Sparta Family Martial Arts (Aikido, Karate, Tai Chi & Qi Gong)
38 Station Rd, Sparta, NJ
About
Sparta Family Martial Arts (Aikido, Karate, Tai Chi & Qi Gong) offers training in Aikido, Karate, Qigong, Tai Chi, Iaido (Japanese sword), Bokken (Japanese wooden sword), Jo (Japanese wooden staff), Kobudo (Okinawan weapons), Kali, self defense for kids, weapons training, and interactive fitness training. Classes include both solo practice, such as Iaido sword forms, and partner practice with Aikido weapons like bokken and jo, as well as Karate weapons such as the long staff (bo), tonfa, scythe, and other traditional Okinawan weapons. Tai chi and qi gong classes use movements that do not require equipment and can be performed anywhere participants feel comfortable moving.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Class options are offered on weekdays and weekends, including morning, daytime, and evening times for adults, teens, and children in Aikido, Karate, Tai Chi, Qigong, Kali, and Self Defense for Kids.
• Price: 3-Month Starter Special $199 (value of $405); ongoing memberships $120/month with auto-pay or $140/month with cash or check; Aikido training uniform $80 if needed; 10% family discount after the 3-Month Starter Special on additional family members.
The program’s mission statement describes interactive fitness training in a calming atmosphere with no loud music, no blaring TVs, no yelling, no unnatural straining, and no feeling alone in a room full of people and noise. It states that training ranges from no impact to low impact to high impact, with interactive training that feels real, with real meaning and full mindfulness, and emphasizes “Sensible Self Defense for Everyone — effective techniques for appropriate ethical response.” The program notes that falls and falling are never required in any classes, that Aikido techniques do not require size or strength, and that in traditional Aikido there are no competitions, tournaments, or contests.
Sparta Family Martial Arts is part of an organization founded in 1986 that has awarded over 100 Aikido black belt ranks and established over 30 Aikido dojos throughout the NY/NJ metro area since 1986. The Sparta Dojo was originally in Newton for 10 years and has been in its current Sparta P.A.L. setting since 2012. The organization is directly affiliated with Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, Aikido Hombu Dojo, and The Aikido Foundation, and all Aikido Centers black belt ranks are registered and certified by Hombu Dojo. It is described as award winning, recognized around the world and across the United States for the quality of its Aikido training, and referred to as an “Ivy League” Aikido institution.
The leadership team includes Greg O'Connor, Chief Instructor, 7th Degree Aikido Black Belt and Founder and Chief Instructor of Aikido Centers of New Jersey; Bill Kadar, Chief Instructor, 8th Degree Isshinryu Karate Black Belt, Founder and Chief Instructor of Shoshin Isshinryu Karate, and Aikido staff instructor at the Sparta Dojo; Ton Vu, Tai Chi / Qi Gong Instructor; Paul Daly, Children's Chief Instructor and Aikido 3rd Degree Black Belt (Madison); Tim Vazquez, Chief Instructor at Aikido Center of Manasquan; and Robert Friedman, Chief Instructor at Community Aikikai (Montclair). Staff credentials include over 40 black belt instructors on staff, all described as seasoned Aikido black belt instructors certified by Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Bill Kadar holds an 8th dan in Karate, 1st dan in Aikido, began Isshinryu Karate training in 1983, earned his black belt in 1991, trains regularly in Iaido under Sensei Greg O'Connor, holds an MA in English Literature, and has been a full-time language arts teacher for over 20 years. Greg O'Connor holds 7th dan in Aikido and 4th dan in Iaido, is nationally and internationally known and respected for his expertise and teaching abilities, received his 7th dan from Aikido Doshu in Tokyo, has been a full-time professional Aikido instructor since 1986, and is the author of “The Aikido Student Handbook” and “The Elements of Aikido.” Ton Vu is a Qigong/Tai Chi instructor, 3rd dan Aikido, co-founder of New Jersey Tai Chi/Qigong Club, a certified Qigong instructor by Shifu Michael Rinaldin, a long-time practitioner of Tai Chi and Qi Gong, and holds 3rd dan Aikido under Sensei Greg O'Connor with many years of experience as an Aikido instructor. All instructors have been awarded Aikido black belt certification by Chief Instructor Greg O'Connor and Aikido World Headquarters in Japan.
