Ridgewood Karate Academy Claimed

Since 1996, our goal is to have a positive impact to our community! We promote a family environment where students/families become part of our extended family. We promote a positive atmosphere, create lasting friendships, encourage community participation, and promote success and achievement. Creating complete marital artists in a fun and safe environment is our priority.
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Our system is a fusion of traditional martial arts and modern teaching approach. Students attend weekly classes that target their skill level and age group. We have programs for students from age 3 through teens and adults. We also provide the conditioning programs.
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In 2016, Ridgewood Karate Academy came under new ownership of ECAL Martial Arts, headed by Ed Chang and Arnold Lau. As new owners, Ed Chang and Arnold Lau seek to continue the tradition of family martial arts at RKA. Leveraging business experience as senior executives at an investment bank and operational knowledge from fitness and gym investments, ECAL Martial Arts will provide the support needed to bring RKA to the next generation of martial artists. Much of the leadership team has also stayed on with RKA to support the goals of RKA.

As an RKA member/parent, stay updated on the latest news through our newsletters, which provides a list of upcoming events as well as informative stories to help your child! Our newsletters also provide recognition to exemplary students, who will be featured in the Student of the Month column.

The Black Belt Club is for students who love training and are committed to achieving their black belt. As a Black Belt Leader, students act as assistant instructors, perform community service, and receive specialized leadership and public speaking training. They are also eligible for the RKA competition team.
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Black Belt Leaders enjoy exclusive rewards for their commitment in our academy. Members will get up to a 25% discount on ALL karate gear, including sparring equipment and stylized uniforms.
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All members will be eligible for a scholarship towards the college of their choice.

Arnold Lau is the owner of Ridgewood Karate Academy right here in downtown Ridgewood, NJ. Arnold bought RKA in 2016 after a long history of owning other fitness and real estate properties – all while working a demanding tech job for a big Wall Street bank. Arnold talks about trying to keep RKA afloat during Covid, and why there are fewer bargains on rent than you might think. Arnold describes the changes he had to make when taking over the studio, including the struggle between martial arts “traditionalists” and the commercial realities today. Arnold talks about who he thinks his competition is for new students, his plan to create a subscription all-inclusive pricing plan so parents don’t feel nickel-and-dimed, and how most insurance companies don’t want to insure a karate studio, because they think it’s MMA. In case you are wondering, Arnold can definitely kick my butt. He’s been training in martial arts for over 30 years and has competed in many international competitions.

Arnold got involved with purchasing RKA as the next step in his lifelong involvement with the martial arts. As a national martial arts competitor in high school, Arnold saw the values of martial arts training in helping to develop discipline, goal setting, self confidence, deliberate practice, public speaking, and leadership. He went on to captain and coach the Rutgers Martial Arts Competition team with highlight championships at West Point, Naval Academy, Boston University, and Penn State.

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Arnold's work assignments take him all over the world. He takes advantage of the work assignments to train in different martial arts and still actively competes. In addition to grand championships in the United States. He holds grand champions in Europe and Asia. Working closely with other martial arts organizations in the United Kingdom and Asia, Arnold has insights on training and school philosophy from all over the world.

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Ridgewood Karate Academy is the result of a strong commitment to develop our next generation of healthy contributors to our society. There is a strong family culture to reinforce traditional values. As new owners, Ed and Arnold will continue the tradition for years to come.

We encourage parents to watch their children in their kids martial arts lessons. We love parents getting involved! And so do their kids. Even better join into some of our martial arts classes for adults. Your kids will love that you have something in common. It will build a strong family bond! Additionally, if you wanted some ‘me-time’? Simply drop them off, and go grab a coffee. They will greet you with a huge smile when you return, because they had SO much fun!