Learn Japanese martial arts from a teaching master who has lived and extensively studied karatedo in Tokyo, Japan. YOUR competition trainer has these top credentials: 5x national champion, certified referee/judge (retired), and nationally certified coach. He has transformed kids karate students from the Matawan, Keyport and Old Bridge area into national and international medalists.
Where else do you find those in New Jersey? Karate is an Olympic and a Paralympic martial arts sport - you can learn at NJ's most successful Olympic & Paralympic training center. We happily serve any and all surrounding areas: Matawan, Aberdeen, Old Bridge, Keyport, Lawrence Harbor, Morganville, Parlin, South Amboy, Sayreville, Union Beach, Keansburg, or Cliffwood Beach.
Where else do you find those in New Jersey? Karate is an Olympic and a Paralympic martial arts sport - you can learn at NJ's most successful Olympic & Paralympic training center. We happily serve any and all surrounding areas: Matawan, Aberdeen, Old Bridge, Keyport, Lawrence Harbor, Morganville, Parlin, South Amboy, Sayreville, Union Beach, Keansburg, or Cliffwood Beach.
Services
NINJA - Fun, first Karate experience for active listening, energetic kids ages 4 - 6. Structured as: Fun, skillful, and physically engaging. SAMURAI - Very positive, core karate builder for ages 6 - 8. Teaching basic, core elements of 'real karate' (IKGA). GOJUKAN (IKGA) - Very positive, core karate builder for ages 8 - 11. It's an evaluation zone for 'real karate' (IKGA) teaching more complex core curriculum.
Pre Karate is a specially designed, developmental karate curriculum for kids ages 4 - 11. Classes are non-stop activity in Karate skills, Life skills, and Safety skills building confidence as core physical and technical abilities increase. Pre Karate is a primer for IKGA & Olympic Karate programs. Want to be 100% certain if our dojo, staff, curriculum, and dojo community is compatible with your needs?
Our staff are USA-NKF certified officials and coaches successfully screened by USOC SafeSport background checks. Our students excel in Olympic Karate rules competitions. Tournament participation is NEVER mandatory - it's not a requirement - it's extra-curricular. Our staff has great expertise in coaching and developing athletes beyond your perceived limits.
New families are greeted and given complete transparency regarding program details, rates, schedules and more in our headquarters. ONE FREE MONTH is available as proof of concept and value. Get to know us and be comfortable with our staff, facilities, curriculum and community before you commit to membership in our programs.
It is where students learn and work to achieve their black belts. This is accomplished by practice and study of technical, theoretical, and philosophical ways of karate. We are accredited by the IKGA Headquarter in Tokyo, Japan and the USA National Karate Federation (US Olympic Committee, member). Karatedo's ultimate goal is the improved development of the individual: mentally, physically, & spiritually.
Reviews (11)
Debbie Metz
Apr 25, 2021
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I highly recommend the Traditional Karate Center for all ages. Shihan Buttermark’s experienced professional teachings encompasses learning, respect, understanding and lots of fun. He is wonderful with children and adults of all ages and very organized with keeping parents and students in tuned with event/scheduling updates. I am very proud to be part of TKC’s family.
Silvia Caravella
Apr 04, 2021
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Thank you Traditional Karate Center - Matawan Gojukan and Shihan Michael Buttermark for the dedication to my son's growth and success under your tutelage for the past 3 years. While I was apprehensive of JR's karate journey initially, I realize now it is the best thing we could have done for our son. The happiness, the milestones, the friendships, and the support JR has received, have been lifechanging.. Our son is autistic and never took to any other sports.. Karate is where he has flourished and thrived. Highly recommend for all typical and special needs individuals!!
Keith Olivares
Mar 03, 2021
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The only Karate dojo in my area where I can trust my kids with. I trained in Shotokan Karate since 1981 and I used to teach in the Philippines and in NYC. Since my day job prevents me from teaching my kids and professionally, I needed to find a great dojo for my boys and not just another belt factory or McDojo. Luckily, I discovered Shihan Buttermark whose pedigree in Goju-ryu Karate-do is impeccable. His classes are fun but not too light-hearted... Serious fun.
