Clifton Martial Arts Academy

Clifton Martial Arts Academy is a martial arts school in Clifton, New Jersey. It has been providing martial arts lessons for kids, teens and adults for over 10 years, and welcomes students of any age. Programs are grouped by age: Peewee for ages 4 to 6, a children's program for ages 6 and up, and an adult program for ages 14 and older. The Peewee program covers exercise, socialization and the fundamentals of the martial arts, while the children's program builds mind, body and skills. Adults train in a friendly and clean environment, with students encouraged to attend class two to three times a week to balance training with work or school. Classes do not need to be scheduled in advance; enrolled students pick and choose their classes independently. The school holds a rating of 4.70.

Chief instructor Jim Meghdir leads the academy, which opened in 2008. He began martial arts at age 6, earned his first degree black belt in karate in 1989 and his second in 1994, and won first place in several national open tournaments between 1993 and 1995, including the NY Open in 1994. He graduated from Penn State University in 2000, began studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at AMA Fight Club in 2011, earned his third degree black belt in NJMAA Taekwondo in 2013, and was awarded a blue belt in BJJ that same year. The school teaches not only how to punch and kick but also confidence, self-discipline and communication skills, setting goals and using positive reinforcement to help students do their best. Instruction emphasizes avoiding fights in the first place, with physical self-defense as a last resort. Anyone may observe a class, either by calling to schedule a visit or stopping by.

The academy is located on Bloomfield Avenue, about 0.2 miles from Clifton Fire Department Station 5, 0.3 miles from Chelsea Memorial Park, and 0.4 miles from the Allwood Branch Library. Allwood Circle and Allwood Road are each about 0.3 miles away.

The school holds a positive rating from the customers who have reviewed it.