Unique features described by the program include “Beginners thru Black Belts ‘Kids thru Cops’ Self Defense that's Healthy, Safe & Fun for the Entire Family,” with classes that are “serious but fun,” and a focus on effectiveness and safety while teaching a wide range of self defense and personal growth skills. The program states that participants can practice at their own pace and comfort level, that it is non-aggressive and non-violent, and that training ranges from easy Aikido movement to full Aikido capabilities. All memberships include unlimited classes, and members enjoy unlimited classes across offerings. Visitors are welcome to observe any classes anytime. The program describes its activities as healthy learning activities for all ages and notes that parents have the option to practice with their child for free in Self Defense for Kids, can have fun interacting and learning with their child, and can then reinforce the lessons at home.
The program notes that there is no loud music, no blaring TVs, no yelling, no unnatural straining, and no feeling alone in a room full of people and noise. It describes sensible multi-level fitness training from no impact to low impact to high impact, and interactive training that feels real, with real meaning and full mindfulness. It also states that Kali is a traditional Filipino stick fighting art using two sticks with both individual and partner practice drills, that Iaido is a strictly solo practice of long-established traditional sword forms, that Aikido weapons training involves the wooden sword (bokken), wooden staff (jo), and knife (tanto), and that Karate weapons training involves the long staff (bo), tonfa, scythe, and other traditional Okinawan weapons. Tai chi and qi gong are described as adaptable for nearly all fitness levels, not requiring equipment, and able to be performed anywhere a person feels comfortable moving.
Community involvement includes sponsorship of the Manasquan Dojo by The Manasquan Recreation Department and co-founding of the New Jersey Tai Chi/Qigong Club by instructor Ton Vu. The organization states that it is directly affiliated with Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Aikido Hombu Dojo, and The Aikido Foundation, and that Aikido Centers membership is recognized by Aikido World Headquarters and welcomed at Aikido dojos across the U.S. and around the world.
Testimonials from participants describe Aikido Centers as a great and well-run organization made of individuals who come together to develop physical and mental sharpness in a healthy environment among like-minded men and women in a joyful manner, with opportunities beyond training to add to the Aikido experience. Another testimonial notes kids classes, multiple locations, great facilities, and a friendly atmosphere, and calls Aikido Centers “the pinnacle of martial arts instruction,” stating that each person is part of a family that takes great care for physical, mental, and personal growth. Additional comments describe the school as a “community of practice” where many well-trained instructors and students help everyone improve, and describe the atmosphere as serious and respectful yet light and friendly, not severe or stern.
Last updated March 7, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Class options are offered on weekdays and weekends, including morning, daytime, and evening times for adults, teens, and children in Aikido, Karate, Tai Chi, Qigong, Kali, and Self Defense for Kids.
• Price: 3-Month Starter Special $199 (value of $405); ongoing memberships $120/month with auto-pay or $140/month with cash or check; Aikido training uniform $80 if needed; 10% family discount after the 3-Month Starter Special on additional family members.
The program’s mission statement describes interactive fitness training in a calming atmosphere with no loud music, no blaring TVs, no yelling, no unnatural straining, and no feeling alone in a room full of people and noise. It states that training ranges from no impact to low impact to high impact, with interactive training that feels real, with real meaning and full mindfulness, and emphasizes “Sensible Self Defense for Everyone — effective techniques for appropriate ethical response.” The program notes that falls and falling are never required in any classes, that Aikido techniques do not require size or strength, and that in traditional Aikido there are no competitions, tournaments, or contests.
Sparta Family Martial Arts is part of an organization founded in 1986 that has awarded over 100 Aikido black belt ranks and established over 30 Aikido dojos throughout the NY/NJ metro area since 1986. The Sparta Dojo was originally in Newton for 10 years and has been in its current Sparta P.A.L. setting since 2012. The organization is directly affiliated with Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, Aikido Hombu Dojo, and The Aikido Foundation, and all Aikido Centers black belt ranks are registered and certified by Hombu Dojo. It is described as award winning, recognized around the world and across the United States for the quality of its Aikido training, and referred to as an “Ivy League” Aikido institution.
