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East Coast Black Belt Academy/The Budokan
5 ★★★★★ 133 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Middle Island, New York
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
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes (ages 5–13) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's Karate classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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 ecbbacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 631-924-2900
Hours
| Monday | 3:30–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 3:30–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 3:30–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 3:30–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 4–6:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9–10 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son has been a student of Sensei Jerry’s for four years now, and I’m thrilled to say that I’ve joined him as a student myself.”
“We joined 2 1/2 years ago for self defense for our two children, and have gained so much more.”
“Highly recommend ECBBA to anyone considering martial arts, whether you’re a beginner or experienced!”
Other martial arts here
“We are very grateful for the karate and judo training, but most importantly, the life lessons and memories that will last a lifetime.”
“We joined 2 1/2 years ago for self defense for our two children, and have gained so much more.”
What students say
“Sensei Jerry is amazing and he has built a culture of acceptance, support and a family like atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to grow at their own pace.”
“Highly recommend ECBBA to anyone considering martial arts, whether you’re a beginner or experienced!”
“Sensei Jerry is amazing and he has built a culture of acceptance, support and a family like atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to grow at their own pace.”
“They are so welcoming and break down the techniques to help you understand.”
“Whether you’re a parent looking for a fun activity for your child that builds confidence and discipline or an adult looking for a new challenge, this is the place for you.”
“Having discovered East Coast Black Belt Academy and Shorin Ryu Karate has been both a privilege and a true blessing.”
From the reviews
This school has taught my 2 kids so much more than just Karate. They encourage kindness, good behavior, hard work, self confidence, and the value of community. We joined 2 1/2 years ago for self defense for our two children, and have gained so much more. Needless to say I highly recommend this school!
My daughter was struggling with her emotions, confidence, communication. She would have fits of rage because she didn’t know how to properly express herself. She wanted to go to Karate. We signed her up at ECBBA with Sensei Jerry Figgiani. We have a different child. She is so happy. We cannot keep her out of the Dojo.
The real deal 👊 I've been a journeyman martial artist since early childhood now mid 40's. I've had many teachers and studied in various systems on both sides of the country. Sensei Jerry is a teacher's teacher. I am very grateful to have found him.
My son has been going to East Coast Black Belt since he was 5 years old. He’s 12 now. The dojo is a second home to him. Jerry is a top notch sensei, instructor, mentor and everything in between!
New to Karate? Start at East Coast Black Belt Academy/The Budokan
East Coast Black Belt Academy/The Budokan comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or set foot in a dojo, 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 the sensei scales the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable dojos build fundamentals (stances, blocks, punches, and kicks) for weeks, and kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, with pads and control. Third, all levels and ages 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 dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first Karate class at East Coast Black Belt Academy/The Budokan
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.
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