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Empower Martial Arts of Aberdeen & Matawan

5 ★★★★★ 141 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Matawan, New Jersey

Kickboxing gym Beginners welcome Kids & teens

Plan your first class

  • Beginner-friendly all fitness levels welcome, including total beginners — no experience needed, and you get in shape by training, not before
  • Kids & teen classes kids and teen kickboxing classes — built around confidence, focus, and fun
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule eastbrunswickmartialarts.org — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (732) 288-6446

Hours

Monday 12–9 PM
Tuesday 1–9 PM
Wednesday 12–9 PM
Thursday 1–9 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 9 AM–2 PM
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays and class-schedule changes — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Kickboxing classes on the schedule at Empower Martial Arts of Aberdeen & Matawan, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Kickboxing 24 mentions

“The entire Empower crew are seasoned martial artists who have a passion for teaching young children all the lessons they have learned throughout their lives.”

All gyms that run kids kickboxing →

🌱 Beginners 3 mentions

“There are many different programs to suit any level from beginners to those trying to achieve their black belt.”

All gyms that run beginners →

Other martial arts here

Kickboxing gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Empower Martial Arts of Aberdeen & Matawan — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🥋 Karate 7 mentions

“Keep doing what your doing" Everyday he asks if and when he has karate, I've never seen him more excited to stop playing video games then when I say "time to get ready for karate.”

Other gyms that also teach karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“Not only do they teach them life long self defense skills (which is valuable in itself), but they also reinforce discipline, and good character.”

Other gyms that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want muay thai, boxing, or MMA alongside your kickboxing, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 141 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 6 mentions

“There are many different programs to suit any level from beginners to those trying to achieve their black belt.”

🧒 strong kids program 5 mentions

“Their firm but guiding attitude has had a significant impact on our childrens' behavior and self confidence, all while making sure they are having a blast!”

🧠 builds confidence & relieves stress 20 mentions

“The entire Empower crew are seasoned martial artists who have a passion for teaching young children all the lessons they have learned throughout their lives.”

🤝 friendly, family gym 9 mentions

“If you're looking for a place to train where you’ll be treated like family, I highly recommend checking them out!”

From the reviews

Our daughter has been attending Empower Martial Arts since she was 3 years old. As a young child, attending class helped our daughter develop coordination, confidence, and learn to follow instructions in a group setting. 3 years later, our daughter still enjoys attending classes bi-weekly.

★★★★★ — Stephanie, Feb 2024

My girl is only at EMA for 4 months at age 6. She is loving it and asking to go to karate class everyday. She is so much better at listening at home and school. Deshi and senpai are into details and pay attention to individual kids. Im very impress from where she was to where she is now!!!

★★★★★ — Shirley, Mar 2023

I cannot say enough good things about Elite Martial Arts. All of the instructors and assistants are amazing, I feel bad not naming each one them but Deshi Kelsey is the best, you can tell this isn't a job for her, she loves these kids and what she does.

★★★★★ — Ann, Dec 2023

I can't say enough great things about Empower Martial Arts! From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and supported. Sensei MJ and Deshi Kelsey truly care about their students and go above and beyond to make sure everyone feels comfortable and motivated to succeed.

★★★★★ — Kailyn, Apr 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 141 reviews →

New to kickboxing? Start at Empower Martial Arts of Aberdeen & Matawan

Empower Martial Arts of Aberdeen & Matawan comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners class is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or coordinated to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale every drill to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable gyms build the basics (stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads and bags) first, and any contact eases in gradually under a coach's control. Third, all fitness levels 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 gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first kickboxing class at Empower Martial Arts of Aberdeen & Matawan

Nervous about walking into a kickboxing gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics — stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads or a heavy bag — not hard sparring. Go at your own pace and rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: comfortable athletic clothes you can move and sweat in, and supportive trainers. What to bring: water, and hand wraps and gloves if you have them — many gyms lend loaner gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves and wraps (and shin guards once you start sparring). Sparring is optional and eases in gradually, once your basics are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Kickboxing is a contact sport. Warm up, pace yourself, listen to your coaches, 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 Empower Martial Arts of Aberdeen & Matawan

1070 NJ-34, Matawan, NJ07747

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 gym? Claim your listing — it's free.