Welcome! When you visit our dojo, the energy & enthusiasm of our classes and the beauty of our school will transform your idea of a martial arts experience.
-
Mountain Martial Arts is a traditional karate dojo dedicated to teaching authentic Goju Ryu Karate Do as it originated in Okinawa. Through disciplined training in forms, self defense conditioning and fundamentals, students build confidence, respect focus and physical fitness while carrying forward the honor and spirit of classical martial arts.
-
Mountain Martial Arts was established in 1998, rooted in a training journey that began in 1981 in Goju Ryu Karate on Staten Island. After years of study and a pivotal shift toward traditional Okinawa Goju Ryu, Kapel Sensei traveled to Okinawa in 1998 to train at the Jundokan dojo under Eiichi Miyazato Sensei, the same year Mountain Martial Arts opened in Monroe Township, New Jersey. Today, the dojo is an official Shibu Dojo of the Okinawa Goju Ryu Kenkyu Kai under Masaji Taira Hanshi, and continues to honor tradition through dedicated daily practice, teaching, and leadership within the Goju Ryu community.
-
Karate offers balance in a fast moving world by strengthening both mind and body. It builds confidence discipline focus and resilience while providing real world self defense physical fitness and a supportive community rooted in respect and tradition.
-
![]()
"Absolutely amazing dojo. The people are excellent instructors, top quality training offered. Sensei Billy is great at teaching concepts and breaking them down! This place is like a family to me, and am excited to continue my training here!"
-Erin Hernandez
-
![]()
"We love it here. Sensei Mark teaches traditional Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate. The dojo is very inclusive. Classes for all ages and abilities. Family friendly atmosphere. Couldn’t ask for a better dojo."
-Christine Lester
-
![]()
“My children have been practicing Gojuru Karate at the dojo for the past 6 years. The dojo has a very traditional and peaceful ambiance, and the kids enjoy the classes with Senpai Billy. I was inspired to join the dojo around a year and half ago and I am enjoying it. It has helped me remain active while learning the subtle nuances of Gojuru karate from Sensei Mark Kapel and the seniors.”
-Naveen
-
![]()
“If you are looking for a traditional Goju Ryu dojo, this is the place, Kapel Sensei is the person to guide you through this journey. I have been a member of this dojo for 15+ years, and would advise anyone searching to start Martial Arts to come and speak to Kapel Sensei”
-Harvinder Singh
-
![]()
"My 3 kids love Going to Karate at Mountain Martial Arts! Owner/Instructor Sensei Mark Kapel is awesome with the kids! He also very skilled and knowledgeable."
-Andrea Caputo Parvez
-
![]()
"Love this place, my son started to learn Karate here from October 2012. So glad all the benefits of Karate and everything that he learned from here is helping him become a strong and kind person :)"
-Kay Morris
Rooted in the "Hard-Soft" philosophy of combining direct power with fluid redirection, our style emphasizes deciphering the hidden combat techniques within traditional forms as well as with traditional weapons native to Okinawa (Kobudo). We foster a collaborative environment where practitioners rigorously test and analyze these applications.
Traditional Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate for All Ages & Abilities
Whether you’ve never tried Karate or have trained for years, our dojo is the place for you.
Classes for Ages 4-6
This fun and meaningful class is specifically designed to help your child develop important social and physical skills such as active listening, following directions, sharing and taking turns, increased ability to focus, respect, inner discipline, confidence, balance, coordination and self-control.
Classes for Teens Ages 12-15
In this class, Teens will learn the building blocks of Karate and how to employ them for self-defense. Learning self-defense now will prepare students with a keen sense of awareness and skills needed to protect themselves in various situations, especially when they are away at college.
Classes for Adults 16 & Up
An immersive training experience to deepen your mastery of authentic Goju Ryu through traditional techniques, conditioning, kata, and partner practice. Learn authentic Goju Ryu directly from Sensei Kapel, a world class teacher and be part of supportive community.
Contact Us
Questions or want to sign up? Get in touch today to start your journey!