American Self-Defense Club, Flemington

What makes you a martial artist isn't what color of belt you wear or whether or not you can perform flashy roundhouse kicks. It's who you are as a person. The The staff at American Self-Defense Club understand this fundamental truth, which is why they give each student the individual attention they need to excel at their chosen martial art. Unlike in other studios, where instructors often focus on a single discipline, founder Renshi Ralph Metz and head instructor Sensei Brian Metz have trained at the highest level in many different styles. Together, they bring more than 60 years of martial-arts training experience to their classes, which blend elements of shorinyu karate-do, isshinryu karate-do, jujitsu, muay thai, judo, and kickboxing, along with other influences.

At American Self-Defense Club, lessons in both mixed martial arts and women's kickboxing focus on short and effective techniques that prepare students for confrontation outside the classroom. The key is adaptability. Students practice each move on different floor surfaces, from grass to tile to pavement; they practice responding in many different situations, including stand-up fighting, ground fighting, and multiple attackers. They'll also learn the best way to take a punch or kick to reduce risk of injury. This practical training equips them with the versatility they need to respond to real-life threats, while building up mental discipline and self-respect.