East Coast Martial Arts Institute of Toms River

We hope everyone had a great Spring Break! We are excited for an amazing week of Martial Arts. See everyone in class!

Due to the icy conditions we have a Revised Schedule for Wednesday & Thursday.

Wednesday 1/28 Schedule:
5:15-5:45 Dragons
5:45-6:30 White Belts & Above
6:30-7:15 Adults
7:15-8:00 DST

Thursday 1/29 Schedule:
4:30-5:15 White Belts & Above
5:15-5:45 We Can Too (Dragons)

Thank you for your understanding and stay safe!

We had a great time tonight with the Special Needs Ministry Teen/Young Adult Group at The Presbyterian Church of Toms River. Our We Can Too students did a fantastic job showing their friends front kicks, blocks, and punches. And everyone else that jumped in to give taekwondo a try did an excellent job with the moves we taught them - their kiyaps were impressive!!

Our pal “Bob” helped Monday’s self-defense class practice with (inert) pepper spray. Applying our skills is an important part of learning self-defense.

Did you know we also offer self-defense classes? Students learn a variety of tactics and skills, including situational awareness, getting free from a grip on your wrist or neck, and how to block an attack. Whether this is an add-on class to your existing martial arts schedule or it's your first time on the mat with us, let's talk about which self-defense class fits your schedule. Call or message us for more info.

The notebooks and pencils are starting to pop up in Back-to-School displays. Maybe you're not ready yet to stock up on school supplies (we don't blame you! Enjoy the summer!) BUT, do you know what else will help your child have a successful school year that you could start working on now? Developing skills like courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit. You can't find those in the seasonal aisle at Target, but your child can work on them by learning martial arts. In fact, these are the core tenets of taekwondo. (Let's schedule a trial class so you can learn more about it!)

We hope you had a great week off. Ready to stretch, kick, and kiyap? We are! Check out our updated class schedule. For some of you, a new belt rank means a new class time!

Looking to get started or interested in a trial class? Let's talk.

You know that the different color belts track your progress as you learn Taekwondo, but did you know they also tell a story?

⚪️ White belt represents the seed. It's your potential. When you begin taking classes, you're planting the seed.

🌞Yellow belt is the sun. Seeds require sunlight to grow. You've learned some stuff, and your hard work is showing.

🌱Green belt represents growth. That tiny seed has pushed new leaves above ground and is growing! You're no longer a beginner. You're now an intermediate rank, and you'll start sparring!

🔵 Blue belt represents the sky. Your hard work is paying off and that tiny seed you've planted is reaching higher.

🟤 Brown belt represents soil or the earth. Just like plants need strong roots to grow and be healthy, so do you. Your dedication and hard work are developing a solid root system.

‼️️️Red belt represents "Danger!" At this stage, you've learned the moves you'll need to know to earn your black belt, but you don't yet have the self-control required.

🥋Black belt is, of course, an expert. You have persevered and mastered the skills you've been taught. Of course, your journey isn't over yet. There are still degrees of blackbelt you can earn!

It's always important to have your water bottle in reach when you're exercising, especially on these hot and humid summer days! If you're working out enough to sweat (and even if you're not!), you should have your water bottle in reach to stay hydrated. Did you know being dehydrated can make it difficult for your body to regulate its temperature, raise your heart rate, and make you more tired during and after your workout? Whether taking a class with us or getting your activity in some other way, don't forget to hydrate!

Big congrats to all our students who achieved their next rank at testing at the end of June (those pictured here and others!) We can't wait to get to work on learning new skills!

Got questions about taekwondo? Wondering if it's the right for your child (or, for you? We do have adult classes!) Come to 708 Fischer Blvd, Toms River on September 7, between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm to find out! Our Open House will feature:
- Kid's self-defense seminar
- Advanced Martial Arts Demonstrations
- Martial Arts Kids Games
- Introductory Class for new students
- and more!