“I enrolled our daughters Andrea and McKayla in Martial Arts to help them gain self-confidence and mental strength. I also thought that it would help them stay in physical shape, teach correct principles, and to respect others. Body Mind Studios meets all of these requirements and we decided to give it a try. Three years later they are still working hard at earning each section that they work on. They enjoy learning all of the different Martial Arts and their favorite one is Udo. I have noticed the most improvement with Andrea in the area of physical strength. Mckayla is still young and is working on improving in all areas. She is very determined to keep up with her sister, which is motivation in itself.” ~LD
Body Mind Systems Training Center
201-225-1180
Listing Manager:
Ralph Keefe
A fixture in New Milford since 2002, Body Mind offers students ages five and up a basic foundation in eight different martial arts. Manager Ralph Keefe says his school follows a traditional philosophy in its classes, which include Kung Fu, Kong Su Do, Tai Chi, Jiu Jitsu, Tae Kwan Do, Aikido and mixed martial arts.
- Hours: Monday through Friday - 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday - 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- What makes this community special?: People are beginning to realize the importance and value of taking responsibility for one’s own health, We utilize a more holistic approach ~ mind, body, breath, movement, balanced diet and a connection to nature ~ to increase overall well being.
- Payments accepted: American Express, Cash, Debit Card, Discover, MasterCard, Personal Check, Visa
- Discounts: Group/family, Military
- Parking: Free lot, On-street: free
- Private events: Yes
- Number of classes/week: 20
- Average class size: 10
- Number of instructors: 5
- Approx. male-to-female ratio: 50/50
- Type: Aikido, Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Kendo, Kung Fu, Mixed martial arts, Tae Kwon Do, Tai Chi
- Uses ranking system: Yes
- Uses weight classification: No
- Participates in competitions: Yes
- What is the school's training philosophy?: We stress the importance of understanding and studying the mind and body, through correct and well balanced exercises, movements and forms. Live, Breathe, Move!
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“I enrolled our daughters Andrea and McKayla in Martial Arts to help them gain self-confidence and mental strength. I also thought that it would help them stay in physical shape, teach correct principles, and to respect others. Body Mind Studios meets all of these requirements and we decided to give it a try. Three years later they are still working hard at earning each section that they work on. They enjoy learning all of the different Martial Arts and their favorite one is Udo. I have noticed the most improvement with Andrea in the area of physical strength. McKayla is still young and is working on improving in all areas. She is very determined to keep up with her sister, which is motivation in itself.”
I came to Body Mind Systems 2 months after nearly dying with meningitis. My doctor said it might be a year before I felt 100% again. A year after I started training, I was already more than half way to Black Belt; I had far surpassed my level of physical well-being before having meningitis. I am confident that the training I received at Body Mind Systems is the reason I made a full recovery.
The instructors were compassionate towards my situation, motivating me to push myself to build strength that had been lost and to attack the weakness that remained in my body. The instructors are very knowledgeable; they knew exactly which movements would help me heal. I have been an athlete all my life - I ran, weight trained, cross trained, and did sport-specific training - and nothing comes close to what this training has enabled me to develop, both physically and mentally.
I would definitely recommend training at Body Mind Systems, whether you are looking to lose weight, get back in shape, or heal a specific injury. I have nothing but gratitude for what Body Mind Systems has given me - quality of life - and I'm sure that you won't be disappointed.
This school offers so much more than martial art classes; it is not the average dojo. The main instructor, Ralph Keefe, makes the time to teach the kids not only how to defend themselves, but, more importantly, he teaches them important life lessons, for instance: to be kind to all, to be aware, and to do well in school.
In addition to teaching the students at his studio, he does so much for St. Joseph School in Oradell, like having special afternoon sessions on half-days. To help the working parents, the kids can come and take fun classes, such as Wood-Breaking Wednesday, Flipping Friday, and Stranger Danger. These are open to all St. Joseph School students, not just the kids from his studio. They come in, have a pizza lunch, and learn important lessons with friends.
I've seen so many local kids just stop in to say hi to Mr. Keefe. It's nice to see that they have a safe place to go to. We're lucky as parents to have a place like this in the neighborhood.
Michelle B. Bergenfield, NJ
You may be familiar with complementary medicine. A definition of this is: "a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine. Conventional medicine (also called Western or allopathic medicine) is practiced by holders of M.D. (medical doctor) and D.O. (doctor of osteopathic medicine) degrees and by allied health professionals, such as physical therapists, psychologists, and registered nurses." I have found in my personal life that traditional medicine alone does not offer the best path to maintaining one’s health. I have learned that a blending of complementary along with traditional medicine does increase the odds of staying healthy. I look at my training at Body Mind Studios in the same way. I have studied many different martial systems – Okinawan karate, judo, aki-jujitsu and kempo – one at a time.
As with my choices for medical care, I have discovered that the blending of complementary with traditional approaches to the study of martial arts produces the most benefits. Benefits include an inner peace, a healthy body and an ability to defend myself.
To my knowledge the only school that teaches this successful blend is Body Mind Studios in New Milford, NJ. This school accomplishes that through the use of well-trained martial arts practitioners who are also competent instructors who not only mastered martial arts but also learned how to effectively pass their knowledge.
Paul S