Faustini's Institute of Martial Arts and Fitness, martial arts instruction, children, adults, karate, taekwondo, Oradell, NJ, 201-261-1780

What Our Students Say

Brianna Alonzo

So here I am, ten years later, at my Tae Kwon Do Black Belt Test. Throughout my journey in the martial arts, I have gained much more than numerous belt ranks and the possession of my lunch money due to no problems with bullies. Karate has had its effects on me both physically, mentally, and all around as a person.

Karate has truly built up my endurance, physical strength, flexibility, and physical fitness. All of these qualities have benefited me as an athlete both in and out of the martial arts school. I know that if it had not been for karate, I would not be able to kick as high in cheerleading or swing as hard in softball. read more

Colleen Brennan

I started taking Martial Arts at Faustini's Institute seven years ago and today I am a Black Belt. This experience has not been the walk in the park I expected it to be. Many years of hard work and dedication have gone into this test.

Being a Black Belt is more than just knowing how to defend yourself. You must have Black Belt Excellence. I truly believe I have Black Belt Excellence, by doing everything to the best of my ability in karate, school and other aspects of my life. Karate has taught me more than how to defend myself but it has also taught me self-respect, confidence, and the true value of commitment. I respect myself and all that is around me and know that if I am ever in a situation where I need to, I will be able to defend myself. read more

Meaghan Brennan

I have taken karate at Faustini's Institute for seven years. Over the course of those years, I have matured as a martial artist as well as a person. Of course I now know self-defense moves, waza and kumite techniques, but I have also developed skills that are relevant to my entire life. My experiences at Faustini's Institute have benefited me outside of the dojo and will continue to throughout my entire life. Taking karate has taught me a lot about myself and taught me that I can achieve whatever I put my mind to. It has caused me to push myself to the limit and be determined in all that I do. I come away from this experience with not only the ability to defend myself, but also the confidence and self-respect to find success in every aspect of my life. read more

Kris Buonomo

I had started the martial arts ten years ago, when I was four and we were still at the old dojo. These past ten years of karate have helped me physically and mentally in many ways. As you can guess, the arts have given me the knowledge and the ability of what to do in case I get into a bad situation, but that is only a small part. Beside all that, it has helped me in many other ways. I have better hand-eye coordination than I would have if I didn't take the martial arts. I am also more flexible than I though I would be possible. On top of both of those my balance is much better than I would have ever even come close to if I hadn't taken karate. read more

Lauren Miller

About eight years ago, my sister, Christine, starting taking karate at Faustini's Institute. I watched her for two years through the glass window at the old school in Oradell. But, it was after the move to the new building that I decided I wanted to try. I took a summer camp, and although I was one of the oldest students, I had a lot of fun and it was then I told my mom I wanted to join.

Being in the martial arts here has changed who I am as a person. It has made me stronger: physically, mentally, and emotionally. It has taught me that I am able to control my mind and my body and it has also taught me how to do so. I have learned to deal with stress and anger and how to not let it get the best of me. For years, being at karate was my safe haven. It let me, in a sense, get away from my problems. It was a place where I could go work out all my anger in a safe and productive way, rather than bottling it all up. read more

Michael Sabella

When I was only 5 years old, I began my journey through the system of Sensei Richard Faustini, at Faustini's Institute of Martial Arts and Fitness. Eleven years, three dojos, and numerous experiences later, I am testing for my Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, as well as my Junior Brown Belt in Heiho Shin Do. My time at FIMA has not been easy; between my training at the dojo, schoolwork, and the pursuit of extracurricular activities elsewhere, it has been difficult to stay the course, and consistently study the martial arts. I can recall many times during my training when I wanted to give up and quit, due to the challenges I encountered; however, through the support staff at FIMA, my family, and my friends, I fortunately stayed on and continued to train. Now, I am definitely pleased that I did. read more