About Mountain Martial Arts
We teach Goju Ryu Karate Do, an authentic fighting art from Okinawa, Japan, the birthplace of karate. Founded by renowned master Chojun Miyagi in the 1930s, this style has been preserved largely in its original form. Training at Mountain Martial Arts reflects the spirit, honor, and discipline passed down through generations, continuing karate’s proud tradition.
Goju Ryu, meaning hard and soft, is one of the five major styles of karate and remains deeply traditional. It blends open handed techniques and circular blocks with powerful punches and kicks, along with upper body grappling, joint locks, takedowns, sweeps, and throws. Influences from Chinese kung fu and other Okinawan martial arts add to the depth and uniqueness of the style.
Mark Kapel Sensei, Kyoshi ~ 8th Dan
Kapel Sensei is the owner and teacher of Mountain Martial Arts, established in 1998. He began training in Goju Ryu in 1981 on Staten Island and later shifted his focus to traditional Okinawa Goju Ryu, traveling 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, we are an official Shibu Dojo of the Okinawa Goju Ryu Kenkyu Kai under Masaji Taira Hanshi, Kapel Sensei continues to teach daily, host seminars and tournaments, and share his expertise in kata and bunkai both at his dojo and abroad.
Instructor, Senpai Billy Lester
Senpai Billy has been training at Mountain Martial Arts for over 12 years and holds a 3rd degree black belt in Goju Ryu. He has also trained in Okinawa, Japan, the birthplace of karate.