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    Helping kids excel in life.

    Real martial arts. Intentional character development. Every class at Excel is designed to build children who show up stronger everywhere they go.

    180+ Five-Star TestimonialsBest of Essex 2025200+ Livingston Families
    732-654-9904277 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston, NJ

    #1 Rated School

    Livingston, NJ

    180+ 5-Star Testimonials

    Google Verified

    Best of Essex 2025

    Award Winner

    750+ Black Belts

    Produced by Sensei Hany and the team

    CPR & First Aid

    All Coaches Certified

    Programs

    Designed for Every Stage of Development.

    Every program at Excel is built around one goal: developing the whole child, not just the martial artist.

    Not sure which program? Start today and we'll help you find the right fit.

    Sensei Hany writing the Principles of Excellence for students at Excel Martial Arts
    Sensei Hany teaching Excel Martial Arts students while parents watch from the lobby

    Martial Arts Training That Builds Character.

    MOST MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOLS TEACH KICKS AND PUNCHES. WE USE THEM TO BUILD LEADERS.

    At Excel, every technique has a purpose beyond the mat. The discipline it takes to earn a belt is the same discipline that shows up in the classroom. The focus we train in every class is the same focus that carries through at home.

    We don't just teach martial arts. We use martial arts to teach character development; building the whole child, intentionally, class by class, belt by belt.

    EARNED ON THE MAT

    We put your child in situations that feel out of reach, until they reach them. Every challenge they push through teaches them something no classroom can. That they are capable of more than they thought.

    Focus Built

    In a world designed to steal your child's attention, focus is a skill, not a personality trait. We train it on purpose. What they build here shows up at school, at home, and everywhere it counts.

    COMMUNITY SUPPORT

    Growth doesn't happen alone. Your child trains alongside teammates who push them, challenge them, and celebrate them. Effort is honored. Mistakes are learned from. The goal was never just improvement. It's transformation, and the family around them is a big part of how it happens.

    Real Transformations

    What Your Child Will Actually Become.

    Forget the belt for a second. Here's what transformation actually looks like at Excel.

    Confident young Excel Martial Arts student in a black gi

    Marcus's Story

    The Child Who Leads From The Front

    Marcus was a little reserved when he first walked through our doors. That's not who he is anymore.

    Today, Marcus is part of the Excel STORM Team. He shows up to assist younger students on the mat. He coaches. He leads drills. He holds the standard without being asked.

    His school noticed.

    The principal of his elementary school sent a letter home to his mom: "We are excited to share that your child, Marcus, is officially a Role Model at school! He has been commended for consistently demonstrating our values each and every day. We are so very proud of him for leading with kindness, caring, respect, friendliness, and responsibility throughout our school community."

    His mom forwarded it straight to us. Her message was three words: "Thanks for helping him be a leader."

    At Excel, Marcus learned that leadership isn't something you're born with. It's something you build, one rep at a time, on the mat and off it. This is what we live for.

    At Excel, Marcus learned that leadership isn't something you're born with. It's something you build, one rep at a time.

    Young Excel Martial Arts student with focused expression

    Mahika's Story

    The Child Who Makes Everyone Better

    Mahika didn't come to Excel just to earn her own belts. She came to be part of something.

    She is also part of our STORM Team, Excel's hand-picked group of student role models who assist in classes and help lead the next generation of martial artists on the mat.

    She brings an intensity to training that raises the standard for everyone around her. She coaches students coming up behind her, keeps a genuine eye on her teammates' progress, and even looks out for her younger brother on the mat. When Mahika is in the room, the team is better.

    When we reached out about her role on the team, her mom's reply said it all: "Mahika's actually been talking about wanting to assist so this is great!"

    She wanted to give back before we even asked.

    At Excel, Mahika learned that the highest rank in the room carries the biggest responsibility. Not just to themselves, but to everyone around them. This is what we live for.

    At Excel, Mahika learned that the highest rank in the room carries the biggest responsibility. Not just to themselves, but to everyone around them.

    The Excel Methodology

    How We Engineer Champions.

