About True North Martial Arts, Forked River NJ
Finding Your True North.
the compass that guides us
I have been a student of the arts for 34 years, and I have made a career of teaching for over two decades. Somewhere along the way, what started as something I love became something much bigger. It became my purpose.
The opportunity to walk alongside each student through their journey and to help them discover the strength that already exists inside them, is one of my greatest blessings.
Martial arts has never just been about what we do on the mat. It is about who we become along the way. My mission, first and foremost, is to help people develop confidence in who they are, remember their worth, align with their purpose, stay connected to their values, and have the courage to shine their own unique light into the world.
Empowerment. Leadership. Love.
That is the heart behind True North Martial Arts, and it is how I landed on the name. I have a sign hanging in the school that puts into words what True North represents:
True North represents the inner compass that guides us towards alignment, purpose, and truth. It is the quiet knowing within that leads us home to ourselves. When we remain connected to our True North, our presence gives others permission to do the same.
Being connected to ourselves is how true leadership is born. There is structure to uphold in a group environment, but I never want that structure to overshadow individuality. My goal is to help each student recognize their own gifts, trust who they are and have the confidence to bring that version of themselves into the world.
If you are new here, welcome. I am glad you found us.
Why the programs are split by age
Every stage of life brings something different to the mat. That is why our programs are separated by age, with a curriculum designed to meet students where they are developmentally.
With a background in psychology and more than two decades of teaching, Master Melissa has built the program around how students actually learn. A four year old needs movement, play and repetition. A seven year old is ready for greater structure and responsibility. By twelve, students are capable of understanding not only how a technique works, but the theory behind it and when to apply it.
The martial arts system is the same. The way we teach it changes with the student.
See how that comes to life across the five programs by age.
Master Melissa Bogart, Owner and Head Instructor
- 34 years of training, under Grandmaster Art Hinkelbein
- 6th Degree Black Belt, Master Instructor
- Teaching and school ownership for over two decades
- B.A. in Psychology, Georgian Court University
Master Ronika Eckart, Lead Instructor
- 6th Degree Black Belt
- 31 years of training, more than 15 years teaching
- B.A. in Criminal Justice
What we teach
True North teaches a comprehensive martial arts and self defense system that draws from multiple styles, along with concepts and techniques developed through decades of training and teaching.
Students learn blocking, striking, kicking, takedowns, containment, joint locks and submissions. But the techniques themselves are only part of the education. As students progress, they develop a deeper understanding of the theory behind what they are doing, why it works, and how to apply it.
The goal is not simply to collect techniques. It is to understand the principles well enough to adapt them when a real situation does not happen exactly the way you practiced it.
Visit us in Forked River
True North Martial Arts is at 121 S. Main Street, in the Forked River House Plaza on Route 9. For 15 years, our school has been proud to call Lacey Township home, teaching generations of local families from Forked River, Ocean County and the surrounding areas.
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
This place is so much more than just a school, it’s a community and a family. Through her teaching and guidance my son has developed a set of skills that he will carry with him for the rest of his life. They are kind, patient and knowledgeable. I can’t say enough positive things about this place.
Tara Ruby
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.