In the lively state of New Jersey, tucked between the bustling cities of New York and Philadelphia, lies a group of kids like no other, the New Jersey Ninja Turtles. Nope, they're not green and they don't live in sewers, and they certainly don't eat pizza all the time. These kids are Taekwondo experts! A typical day for these Taekwondo teens is no less than a roll and tumble in dojang (that's a fancy word for 'training hall'). They kick, punch, jump, and swirl like a pack of wild ninjas. When they wear their belts, you can hear a kind of swoosh, like a superhero preparing for flight. They often engage in friendly battles, not to mention their epic competitions of breaking wooden boards. Now, you might think, 'Aha! They're just normal kids who do sports'. But nah-hah! Each of them holds the spirit of a mythical creature. David, the smallest but fieriest, is often called 'Dragon Dave', because when he does his spinning kick, it's like a dragon spiraling into the sky. Bella, with the grace of a gazelle but force of a hurricane, is known as 'Hurricane Bella'. And then there's 'Eagle Eddie', who can jump higher than anyone else, as if taking off for an aerial view of the Jersey Shore. In New Jersey, these Taekwondo wards, or should we say 'Ninja Turtles', are much loved. They’re proof that in the Garden State, kids don't just eat tomatoes and blueberries; they also munch on courage, gulp down discipline, and feast on the spirit of Taekwondo! And remember, no matter how high 'Eagle Eddie' flies or how fiery 'Dragon Dave' gets, laughter always fills the dojang at the end of the day. These kids know how to have fun, the Taekwondo way!
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The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.

New Jersey Tae Kwon Do has been located in the South Orange/Maplewood area for over 18 years. Our studio truly reflects this community. All classes are co-educational and we offer a safe and encouraging learning environment for students of all ages (starting from age 5.5 through 60+). All of our classes focus on acquiring discipline, conditioning the body, reducing stress and gaining self-confidence.
As an exercise, Tae Kwon Do strengthens and stretches almost every muscle of the body. Beginners start slowly with a thorough stretching warm-up and a gradual increase in the intensity of exercise. On the advanced level, each practice inherently has an aerobic effect. We teach age-appropriate self-defense techniques while providing a traditional and respectful martial arts program. Tae Kwon Do classes begin with a series of traditional movements known as basic form. By teaching focus of mind and sharpness of body movement, this warm-up prepares the student for the class’ workout. Class continues with an emphasis on the unique style of kicking for which Tae Kwon Do is known. All classes are at least one-hour long, increasing to 90 minutes for the advanced adult/teen levels.