    Every black belt we've produced is the result of the same intentional system. Zero shortcuts. Proven results.

    Character Development

    We train more than muscles. We train minds. The lessons most adults spend years trying to learn, your child is learning right now. At the age when it matters most.

    Key Benefits

    Character Development

    • Self-discipline to do things on their own without being told to
    • Focus sharp enough to cut through distraction at school and at home
    • Self-discipline that replaces "I'll do it later" with doing it now
    • Resilience that teaches them falling down is just part of getting up

    Limited Trial Spots

    Free Trial Class + Free T-Shirt

    Free Trial Lesson

    Value: $25

    Free Excel T-Shirt

    Value: $20

    WATCH YOUR CHILD TRANSFORM

    Value: PRICELESS

    Zero Commitment & Zero Pressure

    Limited trial spots available this week

    Inside Excel

    See What Happens Inside.

    Kids Martial Arts in Livingston, New Jersey

    Nervous? We get it. Will my shy child participate? Will the coaches push too hard? Here's exactly what happens in every class.

    Inside an Excel Martial Arts class

    Inside Livingston's #1 MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL

    Minutes 0–5

    High-Energy Welcome

    Every class starts with movement that breaks the ice. No child stands on the sidelines.

    Minutes 5–15

    Skill-Building

    Age-appropriate technique that pushes them just past where they think they can go.

    Minutes 15–25

    Partner Work & Leadership

    Confidence blooms when they realize they can help someone else succeed.

    Minutes 25–30

    Reflection & Bow-Out

    We end with gratitude. This is where the identity shift happens.

    Your child will leave sweaty, smiling, and asking when they can come back.

    The Excel Journey

    From Nervous Beginner to Black Belt Leader.

    The First Step belt

    Day 1

    The First Step

    Your child completes a self-discipline assignment to earn their first belt. They get to know the instructors and make friends. They learn how to act like a black belt and start getting better from day one.

    THE HARD WORKER belt

    MONTH 9

    THE HARD WORKER

    Their blue belt. Not because it was easy. Because they worked for it. They set a goal. They achieved it. They believe.

    The Challenge Master belt

    Year 1.5

    The Challenge Master

    Red and brown. When things get hard, they don't crumble. They breathe, refocus, and push through..

    The Junior Black Belt belt

    Year 3

    The Junior Black Belt

    They've earned their first black belt. A major milestone that was earned and not given.

    The Black Belt belt

    YEAR 5+

    The Black Belt

    Their black belt. But more importantly, they've become someone who sets goals and achieves them, who leads with kindness, who knows their worth.

    This isn't just martial arts. This is identity. This is legacy. This is Excel.

    Testimonials

    Real Parents. Real Transformations.

    Don't just take our word for it. Here's what families are saying about their Excel experience.

    R

    Rachel S.

    Google Review

    "Sensei Hany and his team are incredible. My son walks taller, listens better, and asks to go to class on his off days. The standard here is real."

    D

    Daniel K.

    Google Review

    "Both of my children train at Excel. The instructors actually know them, push them, and celebrate them. You feel the difference the moment you walk in."

    M

    Maya P.

    Google Review

    "Our daughter started shy and unsure. A few months in, she's confident, focused, and proud of every belt she's earned. Excel does what they say they do."

    J

    Jonathan B.

    Google Review

    "We tried two other schools before Excel. The instruction here is in a completely different league. It's worth the drive every single week."

    A

    Aisha R.

    Google Review

    "Belt promotions at Excel mean something. My son knows exactly what he did to earn each one, and you can see how that confidence carries into school."

    G

    Greg M.

    Google Review

    "Clean facility, exceptional instructors, and a community that genuinely cares. Best decision we've made for our children this year."

    R

    Rachel S.

    Google Review

    "Sensei Hany and his team are incredible. My son walks taller, listens better, and asks to go to class on his off days. The standard here is real."

    D

    Daniel K.

    Google Review

    "Both of my children train at Excel. The instructors actually know them, push them, and celebrate them. You feel the difference the moment you walk in."

    M

    Maya P.

