Frequently Asked Questions

Pricing depends on the program and schedule. We offer a few different membership options to fit different families. The best way to understand what is right for you is to come in for a free trial first, see the training, meet Sensei Michael, and then we can talk about what makes sense. Call us (609) 652-8881 or use our online request form.

Yes. Come in and try a free trial before you commit to anything. No pressure, no sales pitch. You get to see the training, see how we work with students, and decide if this is the right fit for your family.

Everyone starts as a beginner here. It does not matter if you have never done a single martial art in your life. We build you from the ground up, at your pace, in a structured environment where no one is left behind.

Kids can start as young as 4 in our Little Dragons program. The Young Warriors Program is for ages 7 to 14. Our Adults Program is open to teens 15 and up, adults, and seniors. There is truly no wrong age to start.

Absolutely. We do not expect anything from you on day one except a willingness to try. Our curriculum is built for people who have never trained before.

Most students see the best results training 2 to 3 times per week. We have scheduling options that make that easy for families. Consistency is what matters most.

Confidence comes from doing hard things and succeeding. When a child earns a belt they did not think they could earn, something changes in how they see themselves. That shift carries into school, friendships, and everything else. Discipline comes from the structure of the training environment: clear expectations, consistent repetition, and respect for the process.

Yes. Karate training is a full body workout that combines cardio, strength, coordination, and mental focus. Many of our adult students have lost weight, reduced stress, and improved their energy significantly. And unlike the gym, they actually look forward to coming.

Martial arts changes how a child carries themselves: posture, eye contact, and confidence. Beyond that, we specifically teach students awareness, verbal boundaries, and how to de escalate situations before anything physical becomes necessary.

No. Come in comfortable workout clothes for your first trial. We will take care of everything else for the trial. After you decide to join, we will walk you through what you need.

No. Start with a free trial. Then we can talk about membership options that fit your life and your budget. No pressure and no long term commitment required upfront.

Memberships are monthly. Flexible plans are available. Cancellations can be handled with standard notice before your next billing date. Our goal is to make the process as simple and transparent as possible.

Sensei Michael Simkin leads the school. He holds a 7th Degree Black Belt in Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate Jutsu, has been training since 1986, teaching since 1991, and opened this school in Galloway in 1998. He trained in Okinawa, Japan under respected masters. Additional classes are supported by black belt instructors trained directly under him.

We are at 540 E Jimmie Leeds Rd, Galloway, New Jersey 08205. We serve families from Galloway, Egg Harbor Township, Absecon, Northfield, Linwood, Smithville, Pleasantville, Atlantic City, Hammonton, Mays Landing, Somers Point, and throughout Atlantic County. Call us (609) 652-8881 to get started.

Call us (609) 652-8881, use our online request form, or email info@simkinsmartialarts.com. Most new students are in a class within a few days. No experience, no gear, and no commitment needed for your first visit.

It is one of the best things you can do for confidence at any age because the confidence is earned. When you do something hard, practice it, fail at it, try again, and finally get it right, that builds something real inside you.

We see real improvements in focus and self regulation with students who have ADHD regularly. The structured environment, clear expectations, physical movement, and repetition work together in a way that many parents describe as transformative. We welcome students with ADHD and our instructors know how to work with them effectively.

No. Martial arts builds athleticism. Your child does not need any to start. We meet every student exactly where they are.

Yes. Safety is built into every class. Students learn control before intensity. Beginners are never placed in contact situations before they are ready. We have been doing this for over 25 years and our environment reflects that experience.

Most parents notice something different about their child within the first 30 days: focus, behavior, or confidence. Physical skill takes longer, but it comes. Consistency is the only requirement.

Shy kids are some of our biggest success stories. We do not rush them. We build them up slowly, safely, and on their own terms. The dojo environment is designed to be encouraging and respectful for every student.

Two to three times a week is ideal for real development. But even one class a week builds something over time. Consistency matters more than frequency.

No. Adults start here from scratch all the time. We will guide you from your very first class. Age and fitness level do not matter. What matters is that you show up.

Comfortable workout clothes. Nothing special is needed. We will sort out uniforms after you decide to join.

No. We have students in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond who train regularly and keep improving. It is never too late. The training adapts to you, not the other way around.

Both are great martial arts but they serve different goals. Jiu Jitsu focuses on ground fighting and grappling. Karate focuses on striking, distance, and upright self defense. For young children, karate can be an excellent starting point because the structure and standing based movement builds coordination, focus, and discipline. At Simkin's we teach Okinawan Goju Ryu, a traditional complete system.

Taekwondo and karate have different emphases. Traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate is built around practical self defense, technique, discipline, and long term character development. The quality and goals of the school matter as much as the style.

Judo is excellent for throwing and takedowns. Goju Ryu Karate is a complete system that includes striking, blocking, and practical close range techniques. The quality of the school and instructor matters more than the style.

MMA is a combat sport with a very different training format. Traditional karate can provide a safe, structured foundation for children at different ages. At Simkin's, children as young as 4 train in a supervised, age appropriate environment.

The style matters less than the school. At Simkin's we teach situational awareness, confident body language, verbal boundaries, and de escalation as well as physical skills. The goal is to help students carry themselves with confidence and avoid physical confrontation whenever possible.

Karate combines cardio, strength, coordination, and mental engagement in every class. You are not just moving. You are thinking, reacting, and learning, which keeps training engaging over time.

Traditional karate can be excellent for seniors because training can support balance, flexibility, coordination, and mental sharpness. We adapt training to the individual. We have students in their 50s, 60s, and beyond who train consistently and keep improving.

At Simkin's Martial Arts, a black belt is a minimum of 5 to 7 years of consistent, dedicated training. It reflects genuine development and mastery. We do not hand out black belts. When one of our students earns that rank, it means something real.

Okinawan Goju Ryu is a traditional system that combines powerful striking with fluid circular techniques and close range self defense. Sensei Michael Simkin trained in Okinawa, Japan under respected masters and has been teaching this lineage in Galloway, New Jersey since 1998.

Goju Ryu means hard soft style. It combines powerful direct strikes with fluid circular techniques. It was developed in Okinawa, Japan and is known for practical self defense applications and a complete training system. Sensei Michael Simkin has been teaching Goju Ryu in Galloway, New Jersey since 1998.

Martial arts does not have to replace other sports. The focus, coordination, discipline, and physical conditioning developed through karate training can transfer into other athletic activities.

Yes. Every class involves dynamic movement, technical drilling, conditioning, and focused practice. It can build cardiovascular fitness, functional strength, flexibility, and coordination at the same time.

No. Children do not need to arrive tough or confident. Martial arts is one way they can build resilience through consistent, structured training. Every student starts where they are.

Yes. Adults who start later often become some of our most dedicated students because they know exactly why they are there. Age is not a barrier here. The training meets you where you are and builds from there.

A strong karate school has a qualified instructor with real credentials, a structured curriculum, clear standards for belt advancement, and a culture of genuine respect and discipline. At Simkin's, Sensei Michael holds a 7th Degree Black Belt with Okinawan lineage, has been teaching since 1991, and built the school on traditional martial arts values.