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Elite Child Development Academy
4.8 ★★★★★ 227 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Paterson, New Jersey
Plan your first class
- 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 3–14) — 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule elitebba.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (973) 791-6481
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–1:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Under their guidance, our children have developed not only impressive physical skills, but also valuable life lessons in confidence, discipline, and perseverance.”
“The classes are well-structured and cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.”
“Without a doubt she wanted to become a little ninja just like her friend and with no hesitation we enrolled her and has been attending all her classes since.”
“They offer one on one session to evaluate the child before placing him or her in the proper class level.”
Other martial arts here
“I am thrilled to recommend Elite Child Development's Taekwondo program to anyone looking for a top-notch martial arts training experience for their child.”
What students say
“The atmosphere at Elite Child Development is warm and welcoming, making it easy for kids to feel comfortable and motivated to learn.”
“The atmosphere at Elite Child Development is warm and welcoming, making it easy for kids to feel comfortable and motivated to learn.”
“My daughter fell in love with her teachers and classmate immediately as it’s a great environment to work and cheer for one another.”
“My daughter fell in love with her teachers and classmate immediately as it’s a great environment to work and cheer for one another.”
“Under their guidance, our children have developed not only impressive physical skills, but also valuable life lessons in confidence, discipline, and perseverance.”
From the reviews
This is an awesome martial arts school. All teachers / masters and their assistants are polite, responsive, supportive, knowledgeable, and most importantly professional. They know how to involve kids into activities and keep their attention.
I am thrilled to recommend Elite Child Development's Taekwondo program to anyone looking for a top-notch martial arts training experience for their child. From the moment we walked in, we were impressed by the professionalism and expertise of Miss Jay, Master Tarek, and the entire team.
Update 10/11/2025: so my daughter has been going here for a while now. There have been so many changes and all for the better! She's gotten her yellow belt ! Her attitude in general has improved! She's more confident in school and more outgoing than before.
The absolute best! My 6 year old has improved not only physically, but his focus and discipline as well. They teach kids respect and courage. Of course he is much more physically fit now too. The instructors really care about the students. The small class size with multiple instructors is my favorite part.
New to Karate? Start at Elite Child Development Academy
Elite Child Development Academy 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 Elite Child Development Academy
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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