About Us | Martial Arts, Self-Defense school in Garwood

We Share & teach The Same Values You Teach At Home.

Our programs have a strong focus on personal development. The foundations of our morals, values and core character traits are formed in our early years. For this reason, the programs at Hands of Life Martial Arts are an essential way to enhance the growth and personal development of young students of all ages.

TRADITIONAL MEETS MODERN: SELF DEFENSE & AWARENESS SKILLS FOR THE REAL WORLD

You may have experienced boredom with your usual fitness routine or reached a plateau in your performance or physical fitness results. Our adult programs are the perfect alternative to a boring gym routine, as they help you develop into your maximum potential both physically and mentally by providing real-life self-defense strategies in a fun, focused environment.

Sensei Hearns is one of the most dedicated and inspirational teachers I have ever had the privilege of being instructed by. I would strongly recommend his dojo to anyone who is serious about martial arts.

Alex Vazquez

We love Hands Of Life!!! So happy to be a part of it, The staff, the classes..everything is wonderful!

Wendy Menneg-Lyubarsky

Hands of Life not only teaches our daughter karate but also valuable life skills like self control, determination, confidence, respect and even healthy eating! I take our daughter to the weekday class and my husband takes her on the weekend. Then we all practice her moves at home together! Hands of Life has truly become a family activity.

Kristin Richdale Stellingwerf

Our son celebrated his 4th birthday party at Hands of Life. All parties are customized based on your theme of choice and you don't lift a finger they literally DO IT ALL! By far one of the best party choices we have ever made!

Michele Cummings-Mittenzwei

My son has been going to Hands of Life for just under a year an absolutely loves it. I have seen him progress so much since he has been there it is hard to believe that he has only been there a short time. Sensei Arthur and his staff strike a perfect balance of allowing the kids to have fun while beginning to give them a great sense of discipline. The different class levels allow kids of all ages and skill levels to enjoy the experience while providing them an incentive to progress. My son's favorite time of the entire week is when he is at Hands of Life.

Joe Sobon

My son started training at Hands of Life about a year and a half ago, shortly after we moved to Westfield from NYC. Since that time I have seen a tremendous transformation in him. His self-esteem has soared, and he now demonstrates and understanding of respect, self-control, and discipline that I hadn't seen before. He loves going to class and works hard. Sensei Arthur and his staff have motivated him to always strive to be better. I feel that the lessons he learns at Hands of Life are valuable in every aspect of his life. I couldn't be more grateful to be a part of such a supportive community.

Elle Michaeli

Just had my daughters birthday party there and they did a great job. It was well organized and they kept the kids busy and having fun the entire time. They knew when the kids were starting to lose their attention and immediately moved to the next game. My daughter and her friends had a fantastic time and cannot wait to go back to start karate!

Amy Rosenbaum Andre

My 4 & 6 year old boys started at Hands of Life 6 months ago. They have developed a better understanding of the importance of respect, being prepared, being responsible and so much more because of the in-class instruction they receive. My 6 year old even tried fruit (he's a very picky eater and hasn't had fruit since before he turned 2) because Sensei Arthur taught him how important fruit is for your body. The staff is always happy and smiling which makes you really believe that they love what they do. They take the time to speak with each child individually and every time my kids finish class they are happy and excited because their Sensei made them feel special that day. Besides offering great classes, with a lot of flexibility, the facility is very clean and parking is never an issue. I also give a 6th bonus star for the fact that karate can never be rained out.

Corinne Demskie

My daughter had her birthday party a few months ago at HOL and it was spectacular. The instructor, Nick, made her feel special as he had her lead the class in various age-appropriate drills. She said she wants to have her birthday party there again next year. We're looking forward to Superhero camp this summer where she will create her own superhero persona, make a costume, and then go out into the community to help others. Simply fantastic! I can't recommend this school enough.

