
Martial Arts Classes in Forked River, NJ
Growth and direction, far beyond the mat.
Family owned martial arts in Forked River, New Jersey, with age specific programs for ages 4 through adult. Start with a trial that fits your family.
Why choose True North
Confidence
Built through effort, progress and discovering what they’re truly capable of.
Discipline
Developing the focus, self-control and personal responsibility to make intentional choices.
Personalized Instruction
Individual attention within the group setting, allowing each student to be supported, challenged and taught in the way they need to progress.
Direction
Helping students stay connected to their values, recognize their potential and move through life with purpose.
Programs by age
True North runs five age specific programs in Forked River, from preschool through adult.

Ages 4–5
Little Ninjas
Thirty minutes, once a week. Martial arts foundations taught through purposeful, age-appropriate learning.

Ages 6–8
Kids
Thirty minutes, twice a week. Formal ranking begins as students build a broader foundation of skills and take greater ownership of their training.

Ages 9–11
Youth
Forty-five minutes, twice a week. Training becomes more complex, with expanded self-defense and increased partner work.

Ages 12–16
Teen
Forty-five minutes, twice a week. Technique goes deeper as students explore the theory and principles behind what they learn.

Ages 16+
Adult
One hour, twice a week. A comprehensive, real-world self-defense system with personalized instruction that allows you to learn and progress at your own pace.
Where our students come from
Our school is on Route 9 in Forked River, a few minutes from the Garden State Parkway. Families train with us from all over Lacey Township and the surrounding Ocean County towns. Whether you are in Lanoka Harbor, Waretown, Barnegat, Bayville, Manahawkin, Little Egg Harbor or Toms River, you are close enough for classes to conveniently fit into your schedule.

Welcome to True North
From the moment a new student steps onto the mat, our goal is to make them feel welcomed, supported and comfortable learning at their own pace. New students receive plenty of individual attention as they learn the fundamentals, become familiar with the class and begin finding their place within it.
True North is owned and run by Master Melissa Bogart, who has spent more than thirty years in martial arts and over two decades teaching. She is on the mat teaching alongside a team of experienced instructors, allowing every student to receive the individual attention they need and deserve within the group environment.
Our programs are separated by age for a reason. Both the martial arts curriculum and the life skills we teach are designed to meet students where they are developmentally, with the depth, expectations and approach evolving at each stage.
At the heart of True North is a belief that martial arts is about more than what we learn to do. It’s about who we become along the way. Our goal is to help students build confidence in who they are, recognize what they’re capable of, stay connected to their values and move through life with purpose.
What families say
I can honestly say that this place changed my seven year old grandson’s life. He started as a very very shy little boy. Master Melissa and her staff are the best. My little boy has come out of his shell and is showing so much more confidence. They not only teach karate but also basic life lessons which are invaluable.
Theresa Valenti
Melissa has an ability to connect with children, keep their attention, and make learning both fun and engaging. Her patience, encouragement and teaching style have helped my daughter grow not only in martial arts but in confidence. She is truly one of those special instructors who leaves a lasting impact on the children she teaches.
Justine Tedesco
Ready to start?
Getting started is simple. Little Ninjas ages are invited to try a free class. New students ages 6 through adult can get started with three classes and a uniform for $79.95.
Find us in Forked River
True North Martial Arts
121 S. Main Street (Rt. 9)
Forked River House Plaza
Forked River, NJ 08731
(609) 242-4034
Call or text: (609) 242-4034
truenorthmartialartsnj@gmail.com
Hours
Mon, Tue & Thu: 3:00 – 8:30 PM
Wed: 3:00 – 7:30 PM
Sat: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Closed Friday & Sunday