S.M.A. Shotokan Karate
About
S.M.A. Shotokan Karate offers both karate and MMA training in Newark, NJ, with programs designed for children and adults. The gym is led by Sensei Sha'Mark, who is praised for his deep understanding of martial arts and his ability to connect with students of all ages. Members highlight his patient, motivating coaching style, which balances toughness with encouragement to help students build confidence and reach their potential. The gym provides a supportive community where students learn not only self-defense and discipline but also core values like leadership and perseverance.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise Sensei Sha'Mark for his exceptional ability to connect with children, describing him as patient, motivating, and skilled at building confidence through fun, engaging classes. Parents note significant growth in their children's self-esteem and trust, with many following him from previous gyms due to his impactful coaching. Adult students highlight his professionalism, passion, and effectiveness in kickboxing training, achieving noticeable fitness results. Reviewers universally recommend the gym for its supportive community and the sensei's unique talent for teaching both martial arts and life skills.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Camila sanhueza
a month ago
I love this school my daughter started recently but I really liked the class method the sensei is too motivating with the children. By choosing it you would make a very good choice
Yanikae Hagler
10 months ago
Since day one Sensei Shamark has been kind, super patient, and incredibly skilled. What really stands out about him is how amazing he is with the little ones. He makes every class so fun and engaging. My daughter is excited to come to his class every week, and I love seeing how much her confidence has grown since starting karate. He’s truly one of a kind, and we couldn’t ask for a better sensei. He has become apart of our family, and we are so grateful for him. I highly recommend enrolling your children into his school.
Richard Balmir
10 months ago
Sensei Sha'Mark has a deep understanding of his craft in martial arts and even better, has a tremendous ability to connect with children. He does an excellent job of pushing them to tap into their potential to build their confidence with an amazing balance between toughness and love. We started with Sensei Sha'Mark at a franchise chain dojo and when he decided to start his own dojo it was an easy decision to follow him in that journey. I have a daughter that is extremely hard to connect with, hard to read and Sensei is one of the few people outside of her immediately family that has been able to get her to trust him and herself over the past 4 years she's been with him. I would easily recommend him for any child that is interested in martial arts and even more so recommend him for the child that isn't interested in martials or fearful of it as he will likely get that child to change their point of view as his has done with my own children. I can guarantee you won't regret it.
Jess Ica
11 months ago
Our girls have been training with Sensei for about 4 years. He has a way of engaging with kids of all ages from toddler to teen which is truly a gift. The kids are learning valuable skills about confidence, leadership and perseverance. Sensei focuses on teaching core values while the children learn discipline, self defense, and challenge self limiting beliefs. He is supportive of the kids on the mat while also encouraging them to thrive academically. We would recommend his class to anyone that is considering martial arts for their children of any age, not just to learn the art but to be a part of a supportive community.
Alexxiz Martin
8 months ago
Sensei Sh’Mark is very professional. I’ve been taking his adult kickboxing class for 3 months and I feel and look amazing!!! His words of motivation and dedication to help me reach my goals is out of this world. I never had a trainer who was so patient and passionate with their clients! I absolutely look forward to coming on Saturdays and Thursdays because I know there will be a new challenge goal he wants me to complete
Contact
32 Maiden Ln, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 1:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 1:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 1:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed