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Duncan Martial Arts

4.9 ★★★★★ 68 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Union, New Jersey

Free trial Affiliated Kids & teens Private lessons Weapons / kobudo

Affiliated dojo — reviews and the dojo's own info point to a recognized Karate style organization or franchise (think Shotokan/JKA, Kyokushin, Goju-Ryu, Isshinryu, Tiger Schulmann's or Villari's). If lineage matters to you, ask which style and organization the dojo belongs to, and under whom the head sensei earned their black belt.

Plan your first class

  • Free trial / intro class most dojos welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Private lessons private, one-on-one instruction available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
  • Weapons / kobudo traditional weapons (kobudo) classes — kata with the bo, sai, and nunchaku, taught with control and discipline
  • Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule duncanmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (908) 349-8619

Hours

Monday 4–10 PM
Tuesday 4–10 PM
Wednesday 4–10 PM
Thursday 4–10 PM
Friday 4–10 PM
Saturday 9 AM–2 PM
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, belt tests, and seminars — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Karate classes on the schedule at Duncan Martial Arts, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 11 mentions

“The weapons training and situation based training will prepare you or your children for the types of things that happen when you can’t run away.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

⚔️ Weapons (Kobudo)

“The weapons training and situation based training will prepare you or your children for the types of things that happen when you can’t run away.”

All dojos that run weapons (kobudo) →

Teens

“Wether child, teen, or adult, everyone can grow and develop.”

All dojos that run teens →

👤 Private Lessons 2 mentions

“I travel at least 45 minutes to attend both private sessions and the adult program.”

All dojos that run private lessons →

🛡️ Self-Defense 7 mentions

“Not only is the self defense taught there complete in ever combative aspect but also taught in such a way that is practical to students of all ages and athletic ability.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

🥋 Adult Karate

“I travel at least 45 minutes to attend both private sessions and the adult program.”

All dojos that run adult karate →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Duncan Martial Arts — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Jiu-Jitsu

“Duncan martial arts Union nj is the GREATEST place you can ever come to learn new skills like weapons, self defense, jiu jitsu and tai jitsu.”

Other dojos that also teach jiu-jitsu →

🛡️ Self-Defense 6 mentions

“Not only is the self defense taught there complete in ever combative aspect but also taught in such a way that is practical to students of all ages and athletic ability.”

Other dojos that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what students have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, or kickboxing alongside your Karate, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 68 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 9 mentions

“Hanshi Duncan's team of Black Belt instructors further enhances the learning experience, providing skilled, patient, and dedicated guidance to every student.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“Very welcoming, patient and willing to help beginners so they can become advanced.”

friendly, respectful dojo 11 mentions

“Duncan Martial arts is crafted by family and it most certainly embraces you as family.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 6 mentions

“Techniques that are modernized that are meant to really protect you from an assault and with the skills that will make sure you survive.”

traditional style & affiliation 2 mentions

“Hanshi has the deep understanding, passion and proficiency in the martial arts which comes from years of mastery and lineage.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 11 mentions

“I would definitely recommend Duncan Martial Arts for any parent looking for their child or children to learn karate and discipline.”

From the reviews

Started my son when he was 3 years old. He's now 4. I love the fact that he's learning new skills and discipline. Sensei (Mr. Duncan) is patient and very knowing. I love the fact that he expects his students to try their hardest. I've seen a lot of growth in my son in these few short months.

★★★★★ — Hatsheput, Feb 2021

I am very fortunate to be studying at Duncan Martial Arts under Hanshi Gregory Duncan. Hanshi Gregory Duncan is the embodiment of a highly skilled and advanced martial artist and instructor. He is excellent at transmitting his expertise and building positive character.

★★★★★ — Edwin, Mar 2025

Duncan Martial Arts is school where you can go to truly learn. Hanshi Duncan is a patient and true teacher. He knows how to work with his students strengths, and develop any weak points into strong points. The students are taught respect, and to respect each other.

★★★★★ — Andrew, Feb 2021

So grateful to be part of the Duncan Martial Arts Family. Hanshi Duncan is an amazing teacher/mentor. I have been part of the school for over 10 years and couldn't see myself anywhere else. For anyone who wants to start self defense training and thinks they might be too old, they should come here (I know!!).

★★★★★ — Elizabeth, Apr 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 68 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Duncan Martial Arts

Nervous about walking into a Karate dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and a good sensei expects 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, punches, and kicks — not hard sparring. Step to the side whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot. What to bring: water, and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi and the belt your dojo awards you. Kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Karate is a contact sport. Ease in, train within your limits, listen to your instructors, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Duncan Martial Arts

627 Chestnut St, Union, NJ07083

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this dojo? Claim your listing — it's free.