Hi, I'm Nancy Walzog, the head of our Satori Academy NJ locations and I've seen literally thousands of peoples' lives changed forever through martial arts training. In 2007, I teamed up with Dave Kovar, our founder and a world-renowned innovator in the field of teaching martial arts.
We've created unique and inspiring martial arts programs for the entire family here in our local NJ communities of Edison, East Brunswick, Cranford, Old Bridge and West Long Branch.Our program is a unique blend of different martial arts styles with a strong emphasis on personal development and empowers people of all ages to achieve their full potential.
We've created unique and inspiring martial arts programs for the entire family here in our local NJ communities of Edison, East Brunswick, Cranford, Old Bridge and West Long Branch.Our program is a unique blend of different martial arts styles with a strong emphasis on personal development and empowers people of all ages to achieve their full potential.
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Martial arts is my passion. As a mom, an instructor, and an adult student of the martial arts, I know firsthand the powerful and positive impact it can have on the lives of both kids and adults. Satori Academy's commitment to empowering kids, teens and adults through the martial arts is unparalleled.
Shihan is a gifted, 5th Degree Certified Black Belt Instructor with over 20 years teaching experience. An accomplished competitor, Ms. Brink's incredible knowledge, expertise and technical skills contribute immeasurably to the continued development of our curriculum and instructor team.
Ms. Brink is also a certified Instructor of Fast Combatives and Fast Defense and is a BJJ Blue Belt and continues to train in BJJ, no-gi grappling and Thai boxing.We believe martial arts is much more than kicking and punching and are committed to setting an example of excellence and mastery for all martial artists, and in fact, for all people in our community.
Ms. Brink is also a certified Instructor of Fast Combatives and Fast Defense and is a BJJ Blue Belt and continues to train in BJJ, no-gi grappling and Thai boxing.We believe martial arts is much more than kicking and punching and are committed to setting an example of excellence and mastery for all martial artists, and in fact, for all people in our community.
There are many great martial art schools and each has a unique benefit. However, we pride ourselves on teaching students to be well-rounded martial artists by cross-training in traditional karate, stand-up, ground fighting and street self-defense. Apart from the physical, our dojo is a community of like-minded individuals and families.
Our children have been in class at Satori Academy in East Brunswick since the first day the school opened. The program's well- structured curriculum and highly skilled instructors teach our children to be confident and strong minded individuals. The instructors are kind, caring, and willing to help each child individually depending on his or her needs.
Martial Arts Teaches Kids Everything They Need to Know About Self-Defense, Fitness, Confidence, and the Self-Discipline Skills that Help Create Future Success in Life! There are a multitude of benefits from martial arts training. Aside from the obvious physical benefits of exercise and strength training, the psychological benefits of confidence and character development are quite astounding.
Reviews (20)
Urvashi Jivani
Jan 08, 2022
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Best decision of 2021 for my very shy 12 yr old! I was looking for a martial arts academy for my son - not with the goal of training him to be an expert but to avail of everything else that comes along with it. Discipline, confidence, community and most of all, fun! The way Satori welcomes you with open arms and genuinely cares for their students is another level! My son LOVES coming for classes here and is always excited on class days! What more can I ask for?
Lakshmi Sudha
Dec 22, 2021
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My son stoped going to this place in the moth Sep 2021, but they still charged our credit card in Oct and Dec 170$ each month. when we called ask about it, they said sorry it’s our mistake we will remove it … but I never happen till now. Every one please be very careful full they will charge u even after u terminate your contract properly.
Colleen Hale
Jan 23, 2021
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My 6 year old son has been training here for a year and a half and overall we really enjoy the program. The instructors are encouraging and engaging with the kids and provide a safe, clean, and positive atmosphere. The school also does an excellent job communicating with the parents regarding class schedules, special events, and community activities. We love Satori!
Elizabeth Balish
Dec 07, 2020
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My five year old daughter has been learning Karate at Satori since September 2019. We are impressed with her physical progress in balance, strength, and coordination. The mindfulness and life skills part of the curriculum are also remarkable. We have seen her grow in confidence and love that seeds are being planted in her mind to be kind, humble, respectful and protective of her personal boundaries. Of all the extra curricular activities programs we could have enrolled her in, we are happy with our choice at Satori for teaching fitness and personal growth skills that she can participate in throughout
Sharanya Sriram
Sep 10, 2020
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My Son has been with Satori for a few months now. He has made so much improvement in focus and discipline. He loves learning here because all the instructors make learning so much more fun and interactive. They teach this art with so much grace and bring out the best in the children. They build confidence within the kid too and make them feel so good when they step out of each class. Highly recommend this place if you want your kid learning good values, confidence and focus right from a younger age.
Amanda Renzi
Sep 05, 2020
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Satori Academy has played a significant role in my son’s life for the last 6 years (age 3). Every instructor motivates, instructs and pushes the kids with constant positivity, but also accountability. It’s not just about the physical aspect, it’s about leadership and life skills. They have continued to teach and overcome obstacles during this pandemic to keep our kids engaged. The kids always come first. Highly recommend!
