Core Skillz
A different kind of kids martial arts class.
Core Skillz is where elementary-age students start to see themselves as capable — sparring, board breaking, and leadership drills built around childhood development milestones, not just kicks and punches. Welcome to South Jersey's most-loved kids martial arts program.
Why Families Love This Program
- Confidence that transfers off the mat — into school, friendships, and family life
- Laser focus that shows up in homework and the classroom
- Real self-defense skills taught with restraint and respect
- A community of kids and parents who feel like family
- Certified Skillz instructors specialized in each age group
Age-specific programs — because development matters
Toddlers — Starting at 18 Months
Mini Skillz
Parent-and-me classes that build coordination, listening, and a first taste of mat structure.
Preschool-Age
Early Skillz
Coordination, focus, and following directions — wrapped in games kids beg to come back to.
Early Elementary-Age
Basic Skillz
Real martial arts technique, age-appropriate self-defense, and the foundation of personal discipline.
Elementary-Age
Core Skillz
Sparring, board breaking, leadership drills — where kids start to see themselves as capable.
Middle & High School-Age
Extreme Skillz
Advanced technique, anti-bullying skills, fitness, and a leadership track for the next generation.
What students learn
Every class is built on a Skillz-certified curriculum that goes far beyond physical technique. Students develop life skills they carry into school, home, and every future challenge.
- Traditional Taekwondo forms and technique
- Practical, age-appropriate self-defense
- Goal-setting and personal accountability
- Anti-bullying communication skills
- Respect for self, family, and community
- Confidence speaking and leading in front of others
From The Mat
Real core skillz moments at Rise Up NJ
Serving South Jersey families from Atco
Families travel from across South Jersey for the Rise Up NJ experience. Our home is in Atco, NJ — minutes from every nearby town.
FAQ
A different kind of kids martial arts class. — common questions
What age can my child start martial arts?+
Our Mini Skillz program starts at 18 months as a parent-and-me class. From there, kids move into their own age-specific SKILLZ level — Early Skillz for preschoolers, Basic Skillz for early elementary, Core Skillz for elementary, and Extreme Skillz for middle and high school students.
Do you offer a free intro class?+
Yes. Every new family gets a free private intro at our Atco, NJ studio so we can match your child to the right age group and instructor.
How often should my child train?+
Most students train 2–3 times a week. Our schedule is flexible enough to fit around school, sports, and family life.
Is martial arts safe for young children?+
Yes — our Skillz-certified curriculum is engineered around childhood development. Every drill is age-appropriate and supervised by certified instructors.
Explore More
Other programs at Rise Up NJ
Mini Skillz
Parent-and-me classes that spark coordination, listening, and confidence in our youngest students.
Early Skillz
Focus, self-control, and social skills through play-based martial arts built for preschoolers.
Basic Skillz
Real martial arts technique, age-appropriate self-defense, and the foundation of personal discipline.
Extreme Skillz
Advanced technique, anti-bullying skills, fitness, and a leadership track for the next generation.
Get Started
Ready to Rise Up?
Your first class is on us. No contracts, no pressure — just come see why South Jersey families love Rise Up NJ.