Welcome to The Karate Dojo offering Martial arts in Jackson, New Jersey
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Testimonials
Feb. 3, 2012
Dear Master Alders,
I want to thank ALL of you for your sincere professionalism
With all the students attending your school.
My grandson has been at other schools and the belts where handing out
Like a "belt mill" to the children. I do not know what it takes to get from one belt to the next,however your school seems to make sure the children know what they have learned to advance.
I have sat in on the classes there and at your school as well and I am
impressed on how you teach.
You all treat each student with respect and recieve the same from them
And I feel that is so important in todays world.
My grandson has built up a strong sense of self confidence and I think
Has become more comfortable with who he is, and I give you all credit for helping him to gain those strengths.
The sense of family is so important and is just another quality you
All posess.
Again thank you for all you do.
--Nancy Fish
Cole Miller Testimonial
Dear Master Alders,
Just a quick note to let you know how invaluable we find
the curriculum DVDs. They have helped Jordan and Justin
tremendously throughout the beginner and intermediate
programs. The DVDs cover all the details the kids may
forget when class is over. It is like having a private
lesson in our home. It has also helped us, as parents,
to get involved with our children and help them when
they practice.
When it comes to stripe testing, I don't know what we
would do without them. Jordan and Justin have gotten
mostly B+ and A's on their stripe tests. We are so
proud of what they have accomplished. We have purchased
the Beginner and Intermediate DVDs, and just recently
bought the Advanced DVD as Jordan and Justin will be
starting the advanced class on Monday.
We are so grateful that you have taken the time to put
these together. The DVDs have made our children better
karate students and will only benefit them on their
quest to become black belts. Thank you again!
Warmest Regards,
Lynne and
Mario Linale
WOW !!!!!!! AMBER HAS BEEN WITH YOU SINCE SHE WAS FIVE
YEARS OLD. I TRUSTED MY DAUGHTER WITH YOU , WHICH MEANS
TO ME YOUR FAMILY AND WE LOVE U GUYS. THE BLACK BELT
JOURNEY WAS SOMETHING ALL OF US .WE WILL NEVER FORGET
FOR THE REST OF OUR LIVES . I WAS SO EMOTIONAL YESTERDAY
MY EYES ARE KILLING ME LOL LOL. WHEN U TIED THAT BLACK
BELT AROUND HER WAIST , I SAW THIS GLOW IN HER EYE AND
AN ACCOMPLISHMENT NO ONE CAN EVER TAKE AWAY FROM HER .
YOU ARE AN AMAZING PERSON WITH AN AMAZING SCHOOL. AMBER
WANTS TO CONTINUE WITH KARATE WHICH I HAD NO DOUBT. I
HAVE SO MUCH TO SAY BUT STILL AM VERY OVERWHELMED....
THE MAIN REASON FOR WRITING IS TO SAY THANK YOU ONCE
AGAIN FOR GIVING AMBER THE TOOLS FOR BEING AN AMAZING
BLACK BELT.......
SEE U NEXT WEEK
LOVE TO YOUR FAMILY
MICHELE
Master Eric,
I have no words to tell you how much I
appreciate you and your staff.
You really are everything that We were
praying to God for ours affiliations to be.
Thank you and it would be my honor to
have you as my black belt one day.
God bless you.
Ricardo
Liborio
December 1, 2010
Dear Mr. Alders,
I would like to thank you on behalf of the entire Switlik
School community for your generous donation of the
Thanksgiving baskets. All of the families that received the
baskets expressed true gratitude for your thoughtfulness and
our staff that delivered them enjoyed being part of your
effort.
Frances Moore Lappe once said, “The outrage of hunger amidst
plenty will never be solved by “experts” somewhere. It will
only be solved when people like you and me decide to act.”
Thank you for taking on such an ambitious endeavor and
making a difference for so many families here in Jackson.
Please contact our school next year when you are planning
your basket drive so we can donate needed items to help you
reach even more families.
Sincerely,
Tina Topoleski
Assistant Principal
Testimonials for Cage Fitness
“I really liked it, it was intense and it
made me feel good about myself.”
- Abigail Lee
“Intense, I worked my cardio hard!”
– Bill Simmons.
“The class was really good. I enjoyed it a lot. It wasn’t
too long and I got a great workout in. I feel much more
tired and sweaty then I did with Cardio Kickboxing.”