Jessica Rodriguez-Aquino
Jun 10, 2020
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We LOVE everything about Satori! The instructors, management, the cleanliness of the dojo, the ability to adapt through this pandemic, the communication, the lessons they teach my kids (not only about karate, but also how to be a courteous and respectable person) - the list is endless! If you are looking for responsibility, discipline, structure, and so much more for your kids (or yourself!), then this is where you want to be!
Laura Pellicano
Jun 06, 2020
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Highly recommend!! We have been here for 5 months and each time we come, we see more positives than the time before. Our son loves each class and has improved in so many areas especially focus and motivation. We especially love the instructors. All are motivating, caring, positive and dedicated to martial arts and the children. This is a very well-run school and we cannot say enough good things about it. Sempai Kally works exceptionally well with the children. He makes it a point to get to know each child personally and our son adores him!
Tina M.
Dec 17, 2019
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Both of my boys 5 & 8 are students here and they love it! There are a wide range of class times available everyday for each age group. In addition to the 2 martial arts classes a week, both of my sons are also taking Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I love that there are always more than 1 instructor at a time on the mat with them. The classes are super interactive as well as fun. I'm so happy we decided to go with Satori Academy, my guys are learning and building skills that can be applied daily such as respect, confidence and kindness. It's not just about martial arts training and fighting
Elfred F.
Aug 15, 2019
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Michael K.
Jun 11, 2019
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So the owner responded to my lousy review of this business claiming a relative, Rebecca S, gave a great review. I have no such relative.
It was my sister and brother in laws party for their 5 year old and 3 year old. Neither was happy with the quality of the party, how things were set up, and misleading information by this joke joint.
She attempts to use safety as a reason toddlers couldnt run around for sn extended amount of time. Again i laugh, a section could have easily been blocked off if this place knew what they were doing in the slightest.
Now we know the incompetance and lies start
It was my sister and brother in laws party for their 5 year old and 3 year old. Neither was happy with the quality of the party, how things were set up, and misleading information by this joke joint.
She attempts to use safety as a reason toddlers couldnt run around for sn extended amount of time. Again i laugh, a section could have easily been blocked off if this place knew what they were doing in the slightest.
Now we know the incompetance and lies start
Rebecca S.
Mar 02, 2019
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Had Michael K there below waited ten minutes before leaving they would not be writing that review. Our toddlers had a great time at the birthday party their sister in law won. While it definitely wasn't geared towards toddlers, my son had a great time with his friends. Don't bash a business for no reason!
Aftab Asghar
Dec 02, 2018
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Melissa S.
Jul 16, 2018
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I recently signed up my 6 year old daughter to this dojo. So far they have been extremely welcoming and kind. While doing her trial classes they didn't make her feel like an outsider but apart of each class. The instructors are well trained speaking clearly but firm. I like that they have 2-3 helpers per class size so each student gets attention to perfecting the skill being taught. I experienced the first group discussion made toward the end of class and I was extremely impressed...the instructor spoke to them about bullying and what to do and how to act. In this day and age I find that to
Vatsal P.
Jul 07, 2018
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Khanh L.
Jul 05, 2018
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J. B.
Sep 26, 2014
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My son has attended Satori since they opened. He's been in and out of class due to health reasons. Nancy and her staff have always been VERY accommodating. Are the instructors louder with the younger children? Absolutely. Why? My opinion? Parents should be aware of what is being taught to their young children. Karate takes a lot of discipline and training. The moments I sat and watched my child in class are the moments I took home with me so we could work together on advancing. I highly recommend Satori.
Anand B.
Jan 17, 2014
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This place is good until you try to take you kid out. We are moving, therefore, we have decided to take my daughter out, we had this discussion with Nancy (the owner) many times, since this was decided in October. She had told us that we were not going to be charged going forwards. I am very disappointed with her attitude and I will not recommend taking your kids there.
Beeswax D.
Sep 18, 2013
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We tried this with the kid for a one lesson. it wasn't her cup of tea, which isn't the academy's fault. as a parent. i found this place extremely irritating to be at, the attitudes of the staff, the loud speech, projecting their voices so that the parents could hear everything they said to the kids during class... it was just irritating. the kid found it so annoying she didn't want to finish her free intro classes and in fact, lost all interest in martial arts. then, the heavy handed "follow up" sales calls got very annoying. they called me for months. then they sold
J. S.
Feb 15, 2011
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Satori Academy is the finest karate school of the highest caliber I have ever encountered. The instructors are excellent and they really keep a community going with the students. I could go on about the punches, kicks, and drills, but that would only be half of the goodness. Other notable things are how the school will go to the movies, Great Adventure, & the beach in the summer, as a group! Additionally, they will have parents nights where the kids come in for a few hours on a Friday for FUN, always w/ the back drop of their karate, self defense, respect, & wellness lessons. My son has
