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Institute of Defensive Methods
5 ★★★★★ 19 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in North Arlington, 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
- Kids & teens classes kids and teens taekwondo classes — 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
- Competition & demo team a competition and demonstration team for students who want to test themselves at tournaments and events
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule idmnj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 201-955-8025
Hours
| Monday | 11 am–9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 11 am–9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 11 am–9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 11 am–9:30 pm |
| Friday | 11 am–12 am |
| Saturday | 12 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I promise that you and your children will reap life long benefits as I and my family have.”
“If you want to be the best martial artist possible or at least learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones this is the place to be.”
Other martial arts here
“Sifu Ceasar's ability to bridge traditional martial arts with practical self-defense applications is incredibly impressive.”
What students say
“The supportive community at the Institute fosters an atmosphere of respect and camaraderie, allowing students to thrive and learn from one another.”
“He emphasizes that through self-expression we can interpret our art using the defense techniques from different lineages.”
“He’s also had many successful students bring home gold medals from taekwondo tournaments over the 30+ years he’s been teaching.”
“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I am thrilled to share my experience at the Institute of Defensive Méthode, where I’ve had the privilege of training under Grand Master Sifu Ceasar Olavarria.”
“Each class is structured to progressively build skills and confidence, making it an ideal environment for both beginners and experienced martial artists.”
From the reviews
My full and honest review is too long to write here. Anyone geographically close enough to join and train with Sifu Olavarria should run there before his new location fills up! I started training with him and his highly skilled instructors back in 2006, as a police officer. It truly changed and saved my career!
My journey in Wingchun began one year ago with Sifu Cesar. He is a highly skilled and inspiring instructor. It is no secret he is passionate and knowledgeable about the essential principles and underlying philosophy of Wingchun.
Great place to learn and understand the real origins of Wing Chung. There is team unity and respect among the Sifu and the students. Great place for kids as well. In only the few weeks I’ve been going I have a sense of belonging
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I am thrilled to share my experience at the Institute of Defensive Méthode, where I’ve had the privilege of training under Grand Master Sifu Ceasar Olavarria.
New to taekwondo? Start at Institute of Defensive Methods
Institute of Defensive Methods 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 Institute of Defensive Methods
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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site