Al Bender's Kung Fu Academy

- 365 Broad St, Bloomfield, NJ 07003

For residents of New Jersey, finding a martial arts school that offers both traditional training and a truly inclusive, supportive environment can be a challenge. Al Bender's Kung Fu Academy in Bloomfield, NJ, stands out as a unique and exceptional institution that has been serving the community since its founding in 1981. This is not just a place to learn self-defense; it is a space dedicated to a holistic approach to health, blending the physical discipline of martial arts with mental and emotional growth. The school offers a rare opportunity to learn authentic Chinese martial arts, including both "external" styles like Northern Shao Lin Chuan and "internal" styles like Tai Chi Chuan, Hsing Yi Chuan, and Pa Kua Chang.

What truly sets this academy apart is its philosophy and ownership. Al Bender's Kung Fu Academy proudly identifies as Asian-owned, Black-owned, Latino-owned, LGBTQ+ owned, veteran-owned, and women-owned. This incredible diversity and commitment to inclusivity create a welcoming and safe space for everyone, a true transgender safe space and LGBTQ+ friendly environment. This dedication to being a "safe space" means that students from all walks of life can feel comfortable and respected from the moment they walk through the door. This ethos is a core part of the school's identity and contributes significantly to the positive and affirming learning environment.

The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive education in martial arts, striking a balance between traditional forms and practical self-defense applications, as noted by one happy student. Instructors work to ensure that training is fun and engaging, while also being highly effective. Testimonials from parents highlight the positive impact the classes have on their children, noting improvements in discipline, focus, and physical and mental health. This is a place where students not only learn to defend themselves but also learn valuable life lessons and gain confidence that extends far beyond the dojo.

Al Bender's Kung Fu Academy is conveniently located at 365 Broad St in Bloomfield, NJ 07003, USA. This central location makes it an easy commute for residents of Bloomfield and the surrounding communities in northern New Jersey. The academy is situated in a highly accessible area, with a strong focus on ensuring all individuals can partake in their programs.

The academy demonstrates its commitment to accessibility through several key features. It has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, a wheelchair-accessible restroom, and even wheelchair-accessible seating. These thoughtful amenities ensure that the academy is an inclusive space where everyone, regardless of mobility, can train or observe classes comfortably. This level of dedication to accessibility is a significant highlight, reflecting the academy's welcoming and community-oriented spirit. The facility also features gender-neutral restrooms, further reinforcing its commitment to being a safe and comfortable space for all members of the LGBTQ+ community. The combination of its convenient location and its extensive accessibility features makes Al Bender's Kung Fu Academy a practical and welcoming choice for anyone in New Jersey seeking a high-quality martial arts school.

Al Bender's Kung Fu Academy offers a variety of services and programs that cater to different age groups and skill levels, all taught with a focus on both physical technique and personal development. The curriculum is comprehensive, allowing students to explore different facets of Chinese martial arts.

• Kung Fu School: The academy specializes in traditional Kung Fu styles, including Northern Shao Lin Chuan, Tai Chi Chuan, Hsing Yi Chuan, and Pa Kua Chang. This diverse offering allows students to find a style that best suits their goals, whether for health, self-defense, or discipline.

• Karate School: While its primary focus is on Kung Fu, the academy’s foundational principles and rigorous training can be compared to Karate, offering a similar path to discipline and physical prowess, making it a viable alternative for those interested in striking arts.

• Martial Arts School: This is a general categorization that covers all the styles taught, making it a comprehensive martial arts academy where students can learn a wide range of skills and techniques.

• Self-Defense School: The curriculum is heavily focused on practical, real-world self-defense applications. Students learn to use their training to protect themselves effectively, without resorting to unnecessary aggression. One student notes the school "strikes a great balance" between traditional art and practical self-defense.

• Adult Classes: Programs are tailored for adults, providing an excellent workout and a way to manage stress, improve fitness, and learn valuable self-defense skills.

• Children's Classes: The academy offers programs specifically for children, like the "Wushu Wonders" class, which focuses on coordination and self-control over fighting. This helps younger students develop confidence and discipline in a fun and safe environment, with some even going on to compete in tournaments and achieve first place.

• Weapons Training: For more advanced students, the academy offers training in a variety of traditional weapons, including Broadsword, Double Edge Sword, Long Staff, Cane, Spear, and the 9-Section Steel Whip. This extends the students' understanding of body mechanics and the martial arts as a whole.

Al Bender's Kung Fu Academy is distinguished by its deep commitment to its students and its community. Several key features make it a truly exceptional place to train.

• Inclusive Ownership and Environment: The academy is proudly owned by members of the Asian, Black, Latino, LGBTQ+, veteran, and women-owned communities. This diverse leadership fosters a genuinely welcoming and safe space for all students. It is an officially recognized transgender safe space and LGBTQ+ friendly.

• Unmatched Accessibility: With a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating, the academy goes above and beyond to ensure that its facilities are available to everyone. It also offers a gender-neutral restroom.

• Proven Results: As highlighted by a parent review, students have found great success in tournaments and in their personal lives, demonstrating the effectiveness of the training in both physical prowess and character development.

• Holistic Approach to Health: The programs focus not only on physical fitness and self-defense but also on mental health and discipline. Students learn life lessons that help them become more disciplined and well-rounded individuals.

• Longstanding Reputation: Founded in 1981, the academy has a long history of providing quality instruction to the New Jersey community, earning the trust and loyalty of its students.

• Practical and Traditional: The school strikes a great balance between teaching traditional martial arts forms and providing practical, real-world self-defense applications, ensuring students gain skills that are both meaningful and useful.

To learn more about the academy or to inquire about classes, you can contact them directly.

Address: 365 Broad St, Bloomfield, NJ 07003, USA

Phone: (973) 743-7544

What makes Al Bender's Kung Fu Academy worth choosing is its profound dedication to community and its inclusive mission, which is rare to find in any business, let alone a martial arts school. For residents of New Jersey, this academy offers more than just a place to work out; it offers a sanctuary for growth, a community for support, and a path to a better self. The combination of its long-standing history, its proven track record of student success, and its commitment to being a safe and accessible space for all is truly remarkable. Whether you are an adult looking for a new form of exercise, a parent seeking to instill discipline and confidence in your child, or someone from a marginalized community searching for a welcoming environment, Al Bender's Kung Fu Academy provides a unique and valuable opportunity. Its holistic approach to health, focusing on both the body and the mind, ensures that the skills and lessons learned here will have a positive impact for a lifetime.

Al Bender's Kung Fu Academy

365 Broad St, Bloomfield, NJ 07003, USA