He doesn't focus only on sport kumite but covers all areas of Goju-kai, including bunkai, conditioning and self-defense. If you live
He doesn't focus only on sport kumite but covers all areas of Goju-kai, including bunkai, conditioning and self-defense. If you live
Tony Chavez
Jan 25, 2021
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TKC - Traditional Karate Center – Matawan Gojukan – OCT. 2019
Pros: Positive atmosphere, it truly feels like family, high quality Goju-Ryu Karate-do techniques, very educational, high level of discipline and extremely safe!
Cons: The high passion for Karate will always show and sometimes your child might be invited to stay longer than the regular classes. This situation might be found negative for people who have a tight schedule.
My son started to do Karate last August 2018 at the age of five. They have a great program “Samurai” for young kids.
Long story short, within couple of months
Pros: Positive atmosphere, it truly feels like family, high quality Goju-Ryu Karate-do techniques, very educational, high level of discipline and extremely safe!
Cons: The high passion for Karate will always show and sometimes your child might be invited to stay longer than the regular classes. This situation might be found negative for people who have a tight schedule.
My son started to do Karate last August 2018 at the age of five. They have a great program “Samurai” for young kids.
Long story short, within couple of months
Dave Helm
Dec 17, 2020
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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the Helm family Shihan Buttermark! Our son Tyler started with your Dojo as a 3 yr old! He'll be turning 6 this April! We are so thankful for all your extremely hard work during a very stressful time. You and your Dojo has provided our children and all students of karate the ability to stay active and participate in an activity when many other institutions have closed down,. I really don't have the words to express our thanks and appreciation for your all you do Sensei! Your dedication to your students, your community and the martial arts is priceless! Thank
Michelle Cypher
Aug 21, 2020
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My children have been students for almost 2 years. They are receiving a quality karate education. We have been at other schools and found that is our home. The instructors work well with my special needs child. The instructors show through their teaching how much they care for their students. This is our second home and we feel like a family.
Marc W.
Feb 18, 2020
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We have visited a few dojo's before deciding on the right one for our 9 year old son. We are more than happy on our decision on picking TKC. We saw Shihan Buttermark's passion in teaching the art of karate to his students also the option of going to compete on tournaments if you want compete was a definite plus for my son.
The dojo is a nice size and Shihan runs a well organized class and knows each students temperament and needs.
Our son loves going!
We highly recommend!
The dojo is a nice size and Shihan runs a well organized class and knows each students temperament and needs.
Our son loves going!
We highly recommend!
Bret S.
Oct 17, 2019
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Going to a tournament with the most respected teacher,, Shihan Michael Buttermark with my 5 year old little girl for her first match ever out of the dojo and she was a STAR. Winning first 2 matches and tie on the 3rd leaving her in 2nd place out of all T.K.C dojo is wonderful with kids and adults ,,,even the mentally and physically disabled is in great hands at t.k.c. dojo.
M. T. Mt
Jun 30, 2019
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I highly recommend TKC - Matawan for their great services! I have both my kids enrolled there (6 and 4 years old) and they’re always looking forward to their Karate class. Shihan Buttermark does a wonderful job with the kids, his classes are so much fun and they actually learn accurate and professional Karate techniques. The family feeling to the Dojo is also unmatched! Great place to sign up your kids at and know they’re in good hands.
Massdojo
Nov 28, 2018
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I've know Michael Buttermark for well over 10 years. Michael is a well spoken, well educated and dedicated martial artist in karate-do. Mike has produced some of the best karate athletes in the country. His students are from various backgrounds and always polite, disciplined and hard working. I think that speaks volumes of what you or your child would get from Michael's dojo. This is real karate, and the style is a legitimate one with roots and connections back to Japan. This is no belt factory. This is real karate-do and your black belt will mean a lot more coming from here.
Mary Muscillo
Nov 25, 2018
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Excellent dojo. Kids are taught in a way they can understand and are treated fairly. I appreciate that the students earn their ranks and are not just given belts because of money paid or length of time participated. My father is a 5th degree black belt and a Sensei of Isshin Ryu. He advised me to bring my son here as he is in Florida and trusts the credentials of Michael Buttermark and the style of karate.
