Four Fine Martial Arts Centers in Morris County, NJ
Aikido Centers of NJ, Morristown Dojo
Across the state there are several Aikido Centers associated with one another. Their headquarters and one of the schools is at 42 Bank Street in Morristown. This school adheres to a philosophy based upon mutual respect, cooperation and friendship, and unlike many other disciplines, they do not have competitions or contests. However, there is a strong focus upon developing awareness, a strong, flexible and relaxed body, and a clear mind. Its proponents maintain that Aikido can provide an inner peace which can be passed to others.
The martial art itself is considered unique in its approach to flow with an attack, and rather than clash with it, to redirect it into a move which defends against the assault, such as a pin or a throw. The techniques are described as circular and flowing, which are said to be fun, easy to learn and very effective in self-defense. The idea is to carry the acquired states of strength, balance and calmness with oneself beyond the classroom and into daily life. Their phone number is 973-898-9858; find out more at http://www.aikidocenters.com/ .
Ancient Fighting Arts
Further west in Mt. Arlington a center known as Ancient Fighting Arts is located. At this school one is able to learn Tai Chi and Kung Fu among other disciplines. Like all of the schools discussed here, the staff is highly trained, and in this case the three “masters” bring over a century of combined training. Some of the more specialized fighting arts taught at the school are included here.
Wing Chun is a fighting system which is described as “a down-to-earth, sensible approach to real-life fighting.” Effective as self-defense for ‘the street’ and consisting of straight line attacks, it provides techniques for economy of motion to quicken and focus, and for using every part of one’s body as both a weapon and a blocking implement. It consists of a manageable number of methods.
Chin Na is a skill for “short-range fighting,” which is loosely based upon the Chinese translations of Chin (to seize) and Na (to control.) Therefore, this group of skills involve grappling and striking techniques, along with placing pressure on key areas of the body. Basically it enables control by locking the opponent’s joints, muscles or tendons as a means of defense.
Another rare fighting art that is taught here is Tung Bi, which is a Chinese boxing system. Since it is such a unique method of fighting the lessons are primarily given one-to-one, although some of the skills are presented in larger group classes. Another name for Tung Bi is “white ape boxing,” and it translates as “arm through the back.”
The Ancient Fighting Arts center is found at 181 Howard Boulevard in Mt. Arlington, NJ and their phone number is 973-398-6525. The web site is http://www.njtaichi.com .
East Morris Karate Academy
In their web site this school describes what they teach as “a traditional karate lifestyle that can change your world.” From a technical standpoint, they teach the Okinawan karate style, Isshin-ryu. But essentially they profess a purpose to give students effective, traditional martial arts training in an atmosphere of positive fellowship, contributing to their community.
Teaching both children and adults, they explain that their students continue their lessons for an average of eight years. Those who stay in the longest have a tendency to focus on “personal attainment” along with the physical training. Nevertheless, for some people they realize that the activity is a sport, or done for exercise.
At the academy there are a variety of class schedules and education levels for all types of students. In this school the traditional approach that is followed is called budo, which means “perfection of one’s character.” The way in which this is achieved, attaining excellence in the martial arts, while continually building the philiosophical aspect of the spirit, is what this school ultimately teaches.
This school is located at 568 Route 10 West in Whippany, NJ; the phone number is 973-884-2224; their fine web-site is: http://eastmorriskarate.com .
South Mountain Martial Arts
Finally, in the eastern portion of the county one will find a center which teaches a large variety of martial arts disciplines, South Mountain Martial Arts. They cater to students seeking everything from serious self-discipline and mastery all the way to just good old fun. They offer classes in Judo, Jujitsu, Jodo (stick fighting,) Sambo, Fencing, Japanese Swordsmanship and Kickboxing. Their philosophy includes the knowledge that martial arts is a complete and rounded form of physical fitness. Also the idea of finding a partner at one’s own level of skill and interest to enjoy the best possible competitive experience is emphasized.
One of the factors which make this school rather interesting is that each practice session is different and novel in some way. This is because new techniques are taught, and a variety of partners available as a student’s skill levels increase. Also as with the previous Karate Center, many students stay in the program, practicing twenty years or more.
Despite a curriculum that involves many different types of fighting, the instructors emphasize safety, along with self-defense. They believe that it’s better to hold back on applying some move or technique rather than risk injuring a competitor.
South Mountain Martial Arts is located at 91 Mian Street in Madison, NJ. The phone number is 973-822-1977 and their web-site is http://www.smma.net/ .
All in all these four centers of physical and mental training and discipline offer a great variety of activity for the enrichment of the mind and body. These arts can be practiced year round, and all of these schools offer classes at a variety of times, able to fit into any schedule. If you live in Morris County be sure to investigate further.
