isshinryu. It is a complete system rather than a single discipline:

• Striking — punches, kicks, elbows, knees, and the footwork behind them
• Grappling — clinch work, takedowns, and controlling a position
• Submissions — joint locks, chokes, and how to escape them
• Weapons — traditional forms plus practical improvised defense
• Self-defense — escapes from grabs and holds, distance management, awareness

You will also get stronger and considerably better conditioned, though most people find that is the side effect rather than the point.

What it is actually for

Physical skill is one layer. Underneath it, training gives you a place to put stress, an hour where nothing else is asking for your attention, and a measurable thing you are getting better at in a life where most things are not measurable.

Our adult students train alongside other adults from Berkeley Heights, New Providence, Summit, Chatham and the surrounding towns. Several have trained together for decades.

What a first class looks like

You start at White Belt. So did everyone else on the mat.

Your first class covers how the room works, basic stances and movement, and one or two techniques. Nobody spars a new student. Nobody is going to test you.

Sensei Darren teaches every class and adjusts to how you learn. If you are carrying an old injury or coming back after a long layoff, tell him before class and he will work around it.

Wear: athletic clothes. No uniform needed for trial classes.

Class times

Beginner and Intermediate Adults, White Belt and up:

• Monday through Thursday: 7:00–8:30 PM

Ninety minutes, evenings, after work.

View the full schedule →

Questions adults ask

I am out of shape. Should I get in shape first?

No. That is like cleaning before the housekeeper comes. Train, and the conditioning follows.

I am 45. Am I too old?

No. We have students well past that, and several who started past that.

I do not want to get hurt.

Reasonable. Contact is introduced gradually and only once you have the skills to handle it. Nobody gets thrown into sparring.

Is my 13 year old really in the adult class?

Yes, and it works. Teens who are ready for adult training tend to rise to it. If you are unsure, come watch a class and we will talk it through.

How long to Black Belt?

Several years of consistent training. We promote on readiness, not on a calendar. That is deliberate. Continually training throughout your life is more important than earning your black belt. Recency in training is 10x better than earning a black belt 10 years ago and then quitting. A black belt is akin to owning a sharpened sword — it will dull over time if not used, sharpened, and cared for the same way it was constructed.

What if I'm late or have to leave early?

Sensei Darren understands you have a family and a life outside the dojo. Having to bow in or out later or earlier from time to time is completely understandable.