– Jen Sobin.
“I thought it was awesome.”
– Carrieann Domanico
“Incredible! I feel like I worked out every part of my body!
I like how intense each round is.” – Suzanne Carbone
“Excellent! I love the intensity and the move at your own
pace layout. It’s great that you can make the class as
intense as you want. I love the Ground and Pound section and
lifting and tossing the Cage Bag around, it was an
empowering feeling.”
– Dan Chandler
“Great workout, the combinations were intense.”
– Donna Langel
Featured Testimonials
Master
Alders:
Hello. I wanted to share a few experiences we've had with
Davey over the last few weeks. We're so proud of him and I
think you will be too.
He's been to 3 birthday parties in the last two weeks and at
each one he walked up to the father, looked him in the eye,
gave a firm handshake and said 'Thank You for inviting me.
I had fun." Two of the parties were people he knows but one
was a girl from his class so the father was a complete
stranger (and over 6' tall and very imposing!). He also
shook hands with the other men around the father and made
excellent, confident eye contact. He did all this as if it
was the expected thing to do... not something special he
should be rewarded for doing. He's always been more at ease
with mothers and his increasing confidence with fathers was
fantastic.
Today we were at a party at a batting cage facility. Davey
noticed a little boy standing by his father and looking
sad. All the other kids were sitting at a long table eating
pizza. Davey didn't know the boy. He asked me if maybe the
boy was lonely and I said I didn't know, but maybe. Davey
got up, went to the boy and his father and said "You can
come sit with me if you want. Especially, if you're
lonely" then looked the dad in the eye and said "I've been
to parties where I felt lonely and I don't want him to be
sad." The father explained to Davey that his son was very
shy and Davey told him that he'd save a seat in case he
changed his mind. Then, shook the Dad's hand. I think he
likes shaking hands. :)
I think he feels inspired by his progress... You and the
Dojo are to thank. As a parent, to see your child grow and
do good, it's just exhilarating.
See you Monday!
-Jennifer Lerch
Thank you for the encouragement, it is greatly appreciated.
Mr Chandler is awesome, and Im glad the I signed up for the
program. Hopefully sometime over the winter I will be able
to complete the work-outs provided. I am highly motivated
and looking forward to making progress.
I also want to take a second to let you know that you have
been instrumental in my sons progress, and my family thanks
you tremendously for that. Please keep it up, thanks again!
-Richard Gardella
Master Alders,
Just wanted to pass some good news along. Raven has his
pre-school graduation today from Crawford. You may not know
but Raven has been attending the special education program
in Jackson since he was three years old. Getting on the bus
at that age, going to school five days a week and also
attending summer school.
He is now five and
was dismissed from the program. He will be attending regular
kindergarten in the fall. We are all so proud
of him. He has worked very hard these past few years.
At my last meeting with Raven's teacher, she told me that
she has noticed a big difference in his emotional well being
and his confidence since starting karate.
Thanks so much to you and your staff for helping him build
his confidence. This was a big concern for us and his
teacher. Raven is now ready to move on to his next journey!
In September Nicholas participated in the walk – Big Steps for Little Feet, to raise money for Monmouth Medical’s NICU. We asked all the parents to bring in pictures of their miracle babies.
Through the years we have stayed close with the doctors and nurses on staff, thus Nicholas was the oldest preemie to participate in the walk. Being on the committee, one of the nurses asked that we use some pictures of Nicholas now, to give the current preemies parents hope. Matt and I had a difficult time with that. We didn’t know how to show hope, without showing the 3 years of daily therapy classes or trips to the doctor all over the state or without showing Nicholas’s twin. It is something that was not easy and we both felt that showing pictures of now without telling the story of how he got here might not be fair portrayal.
But after some time we realized that showing them our miracle, might allow them to get through those darkest of days in the NICU. So we thought rather then us show Nicholas – as I am proud of the fact that he can breathe or that he can walk with one foot in front of the other, we deiced to let Nicholas chose. So we asked Nicholas to go through the 1000’s of pictures and chose 2 that he thought gave people hope that one day they could be happy like him.
