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Ascent Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 19 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Madison, New Jersey
Affiliated school — reviews and the school's own info point to a recognized taekwondo organization or franchise (think ATA Martial Arts, Kukkiwon certification, World Taekwondo, or ITF). If credentials matter to you, ask which association the school belongs to and where the head instructor earned their black-belt (dan) rank and certification.
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most schools welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Kids & teens classes kids and teens taekwondo classes (ages 5–15) — built around discipline, focus, confidence, and anti-bully skills
- Beginner-friendly all ages and levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Sparring sparring classes, from Olympic-style to point sparring — controlled, gear-on training that builds timing and confidence at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule ascentma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (973) 377-6575
Hours
| Monday | 3–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 3–6:30 PM |
| Thursday | 3–8 PM |
| Friday | 3–6:30 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I recently had the chance to observe most of my son's class and could not have been more satisfied that we chose Master O'Connor's program for him.”
“I participated in a number of CQC, self defense classes.”
Other martial arts here
“I participated in a number of CQC, self defense classes.”
What students say
“Master O'Connor is an amazing talented teacher who has managed to pass down traditional teachings and techniques to his students.”
“I have trained here for the past (almost) eight years under Master O'Connor and it is safe to say that the school and the people in it are like family now.”
“Master O’Connor communicates expectations realizing there are multiple learning styles and multiple learning techniques utilized for different types of kids.”
“As a parent you want to help your child feel competent and confident, and develop a sense of passion and purpose.”
“Master O’Connor communicates expectations realizing there are multiple learning styles and multiple learning techniques utilized for different types of kids.”
“They have become strong and skilled physically, and further, their training here has developed their self-confidence, respectful attitudes, discipline, and perseverance.”
From the reviews
Phenomenal teacher, fantastic school; Ascent Martial Arts is the best. Our 3 kids started training under Master O'Connor about 12 years ago. They have become strong and skilled physically, and further, their training here has developed their self-confidence, respectful attitudes, discipline, and perseverance.
I have trained here for the past (almost) eight years under Master O'Connor and it is safe to say that the school and the people in it are like family now. I have learned so much, both for my mind and body.
We have had our kids at Ascent Tae Kwon Do for close to nine years and it has been a spectacular experience. As a parent you want to help your child feel competent and confident, and develop a sense of passion and purpose. Ascent has proven to provide a great atmosphere for that development to occur.
Great school. A great environment for both children and adults. You can tell the Instructor takes great pride in teaching his students.
New to taekwondo? Start at Ascent Martial Arts
Ascent Martial Arts comes up as a beginner-friendly school, going by their listing and students’ reviews. If you've never trained or set foot in a dojang, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and instructors scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable schools build fundamentals (stances, blocks, kicks, and basic forms) for weeks, sparring eases in gradually and with gear on, and instructors keep it controlled and safe. Third, all ages and all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most schools are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first taekwondo class at Ascent Martial Arts
Nervous about walking into a taekwondo school for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good instructors expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic stances, blocks, and kicks with a partner or on pads — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: loose athletic wear you can move in (or a dobok if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the floor. What to bring: water and a positive attitude — many schools lend a loaner dobok for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll get your own dobok and belt, and sparring gear (mouthguard, headgear, and guards) once you begin sparring. Sparring eases in gradually, once your fundamentals and forms are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the instructor. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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