Golden Rule
Karate & Fitness
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A Premier Martial Arts School and Fitness Facility
Isshinryu Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Yoga, Kickboxing, Adult Gym
(908) 453-2129
About
Golden Rule Karate & Fitness School: Wellness for All Ages
Golden Rule Karate & Fitness, a premier martial arts and fitness school that has been providing martial arts instruction in Warren County since 1997 and is making waves in the community with its comprehensive offerings of Isshinryu karate, jiu-jitsu, yoga classes, and an adult gym.
A Tradition of Excellence in Martial Arts
Golden Rule Karate & Fitness takes pride in its robust martial arts programs, particularly its Isshinryu karate and jiu-jitsu classes. Isshinryu karate, known for its efficient and straightforward techniques, is taught by experienced instructors who are committed to preserving the art's traditional values while incorporating modern training methods. The jiu-jitsu program complements karate training, focusing on grappling and ground-fighting techniques that provide a well-rounded martial arts education.
Classes for All Ages
One of the standout features of Golden Rule Karate & Fitness is its inclusivity. The school offers karate classes for children as young as three years old, making it an ideal place for young learners to start their martial arts journey. These classes are designed to be fun and engaging, helping children develop essential skills such as coordination, balance, and concentration while instilling a sense of discipline and respect.
Adults and teens are not left out, as the school provides advanced karate and jiu-jitsu classes tailored to different skill levels. Whether a beginner looking to try something new or an experienced martial artist aiming to hone skills, Golden Rule Karate & Fitness has a class.
Embracing Wellness with Yoga
Understanding the importance of holistic wellness, Golden Rule Karate & Fitness also offers yoga classes. These sessions are designed to improve flexibility, strength, and mental clarity, making them an excellent complement to the more physically demanding martial arts classes. Yoga practitioners of all levels can benefit from the serene environment and expert guidance provided by the school's certified yoga instructors.
Adult Gym
For those who prefer a more traditional fitness regimen, Golden Rule Karate & Fitness boasts a fully equipped gym that is open to adults. Members can enjoy the flexibility of working out at any time that suits their schedule, whether it's early in the morning or late at night. The gym features a wide range of cardio and strength training equipment, ensuring that all fitness goals can be met.
Join the Golden Rule Karate & Fitness Family
Golden Rule Karate & Fitness is more than just a martial arts school; it is a community dedicated to the growth and well-being of its members. The school's philosophy is built on the principles of respect, discipline, and continuous improvement, values that are instilled in every student from the moment they walk through the doors.
Whether looking to start child's martial arts journey, improve own fitness, or find a new way to relax and rejuvenate through yoga, Golden Rule Karate & Fitness has something for everyone. With its comprehensive programs, experienced instructors, and welcoming environment, the school is the perfect place to embark on a path of physical fitness and personal growth.
Visit Golden Rule Karate & Fitness in Oxford, NJ and discover how martial arts and wellness can transform life. Drop by the facility to meet the team and see the classes in action. Join the Golden Rule Karate & Fitness family and start a journey towards a healthier, more disciplined, and be empowered.
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Sensei's Corner
Heroes
Young people have always had action heroes, and I was no different. When I started training in Isshinryu Karate my action heroes changed from those on television and in the movies to the adult Black Belts and some of the Brown Belts in the Dojo.
I was amazed by their martial arts abilities. Some of the skills they possessed I didn’t think could be real because before that I had only seen them on the screen. Their punches and kicks were faster than I imagined and more numerous than I could count. The quantity of pushups, jumping jacks and other warm-up exercises and the speed they were executed almost made it feel impossible to keep up. Kata and kumite were foreign concepts to me at the time that appeared to be something only the higher ranks could do well.
There were a few other kids approximately my age, but they were intermediate and Brown belts. They didn’t interact with me much except for sticking me with the occasional kick or punch. I guess that was their way of helping me along.
To this day I still feel fortunate that there was a core group of people that took the time to work with me and set the groundwork for what I am able to do today. One was an adult Ik-Kyu that took the time to explain to me why we were using the techniques the way we did. There were two Black Belts. Both were always fixing my basics and kata but one was always helping me with my kumite. She helped me to get off my fight line and stick people with kicks. One Black Belt would always spend extra time with me on the details. I was having trouble with my left side breakfalls as a teenager. Maybe he was just tired of seeing me fake the left side, so he stayed after class with me for over 45 minutes just working my left side.