Well this morning I got the word that the video was posted online. It is a 20 minute video, but only the first 4 pictures of our Nicholas. I haven’t not seen the pictures until today, as I wanted to be surprised by what Nicholas would chose that makes him the happiest (of course secretly I had hoped it would be a picture of me and him or maybe a picture of our entire family) and will give other families hope for their future.I just wanted you to know that he chose a picture of you and him in class.
“Thank you so very much for doing such a great job with the children, Cole absolutely loves coming to class, and he looks foreword to seeing you each visit, keep up the Great Work.”
I hated to work out I had no motivation. That all changed when I started the cardio kick boxing class. Now I look forward to it and cant seem to get enough.
When I started I was nervous, I never tried a kick boxing class before and had no clue what to expect. Master Alders is a great motivator and an amazing teacher. Everyone in the class is at different levels of ability and he takes time with everyone to help with there individual needs.
Every class I improve physically and mentally building my inner and outer strength.I feel like a new more confident person. I also cant help but notice how much better my clothes are fitting.Class is so much fun you don't even realize that your working out but you'll notice the results.
Thank you so much for making Madison feel like such a wonderful part of the KD family. Just last week she brought home a picture that she illustrated in school of what she wanted to be when she grows up…it was the cutest picture of a Karate teacher. If I remember I’ll bring it with me to class to show you. She truly loves learning and has an immense amount of respect for you as her role model.
“I am so glad that we found your Dojo!!” There is no comparison to the other “places” we checked out, we both love it!”
Debbie & Barbara-Gene Garrell
“I just wanted to let you know that having the kids in your Dojo has been very rewarding for them and us. They have changed so much and keep on getting better!!! This experience is just amazing! Watching them in class and at home is such a reward, Thank you Master Alders!!!”
I have had the honor and privilege of knowing Master Eric Alders both personally and professionally for over 10 years now. His impeccable talent and attention to detail in karate is of the utmost caliber.
Personally, Master Alders is forthcoming, gracious and dedicated to his art, which makes him such a strong presence both inside and outside of the dojo. Master Alders has an incredible ability to make everyone in his presence feel welcomed, respected and wanted.
As a child therapist, I have worked with many children and feel comfortable saying that Master Alders has a true gift for working with children. He is friendly, charismatic and wonderful, yet, a faultless disciplinarian, providing his students with strength, determination, respect and someone to truly admire. I have seen many of his students grow into mature adults, with much success under their belts. Their success is highly attributed to the guidance and support of Master Alders.
It is with great respect and admiration that I strongly recommend children and adults to have the pleasure of being taught by one of the greatest marital artists and individuals in New Jersey!
I was initially hesitant when enrolling our 4 1/2 year old into a karate program wondering if it would be too much for such a little boy to manage.
After the past 2 months we have watched our son and the others in his class develop confidence and increased skills along with an increased desire to learn. Master Alders is not only a kind and patient teacher but he is also a strong role model in what is expected and what will be accepted. The kids know that Master Alders means business, but he can also laugh and be silly with them. The Karate Dojo has been nothing but a positive experience for our little boy!
My family and I would like to thank you for a lovely evening on Sunday. We truly enjoyed watching the demo and dining with your wonderful family. We are looking forward to the next event!
P.S.- My husband and I see such a big difference in Anthony. You are building his confidence every time he sees you. You are his mentor and we could not have asked for a better one!
“I joined Masters Alders’ school along with my teenage son during pre-registration before the doors to the school even opened. Having looked at several schools in the area and interviewed with numerous instructors, the decision for me was very easy following my first meeting with Master Alders. For my son I didn’t want this to be something that you go to and collect belts, like a coin collection and then lose interest. My son is a fine young man who knows wrong from right based on a long line of strong family values. The pressures out there today along with the dangers are great. The strength in mind and body is what is needed to “do” right and not just “know” right. Master Alders is dedicated to the true meaning of the martial arts along with a lifelong commitment to it. It is so clear two minutes into a conversation with him.
For myself, being over forty and battling high blood pressure and anxiety for several years this has been very helpful. My routine checks have showed a steady decrease in blood pressure. My doctor is for the first time talking about my coming off the medication eventually. My weight is down, my energy up and overall I just feel good. In regards to the “father and son”…….it has been so much more than just tossing a ball or watching from the sidelines. Lead by example. I would highly recommend any parent to do this with their child.
My son and I are extremely happy being part of this school and belonging to something very special in the family that Master Alders is creating.”