    Google Review

    "Our daughter started shy and unsure. A few months in, she's confident, focused, and proud of every belt she's earned. Excel does what they say they do."

    J

    Jonathan B.

    Google Review

    "We tried two other schools before Excel. The instruction here is in a completely different league. It's worth the drive every single week."

    A

    Aisha R.

    Google Review

    "Belt promotions at Excel mean something. My son knows exactly what he did to earn each one, and you can see how that confidence carries into school."

    G

    Greg M.

    Google Review

    "Clean facility, exceptional instructors, and a community that genuinely cares. Best decision we've made for our children this year."

    G

    Greg M.

    Google Review

    "Clean facility, exceptional instructors, and a community that genuinely cares. Best decision we've made for our children this year."

    A

    Aisha R.

    Google Review

    "Belt promotions at Excel mean something. My son knows exactly what he did to earn each one, and you can see how that confidence carries into school."

    J

    Jonathan B.

    Google Review

    "We tried two other schools before Excel. The instruction here is in a completely different league. It's worth the drive every single week."

    M

    Maya P.

    Google Review

    "Our daughter started shy and unsure. A few months in, she's confident, focused, and proud of every belt she's earned. Excel does what they say they do."

    D

    Daniel K.

    Google Review

    "Both of my children train at Excel. The instructors actually know them, push them, and celebrate them. You feel the difference the moment you walk in."

    R

    Rachel S.

    Google Review

    "Sensei Hany and his team are incredible. My son walks taller, listens better, and asks to go to class on his off days. The standard here is real."

    G

    Greg M.

    Google Review

    "Clean facility, exceptional instructors, and a community that genuinely cares. Best decision we've made for our children this year."

    A

    Aisha R.

    Google Review

    "Belt promotions at Excel mean something. My son knows exactly what he did to earn each one, and you can see how that confidence carries into school."

    J

    Jonathan B.

    Google Review

    "We tried two other schools before Excel. The instruction here is in a completely different league. It's worth the drive every single week."

    M

    Maya P.

    Google Review

    "Our daughter started shy and unsure. A few months in, she's confident, focused, and proud of every belt she's earned. Excel does what they say they do."

    D

    Daniel K.

    Google Review

    "Both of my children train at Excel. The instructors actually know them, push them, and celebrate them. You feel the difference the moment you walk in."

    R

    Rachel S.

    Google Review

    "Sensei Hany and his team are incredible. My son walks taller, listens better, and asks to go to class on his off days. The standard here is real."

    The Choice Is Clear

    Why Excel Is Different.

    Let's be honest. You have options. Here's why families choose Excel.

    vs. Traditional Martial Arts Schools

    Others

    • Belts handed out fast
    • One-size-fits-all curriculum
    • No partnership with parents
    • Focus on tradition over transformation

    Excel

    • Belts earned, never given
    • Age-specific progressions
    • Real partnership with parents
    • Focus on character development
    • High standards. The Ivy League of Martial Arts Schools

    vs. Team Sports (Soccer, Baseball, Basketball)

    Others

    • Hyper-competitive environments
    • Bench time and politics
    • Skill-focused, not character-focused
    • Every child gets personal coaching? No.

    Excel

    • Challenge-focused, not competition-obsessed
    • Everyone participates, every class
    • Character runs the curriculum
    • Our instructors know your child and family

    vs. Other Activities (Dance, Gymnastics, Music)

    Others

    • Great for skill development
    • Limited confidence-building
    • No mental toughness training
    • No leadership development

    Excel

    • Athletic skill + mental toughness + emotional intelligence
    • Confidence forged through real challenge
    • Real-world resilience training
    • Natural leadership opportunities

    vs. No Structured Activity

    Others

    • Screen addiction
    • Lack of physical fitness
    • No discipline training
    • Missing social skills

    Excel

    • Healthy screen-time balance
    • Elite athletic development
    • Discipline and structure
    • Community and belonging

    The choice is clear. Excel is the gold standard for character development through martial arts.

    FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions.

    Especially for shy children. We start with movement that breaks the ice and pair them with peers their own age. Within a few classes, parents tell us their child is the one raising their hand first.