The leadership team includes Greg O'Connor, Chief Instructor, 7th Degree Aikido Black Belt and Founder and Chief Instructor of Aikido Centers of New Jersey; Bill Kadar, Chief Instructor, 8th Degree Isshinryu Karate Black Belt, Founder and Chief Instructor of Shoshin Isshinryu Karate, and Aikido staff instructor at the Sparta Dojo; Ton Vu, Tai Chi / Qi Gong Instructor; Paul Daly, Children's Chief Instructor and Aikido 3rd Degree Black Belt (Madison); Tim Vazquez, Chief Instructor at Aikido Center of Manasquan; and Robert Friedman, Chief Instructor at Community Aikikai (Montclair). Staff credentials include over 40 black belt instructors on staff, all described as seasoned Aikido black belt instructors certified by Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Bill Kadar holds an 8th dan in Karate, 1st dan in Aikido, began Isshinryu Karate training in 1983, earned his black belt in 1991, trains regularly in Iaido under Sensei Greg O'Connor, holds an MA in English Literature, and has been a full-time language arts teacher for over 20 years. Greg O'Connor holds 7th dan in Aikido and 4th dan in Iaido, is nationally and internationally known and respected for his expertise and teaching abilities, received his 7th dan from Aikido Doshu in Tokyo, has been a full-time professional Aikido instructor since 1986, and is the author of “The Aikido Student Handbook” and “The Elements of Aikido.” Ton Vu is a Qigong/Tai Chi instructor, 3rd dan Aikido, co-founder of New Jersey Tai Chi/Qigong Club, a certified Qigong instructor by Shifu Michael Rinaldin, a long-time practitioner of Tai Chi and Qi Gong, and holds 3rd dan Aikido under Sensei Greg O'Connor with many years of experience as an Aikido instructor. All instructors have been awarded Aikido black belt certification by Chief Instructor Greg O'Connor and Aikido World Headquarters in Japan.
Unique features described by the program include “Beginners thru Black Belts ‘Kids thru Cops’ Self Defense that's Healthy, Safe & Fun for the Entire Family,” with classes that are “serious but fun,” and a focus on effectiveness and safety while teaching a wide range of self defense and personal growth skills. The program states that participants can practice at their own pace and comfort level, that it is non-aggressive and non-violent, and that training ranges from easy Aikido movement to full Aikido capabilities. All memberships include unlimited classes, and members enjoy unlimited classes across offerings. Visitors are welcome to observe any classes anytime. The program describes its activities as healthy learning activities for all ages and notes that parents have the option to practice with their child for free in Self Defense for Kids, can have fun interacting and learning with their child, and can then reinforce the lessons at home.
The program notes that there is no loud music, no blaring TVs, no yelling, no unnatural straining, and no feeling alone in a room full of people and noise. It describes sensible multi-level fitness training from no impact to low impact to high impact, and interactive training that feels real, with real meaning and full mindfulness. It also states that Kali is a traditional Filipino stick fighting art using two sticks with both individual and partner practice drills, that Iaido is a strictly solo practice of long-established traditional sword forms, that Aikido weapons training involves the wooden sword (bokken), wooden staff (jo), and knife (tanto), and that Karate weapons training involves the long staff (bo), tonfa, scythe, and other traditional Okinawan weapons. Tai chi and qi gong are described as adaptable for nearly all fitness levels, not requiring equipment, and able to be performed anywhere a person feels comfortable moving.
Community involvement includes sponsorship of the Manasquan Dojo by The Manasquan Recreation Department and co-founding of the New Jersey Tai Chi/Qigong Club by instructor Ton Vu. The organization states that it is directly affiliated with Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Aikido Hombu Dojo, and The Aikido Foundation, and that Aikido Centers membership is recognized by Aikido World Headquarters and welcomed at Aikido dojos across the U.S. and around the world.
Testimonials from participants describe Aikido Centers as a great and well-run organization made of individuals who come together to develop physical and mental sharpness in a healthy environment among like-minded men and women in a joyful manner, with opportunities beyond training to add to the Aikido experience. Another testimonial notes kids classes, multiple locations, great facilities, and a friendly atmosphere, and calls Aikido Centers “the pinnacle of martial arts instruction,” stating that each person is part of a family that takes great care for physical, mental, and personal growth. Additional comments describe the school as a “community of practice” where many well-trained instructors and students help everyone improve, and describe the atmosphere as serious and respectful yet light and friendly, not severe or stern.
Last updated March 7, 2026.
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