We are so happy with our decision to have our daughter join The Karate Dojo. Master Alders does a super job working with the children and has a very positive way of encouraging them to rise to their fullest potential. We have been especially pleased how Master Alders stresses safety first & takes the time to make everyone feel welcome that enters his Dojo.
I have seen many studios and health clubs, but never one that is quite like "The Karate Dojo". Very professional, caring, understanding, family oriented where the Master himself works out side by side with his students. I am an adult student in the Cardio Kickboxing Program, who was extremely nervous about joining The Karate Dojo. Master Eric Alders is very unique. He made me feel very comfortable, relaxed, and worked with me to correct my technique. I absolutely enjoy Cardio Kickboxing. My stress level has gone down, I have lost inches, I have more energy, and I feel great. Thank You The Karate Dojo!
I had originally signed up for karate because I wanted to learn how to defend myself. I was hesitant at first because I have had bad back problems in the past but I decided to go for it anyway. Awkwardness during the first few classes quickly gave way to fun, excitement and has further evolved into strength and confidence that I never knew I had. Staying in shape and keeping healthy has now become a way a life so that my performance will continue to improve as I get closer and closer to earning my Black Belt.
But aside from the personal benefits we come together as a Dojo on many occasions to help out the community. Together we have given to causes such as the Red Cross Blood Drives, Food Drives, raising money for ST. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, feeding over 200 families for Thanksgiving with our “Thanksgiving Basket Brigade” and many more.
What has surprised me most is the true family atmosphere. Most of the adults in my class signed up because their children are students and many that don’t choose to join martial arts I see in the Cardio Kickboxing class. You are always greeted with a smile and a handshake and treated with the utmost respect.
In less then two years I have managed to become an instructor myself, teaching MMA in our new American Top Team Program. I have found a passion for teaching that I never knew I had. I can feel myself becoming an all around better and stronger person. That is more addicting then anything else and is what keeps me coming back for more!
When I was 4 years old my Mom and Dad signed me up for karate lessons. I was Master Alders’ first student in his brand new dojo, right near my house. I was a little nervous when I walked in, but because Master Alders talked with me, I became a Little Ninja, Wow! I have learned so much in three years like being respectful to my fellow students and the adults, how to focus better and how to balance myself, which was really a problem in the beginning. I just achieved my solid Blue belt and I can’t believe it. All along the way I never felt like people thought I was stupid or clumsy. I always felt that I was part of a group. It’s cool and Master Alders is cool too.
My mom always says that she feels this Dojo is more like a family then a business. I feel that too. I’ve made some good friends and we go with the Dojo on trips like family picnics, beach parties and we have anniversary parties. Sometimes we even get to help our community like during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
I’m glad that Mom and Dad took me to The Karate Dojo. I feel better about myself. I feel good around kids my age. I am not as shy as I was before and if I ever needed to, I know I could protect my Mom and myself better. Now that’s way cool!
I would like to first thank Master Alders for helping me become a better person. I came to The Karate Dojo to change my life and my outlook of who I am and it was being at the Dojo that has helped me so much. I feel that I have a purpose besides work and paying bills, like all Americans. I am 41 and I feel like I am 29, my energy is so high and my confidence is too. About 10 years ago I was drinking and doing drugs, I don’t miss that and I have a new high in martial arts. I have learned a lot of new ideals and how to turn negatives into positives. I try to influence others into doing positive things as best I can. Sometimes work and life in general get in the way of my training and life becomes difficult without the release of my martial arts training. But I pick myself back up and get back on the mat ASAP because the Dojo has taught me Perseverance! Thank you to all of my instructors.
Even for the people, such as myself, who are hesitant to start taking MMA classes, after my first class my fellow students and instructors welcomed me into their family. Now I look forward to each and every class! Again, thank you for making this transition into your school a fun and easy one. I am totally digging the classes so far. Everyone in class, instructors and students, have been extremely helpful in teaching me in the short time I have been there so far. I do plan on learning more along the way and actually look forward on going to class each week. Again, thank you for making this transition into your school a fun and easy one.