Not one of these people were my Sensei at the time. This was all in addition and clarification of what Sensei was teaching. You may not be the owner of a Dojo, or even a chief instructor. That in no way dictates the positive impact you can have on a student, especially a new student. Put in your time and hone your skills. Share those skills when appropriate. Never forget that younger students will view you as a roll model. You may never know how many people you have positively influenced, but that’s okay because they will know.
Isshinryu Basics
By Sensei Kelly Cere
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Importance of the basics I have seen throughout my years of training so many schools no longer emphasize the basics. They focus more on kata and memorizing the moves instead of having good technique. Their students can go through the moves but lack the understanding of the technique and how it should be done. For example, they head block with their arm in the wrong position and their wrist bent or curled. If they actually had to block a wild punch coming at them, they would most likely hurt themselves instead of stopping the action. The reason, they continue to learn one kata after another making the same basic mistakes, that get carried on and on. Why? I believe that today dojos are more concerned with keeping students so they can pay their bills. So, they just keep students “moving through” their program and handing out promotion after promotion. Once the student learns the basics, they usually start the first kata, but I have seen dojos start teaching kata on the student’s first day, which to me is insane! This behavior just promotes the cycle of students having bad technique from one kata after another. I like to come up with creative ways to mask the repetition of doing basics. This way students hopefully don’t get bored doing the same thing repeatedly which we know is the key to developing muscle memory. At my dojo we start every class with basics. Here are a few examples of how to make basics more fun and challenging: 1. Upper body basics 1 - 4, do 4 reps stepping forward, then do 4 reps stepping backwards. 2. Upper body basics 5 - 10, do 4 reps stepping backwards, then do 4 reps going forward but add 2 more punches (block - punch - punch - punch - punch) 3. Lower body basics 4 - 7, set the kicking leg in front instead of back. 4. Combine upper and lower body basics together. For example: front kick with right left, set down in front, set hands on left side of belt, down block right, left reverse punch. 5. Work basics with a partner or on focus mitts. Be creative yourself and make the basics fun. Put more emphasis on them to get your students excited about doing them too!
Perishable Skills
By Sensei Paul Kilduff
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Many people start out in the martial arts. Some don’t make it past the first class while others train for many years. Some students may achieve into the brown belt ranks, and others will achieve into the black belt ranks. The reasons people stop training are as vast as the reasons people never quit. Many believe that people either quit or continue to train. However, there is a third gray area of martial artist out there among us. These are the self-proclaimed students. I’m not calling them self-proclaimed because they didn’t at one point earn their rank. No, I’m calling them self-proclaimed because they claim to be a martial artist, but don’t train on a regular basis and sometimes not at all. They may occasionally attend class or events and that’s great, but they rarely if ever participate. Why is this a problem? It’s a problem because your Martial Art skills like most other skills are perishable. Without constant practice and continued learning your skills become dull and a shadow of what they once may have been. You may confuse techniques in a kata and may loose the ability to properly demonstrate at full speed. Some martial artists haven’t realized it, but their art is a perishable skill that must be continuously renewed through practice and training. Experts in other skill-based fields recommends regular training time to both improve and maintain accuracy and the skills needed for proper task execution. Why do some people in the martial arts feel that we can somehow escape the natural order that affects every other skill-based task? Continue to practice and avoid the trap of complacency.
Small Minds and Plagiarism in the Martial Arts
In the years I’ve been training in the Martial Arts I’ve attended countless seminars and have visited many other Dojos from New Jersey to Hawaii. These for the most part have been great experiences and in every case learning something. Many times I will bring students with me. This is great for them, but also for everyone else because together we can remember more.
When I bring techniques back to the Dojo I always talk about where I have learned what I am teaching. I speak of the host Dojo and the instructor that taught the technique or drill we brought back. In many cases you can see the interest on the students face, and many times students will ask how they can also attend the next outing.
Unfortunately today there are many instructors that discourage students from attending seminars with or without them. Some may not want the student to see better techniques because the instructor has slacked off in their training, and other times it could be that the instructor wants to bring the techniques back as their own. Neither should be acceptable from any instructor. I personally value everything I have learned over the years of training and always mention the person I learned it from when teaching it to my students.
Teaching seminars is not for everyone. The amount of time and thought that goes into a well organized seminar should not be taken lightly. Therefore when repeating and teaching what you have learned also give the credit that is due. You will feel better about yourself and will earn some actual respect.