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Isshinryu Karate of Madison and Bernardsville

4.4 ★★★★☆ 7 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Madison, New Jersey

Part of Isshinryu Karate

Karate dojo Affiliated Kids & teens

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

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • 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 isshinryukarate.net — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 973-236-9100

Hours

Monday 3:30–8:30 pm
Tuesday 3:30–8:30 pm
Wednesday 9–10 am, 3:30–8:30 pm
Thursday 3:30–8:30 pm
Friday 9–10 am
Saturday 9 am–12 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 Isshinryu Karate of Madison and Bernardsville, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 2 mentions

“This dojo is great for children and adults of all ages and is a warm family environment.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“I would reccomend this school to anyone looking for something beyond just a karate school or self defense class.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

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

🛡️ Self-Defense

“I would reccomend this school to anyone looking for something beyond just a karate school or self defense class.”

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 7 Google reviews — in their own words.

friendly, respectful dojo 3 mentions

“Family owned and operated, the Whiteley's have a beautiful balance of teaching students of all ages from as young as 5.”

traditional style & affiliation 2 mentions

“Outstanding instruction in Isshinryu karate by teachers who have a strong love of karate and care deeply about their students.”

From the reviews

The Chatham Karate Academy (currently relocated to Madison), is by far one of the best schools I have had the privilege of training at in my 25 years of studying martial arts. Family owned and operated, the Whiteley's have a beautiful balance of teaching students of all ages from as young as 5.

★★★★★ — Chris, Aug 2015

Outstanding instruction in Isshinryu karate by teachers who have a strong love of karate and care deeply about their students. This dojo is great for children and adults of all ages and is a warm family environment.

★★★★★ — Ann, Apr 2016

My daughter and I have had amazing experiences at Isshinryu. The instructors are wonderful—patient and knowledgeable.

★★★★★ — John, May 2019

Love this place. Such a wonderful community to be a part of. 100% recommend these dojos for all ages. My favorite part about this place is how much commitment teachers and other black belts put in to helping other students improve their techniques. They also have a karate camp in the summer that is lots of fun!

★★★★★ — Emilia, Jan 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 7 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Isshinryu Karate of Madison and Bernardsville

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 Isshinryu Karate of Madison and Bernardsville

71 Kings Rd, Madison, NJ07940

Get directions

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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.