I am interested in writing or adding some interesting testimonial concerning courage to take on a new challenge in life. I am very comfortable speaking to a large audience on my life work of public speaking, language skills and speech therapy along with sign language, and brain based learning. I have taught in college, public school and maintained a private practice for over 30 years. My son , Eric McLoughlin, earned his black belt along with his friend Master Eric Alders many years ago. I knew what the karate training meant to him and to my other son , Neal .
My husband , Dr. Ron Rykiel , was also interested in studying karate because he had seen how much it helped my sons grow up and take on challenges in life. Ron enrolled his grandson in karate. Then he enrolled us into karate. He is 68 years young. I am 60 years young.
I first learned in our dojo that small steps will be needed in this journey. I was not going to speed things up. I would have to face my own fears of physical challenge and take small steps. You might think by what I have accomplished in life that I have nothing to be afraid of and that would be incorrect. Many women my age are afraid to conquer the idea they are too old to learn the martial arts. It is not true. Small steps lead to bigger paths and more confidence in a different way. Body and mind with attitude bridge the fear that older women cannot learn how to defend themselves and have the strength to help themselves.
Small steps lead to the journey.. I have been learning that in a new way at our dojo with Master Eric Alders. It is a process I am not going to speed up and I have to take little steps to make the trip.
Two and a half years ago we decided to enroll our 6 year old son as a student at The Karate Dojo after meeting Master Eric Alders prior to the Dojo’s opening. Upon meeting Master Alders, we were very impressed with his vision of what the Karate Dojo would become. Master Alders spoke of discipline, commitment and living the life of a martial artist. He spoke of the creating the Dojo family and Dojo community. He went into detail about community involvement, charitable works, picnics, beach parties and more. I remember thinking “Wow, if this man can pull this off, this place would be special”
A month or so later we were on hand for our son Michael’s first class. After watching Master Alders with the kids for 5 minutes, I was convinced he would make his vision a reality. I was
equally impressed with Master Alders’ teaching of the adult classes and two months later enrolled myself as a student. As a member of the Dojo family I can proudly say that Master Alders and family have realized their vision and more.
While initially looking for a winter sport for our son we have found so much more. Since the opening we have met so many families we would not have known. Many have become our closest friends and we truly have become the Dojo family Eric Alders spoke of in our first meeting. We have come together as a group to clothe and feed the needy, we have raised money for The St. Jude Children’s Hospital, re-stocked the Jackson Food Pantry and provided Thanksgiving Dinner to over 200 local families including our military.
And oh by the way we are also receiving the greatest Martial Arts training available. The training is serious but fun. The path to Black Belt is a lengthy journey to be taken seriously and every bit of effort is rewarded many times over. The lessons learned on the mat extend to everyday life for both child and adult.
As a family we are proud to be part of the Karate Dojo Family.
It's been a great year and I look forward to continuing my training. My initial goal was to get fit, which I'm still working on, but I had a hard time doing 10 push-ups when I started and can now do 50+ straight. My goal now is to become a black belt and a representative of the school that you can be proud of.
I am very proud to be part of The Karate Dojo family and one of your students. The school has a great group of individuals that I now consider friends.
Thanks for everything!
Patrick Gallagher
Dear Master Alders,
Just a quick note to let you know how invaluable we find
the curriculum DVDs. They have helped Jordan and Justin
tremendously throughout the beginner and intermediate
programs. The DVDs cover all the details the kids may
forget when class is over. It is like having a private
lesson in our home. It has also helped us, as parents, to
get involved with our children and help them when they
practice.
When it comes to stripe testing, I don't know what we would
do without them. Jordan and Justin have gotten mostly B+
and A's on their stripe tests. We are so proud of what they
have accomplished. We have purchased the Beginner and
Intermediate DVDs, and just recently bought the Advanced DVD
as Jordan and Justin will be starting the advanced class on
Monday.
We are so grateful that you have taken the time to put these
together. The DVDs have made our children better karate
students and will only benefit them on their quest to become
black belts. Thank you again!
Warmest Regards,
Lynne and Mario
Linale
(in reference to
The Karate Dojo DVD Curriculum Series as featured on our
home page www.tkdojo.com
)
Congratulations!
Sorry we could not attend. this is well deserved for
all you and the Dojo Families have accomplished for those
less fortunate in and around our community. We
cannot be more happy in deciding to join your dojo.
Ian is learning so much more than Karate, we are very
pleased with how he has developed and matured in his first
year as a student in The Karate Dojo