Kim Gillespie

My 5 year old daughter joined HOL a year ago. Over the course of this past year, I've seen her gain confidence in herself mentally and physically. Sensei Hearns creates an environment for the kids to learn self-discipline, respect for self and others, commitment, generosity, preparedness, and more - all the while making it so fun that the kids don't realize they are learning. Each month focuses on various physical skills as well as life skills. It truly feels like he (and all the instructors) are parenting partners when it comes to helping my child develop wholly into her being. My daughter, when recently posed with the choice of continuing dance class or karate, chose karate. This is a girl who dances all over the house wearing tutus and she chose karate at Hands of Life over dance class!

Kim Gillespie

Such an amazing place, I am so glad I send my kids there!

Katie McGuire Simon

Hands of Life has helped my son with confidence and discipline. Arthur and the whole staff are incredible teachers who really take the time to make sure each student is doing his or her best. The "homework" where parents discuss values is a great reminder to discuss these important lessons with the people who matter the most, my children.

Joe Colangelo

I cannot say enough about Sensei Arthur (the Owner) and his HOL team. Our daughter has been with HOL about 3 years now and we cannot be any happier or more grateful! The entire staff is kind, thoughtful, thorough and dynamic! They ALL go the extra mile with each child and parent. I consider the HOL team our partner: they help us instill high moral values and standards with our daughter and constantly encourage her to strive for more and to be better. They help, by not only encouraging her, but they have boosted her confidence. Thank you HOL!!!! You are part of the reason that our daughter is so happy!

Lisa Garcia

Elizabeth

Just took an amazing Women's Self Defense class here. Arthur and his team are amazing! I learned so much and feel confident about defending myself!

Ginny Colarusso

Garwood

Hands of Life Martial Arts Karate for Kids & Self-Defense Classes in Garwood

908-232-1311

We Help Parents Raise Confident Leaders
& Adults Reach Their True Potential!

908-232-1311

Enter Your Contact Info to View Current Web Specials & Pricing

Hi, I’m Arthur Hearns.

I KNOW HOW DIFFICULT AND CONFUSING
FINDING A MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL CAN BE.

Our Facility

What Makes Hands of Life Martial Arts Different From other
Karate Schools?

Our Promise at Hands of Life Martial Arts:

To Train in the
Highest Quality Martial Arts
Program Available

To Focus On
Personal Development
in a Positive Environment

To Offer Programs
Accessible & Enjoyable
by People of Any Age

WHAT IS KARATE

FUN, EXCITEMENT & PREPARATION: STUDENTS & PARENTS LOVE MARTIAL ARTS TOURNAMENTS!

Our classes fill out quickly, therefore

CHOOSE PROGRAM OF INTEREST :

Arthur Hearns

Chief Instructor/Owner

We Help Parents Raise Confident Leaders & Adults Reach Their True Potential!

908-232-1311

Enter Your Contact Info to View Current Web Specials & Pricing

Hi, I’m Arthur Hearns.

I KNOW HOW DIFFICULT AND CONFUSINGFINDING A MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL CAN BE.

We Share & teach The Same Values You Teach At Home.

TRADITIONAL MEETS MODERN: SELF DEFENSE & AWARENESS SKILLS FOR THE REAL WORLD

Our Facility

What Makes Hands of Life Martial Arts Different From otherKarate Schools?

Our Promise at Hands of Life Martial Arts:

To Train in the Highest Quality Martial Arts Program Available

To Focus On Personal Development in a Positive Environment

To Offer Programs Accessible & Enjoyable by People of Any Age

WHAT IS KARATE

FUN, EXCITEMENT & PREPARATION: STUDENTS & PARENTS LOVE MARTIAL ARTS TOURNAMENTS!

Our classes fill out quickly, therefore

CHOOSE PROGRAM OF INTEREST :

Arthur Hearns

Chief Instructor/Owner

We Help Parents Raise Confident Leaders
& Adults Reach Their True Potential!

I KNOW HOW DIFFICULT AND CONFUSING
FINDING A MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL CAN BE.

What Makes Hands of Life Martial Arts Different From other
Karate Schools?

To Train in the
Highest Quality Martial Arts
Program Available

To Focus On
Personal Development
in a Positive Environment

To Offer Programs
Accessible & Enjoyable
by People of Any Age