HomeNew JerseyUnion City › NM Jeet Kune Do Academy

NM Jeet Kune Do Academy

4.8 ★★★★★ 51 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Union City, New Jersey

Free trial Kids & teens Private lessons

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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule nmjkd.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 201-913-5392

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 3:30–9 pm
Wednesday 3:30–9 pm
Thursday 3:30–8 pm
Friday 3:30–8 pm
Saturday 11 am–1 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 NM Jeet Kune Do Academy, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 9 mentions

“I have enrolled my child in this class , where the teacher is exceptional and well-versed in effective techniques.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

👤 Private Lessons

“I have been taking private lessons and had been looking for someone like Sifu Nelson my whole life.”

All dojos that run private lessons →

🛡️ Self-Defense 8 mentions

“He teaches Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do which I never realized takes the best from all the forms of martial arts out there and trains you how to protect yourself on the street.”

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 NM Jeet Kune Do Academy — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Jiu-Jitsu

“I've done BJJ for years and it's great for the ground but is not always the best for real world situations.”

Other dojos that also teach jiu-jitsu →

🥊 Kickboxing 2 mentions

Other dojos that also teach kickboxing →

🤼 Judo

“Bruce Lee incorporated techniques into JKD from Boxing, Fencing, Grappling and other martial arts such as Judo and Jujitsu.”

Other dojos that also teach judo →

🏟️ MMA 2 mentions

“The teacher is very knowledgeable in Kung Fu, Jeet Kune Do and other mixed martial arts.”

Other dojos that also teach mma →

🐉 Kung Fu 10 mentions

“The teacher is very knowledgeable in Kung Fu, Jeet Kune Do and other mixed martial arts.”

Other dojos that also teach kung fu →

🛡️ Self-Defense 5 mentions

“It’s a great energy and a solid environment for learning self defense and fighting techniques.”

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 51 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 3 mentions

“Sifu Nelson is a master Martial Artist and provides great instruction and the history of JKD with stories about his Masters and Bruce Lee.”

friendly, respectful dojo 3 mentions

“If you need to protect yourself or your family, this is the style you meet to practice HANDS DOWN.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 8 mentions

“He teaches Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do which I never realized takes the best from all the forms of martial arts out there and trains you how to protect yourself on the street.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 5 mentions

“Sifu Nelson not only teaches martial arts, but he also teaches discipline.”

From the reviews

I have a background in martial arts from various disciplines. Jeet Kune Do and Wing Chun are new disciplines to me. Sifu Nelson studied under one of Bruce Lee's Student and has an immense wealth of knowledge as he has added systems of his own. Jeet Kune Do is for the no nonsense man or woman.

★★★★★ — Rafael, Mar 2022

Amazing Martial Arts school. Sifu Nelson is a master Martial Artist and provides great instruction and the history of JKD with stories about his Masters and Bruce Lee.

★★★★★ — Arian, Jun 2023

I discovered this place last year and is close to where I live. Much easier to stay here in New Jersey than travel to New York City! I have been taking private lessons and had been looking for someone like Sifu Nelson my whole life.

★★★★★ — Verne, Dec 2021

I have been training for three weeks and feel like a different human. Now, I have the ability and the techniques to defend myself against multiple opponents simultaneously or against a bigger and stronger opponent. I realized that techniques make a difference, and there's no one better than Nelson Mendez to teach them.

★★★★★ — Kingprettyboy, May 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 51 reviews →

Your first Karate class at NM Jeet Kune Do 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.

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 NM Jeet Kune Do Academy

2112 Bergenline Ave, Union City, NJ07087

Get directions

More Karate dojos near Union City

Union City Karate School

2.7 ★★★☆☆ 6 reviews

1700 Summit Ave, Union City, NJ

Karate dojo

under a mile away

JKA Shotokan Alliance

5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews

527 40th St, Union City, NJ

Memberships around $20/mo

Karate dojo Affiliated

under a mile away

Family Fitness Karate & Kickboxing - Central Ave

4.9 ★★★★★ 56 reviews

419 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ

Ages 3–14

Karate dojo Kids & teens Private lessons Competition team expert instruction from a great senseifriendly, respectful dojostrong technique, kata & fundamentals

1.4 miles away

All Karate dojos in Union City, NJ →

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.