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, my boy was promoted to the regular IKGA program, and invited to be part of the dojo competition Olympic Team. In less than a year, he was able to win his first National Bronze Medal in Kumite (six-year-old division.) They were eight athletes from our Dojo, and all of them got at least one medal. They brought home 16 medals in total out of 22 divisions entered. The students are having fun, while improving their karate skills. They are being taught discipline, while creating strong livelong relationships (they consider each other brothers and sisters in karate.) I highly recommend this Dojo for anyone: kids, teens, or adults. Shihan Buttermark is simply a great teacher and great person! read more

I always keep my kids busy and over the years tried so many different classes and activities, met many teachers and coaches, and never met anyone who is as dedicated to the kiddos as Shihan. we missed Covid years but so glad we came back last year. this dojo is not one of those commercialized martial arts places where all they care about is to sell more merchandise and "test" your kid every month just to make money. At matawan dojo everyone truly cares about every kid and always ready to lend a hand or a smile and help with training. shihan was able able to create a community... family even where we all feel welcome. But the training never lacks! He trains hard and raises confident, successful young kids. the competition record says it all. give it a try and you'll understand what I mean. read more

T.K.C dojo is truly one of a kind karate dojo. My son was nervous about starting karate, his fear was being the new student in the dojo and starting a class not knowing how to do karate. On my son's first day Shihan Michael Buttermark introduced Nicholas to the other students, the students were very friendly and welcomed Nicholas as if they had known him for some time. As an observer of each class I noticed how Shihan Buttermark treats his students and their parents like family, all the students are learning on different levels and they are all praised and encouraged to do their best. My son has learned soo much in his short time at the dojo, so much that his older siblings decided they wanted to join T.KC dojo too. We are a proud family of T.K.C dojo. Thank you Shihan Buttermark read more

We have been to another school and they were not able to meet my special needs son. We waited and found TKC. This is was over 2 years ago and it is my son's 2nd home. He attends 3 nights a week or more and he enjoys every minute. Traditional karate center has helped with his focus and listening skills. He has grown so much in a short time. The teachers take their time and give attention where attention is needed. You will not feel forgotten about. This place has given my family more family(karate) that we enjoy. My daughter has made many friends and is learning how to protect herself. If you want a school filled with good morals and value, you have found your home. I know we have. read more

Hands down a top notch facility that cares and teaches your kids true professional Karate in a fun way! I have both my kids there (6 and 4 years old) who are eager everyday to get to their Karate class. Shihan Micheal and his daughter Gianna are simply amazing! They care so much about the kids and truly engage them so they can have fun and learn at the same time. The convenience of offering to come 4 days a week as well (if you can of course) is unbeatable! I highly recommend TKC - Matawan for anyone who wants their kid to actually learn professional Karate and perhaps compete too! read more

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!! read more

Mike B. and his staff are consummate professionals, that lead by example in and out of the dojo. With my son being a part of this school for ten years, I truly believe has has learned, and is continuing to learn from the best. He has been given the tools and opportunity to travel the United States and Canada, becoming a national medalist. All under the tutelage of Mike and his staff. I'm confident that this dojo is second to none in the State of New Jersey. Where they are not just a school, they are family. read more

My son has been attending classes at this dojo for almost two years now.... And has really grown in that time He looks forward to classes and doesn't want to miss any and also has made good friends with other students The best traditional karate center around Great place for kids and adults, learn karate,discipline,commitment,respect! Owner and instructors are great with children and special needs children Friendly and fun environment but serious when it comes to safety and training.. read more

Hi everyone My name is Csaba my son goes here for about a year He has fun and he learns ,they teach your children discipline and what is right respect and of course Karate You will be very happy the way they teach your children there I highly recommend this place ,kids of any ages and adults are welcome veterans don't have to pay it is free for them I'm very happy we found this place read more

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. read more

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. read more

At traditional karate center as a teenager growing up I found it to be a place for me to learn responsibility astrong sense of pride in myself and values thats have stuck with me through my life I recommend taking martial arts especially goju Kia for anyone who wants to better themselves adult or child not just for self defense in the physical but also in the mind. read more

My son has been practicing karate here for a year now. He has made great strides in attention span and his karate abilities. He is on the autism spectrum and has adhd. Shian Michael works with him and gives individual attention to each student. It is a family there and I wouldn't want my family to go anywhere else. read more

My 9-year old son loves this dojo. We picked this dojo after visiting a few others in the area, this dojo is the real deal without the fluff. Shihan Buttermark takes the time to teach karate all the while paying attention to each students needs. We are happy we chose TKC! read more