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Universal Martial Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 27 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Bloomfield, 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule universalmartialarts.net — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 973-429-2427
Hours
| Monday | 4–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 4–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 4–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I love this school my children have attended for 5 years and it's a great place for them , and a great place for my husband and I to get a great cardio workout too.”
“I did martial Arts through high school and college, but there came a point where I simply couldn't afford it.”
Other martial arts here
What students say
“By far the best is UMA, the best instructors and kids learn much more than martial arts.”
“The school has a warm and welcoming environment that makes everyone feel at home—whether you're a student, a kid, an adult, or even a parent watching from the sidelines.”
“Your kids will strengthen their character building skills while they have fun mastering Martial Art techniques.”
“Your kids family will love this school and instructors!”
“Master Damian is exceptional; he knows how to push you to be your best while also being incredibly understanding of individual needs and challenges.”
“This journey has not only helped me recover but also built my confidence and resilience.”
From the reviews
My daughter and I have been training here for close to two years, and it's been an incredible experience. The school has a warm and welcoming environment that makes everyone feel at home—whether you're a student, a kid, an adult, or even a parent watching from the sidelines.
Master Damian Harley is probably the most instructional and inspirational figure in the world of Martial Arts in all of Essex County. The impact he has had on my son in only 3 years is immeasurable.The lessons and discipline he has learned will stay with him for the rest of his life.
Training at UMA dojo has been an incredible experience! The classes are both satisfying and intense, pushing me to give my all and go beyond my limits. I love that we earn every belt through hard work and dedication.
Not only a great taekwondo technique training but a life training, values respect and discipline in a warm friendly environment, master Damian really knows how to prepare someone either in the dojo or in every day lifestyle.
New to taekwondo? Start at Universal Martial Arts
Universal Martial Arts comes up as a beginner-friendly school — noted on their own site. 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 Universal 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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