Self defense seminar with Kevin Costello

Other Training


We offer several other training options besides our judo classes. Self-defense seminars are a powerful way to gain the confidence and practical skills to help you stay safe in any situation. Private instruction is also available in judo, classical Japanese ju-jitsu, kempo karate, and self-defense.


Self-Defense Seminars


We can work with your group to provide self-defense instruction through private, individualized seminars. Our self-defense program can be tailored to a wide variety of ages and situations to meet your specific goals.

We utilize a system of strategic thinking and self-defense based on three principles: Clear, Control, and Conclude. Participants are given multiple options for confronting conflict situations, based on the level of risk the defender is placed in. The goal is to neutralize a threat with only as much force as necessary.

Some of our clients have included: HMP Communications, Pure Mixed Martial Arts, the North American Center for Continuing Medical Education (NACCME), North Jersey Judo, Dominion Wrestling, LTS Lohmann Therapy Systems, and The Trauma Institute of New Jersey, along with a variety of Scout and student groups. Here's what a few of them have to say about the program:

"Self-defense with Kevin and Sam was something I looked forward to every single week. Every time I left the hour-long class, I felt strong, powerful, and more knowledgeable about defending myself. The instructors were super friendly and very passionate about sharing their experience and skills with us. They were open to any scenarios we wanted to discuss, or moves we wanted to try. Although self-defense is a serious topic, the instructors still made the class fun. The attention they gave every single participant is so valuable, and I know that I really appreciated the one-on-one feedback. After completing this course, I feel that I am better prepared to use self-defense if I need to. I would definitely recommend this class to both corporate settings and anyone who is interested in being able to defend themselves!"

- Sydney Turner, NACCME


"It is very rare that you hear that you were in the same room with a Martial arts expert that holds four black belts from four very lethal martial arts. I had the pleasure to work with Kevin Costello during his Self-Defense class. By far the most stimulating and fun class I have participated in. Not only is Kevin extremely knowledgeable when it comes to applying the flaws of human anatomy against you, but his teaching style gives you insight on dangerous everyday social situations (getting grabbed at a bar, walking to your car alone at night, etc.) and provides a plan when/if you happen to ever be in that situation.

This class has all the tools necessary to train and entertain people from all ages, gender, and experience. Kevin is patient and delivers the right personal touch to make everyone feel a part of the class. If you want to explore how to develop confidence and a good relationship with yourself I would suggest getting started here."

- Saman Ebrahimzadeh, Fitness & Nutritional Professional


Seminars can be held at our gym, or we can bring the training to you! We can bring an entire dojo to your facility, equipped with comfortable flooring mats, throwing pad, kick shields, focus mitts, and more to deliver a unique and positive experience.

mobile dojo mobile dojo
Contact us to develop a plan that fits your group's needs!


Private Lessons


In addition to group classes and seminars, we provide private instruction in:


While judo focuses on grappling (throws, holds, chokes, and joint locks), kempo karate deals primarily in strikes. The two arts are a great complement to each other. Judo Kai's traditionally-based ju-jitsu program incorporates both grappling and striking to make a well-rounded, highly-personal self-defense system. Students have the option to rank (earn belts) in either ju-jitsu or kempo karate through this route.

Sensei Kevin has definitely elevated my ground game to the next level. My own personal ground game was much weaker and flawed until I started working with him. I was growing increasingly frustrated with the fact that I was losing matches on the ground much more frequently than standing up. With his help, I saw myself capitalizing on split second opportunities to win matches that could potentially not have been in my favor. Not only does Sensei Kevin bring his own comprehensive arsenal of techniques and abilities, but also caters every technique and method to each person and their specific goals. Through Strategic Ground Applications (SGA), I was able to enhance my ground fundamentals and close the gaps in my strategy. I went from being vulnerable and exposed on the mat to being educated and prepared for any situation that arises. I highly attribute my success at higher levels to Sensei Kevin. I believe his training gave me the tools to help me win key matches and jump from #7 to #3 ranking on the USA Judo National Roster in my weight category. I would recommend this program to anyone looking to improve their game."

- Salama Salem, USA Judo Athlete


Contact us to start developing a plan to reach your personal goals!


Ju-Jitsu


The Judo Kai Ju-Jitsu System is unique in that it was not developed by a single individual. Instead, it was developed and influenced by hundreds of martial art practitioners who studied, trained, and taught at Judo Kai throughout the years. Judo Kai first opened its doors in 1963, and in its 60 years of operation, it has been the home to Black Belts in Judo, various ryu’s of Karate and Kempo, Aikido, different systems of Jujutsu, state and national wrestlers, and a host of other combat arts. With the influence of all these high level Black Belts in the school, one thing became clear: no single system had all the answers for everyone. Instead we found that learning from all these differing systems allowed each student to develop a personal system of self-defense that was right for that particular individual. It became clear that a single ryu developed by any one person could not be the single answer for everyone.

It was at this point that the Judo Kai Ju-Jitsu System was born. In place of following a single ryu, a catalog system was developed. This catalog system allows for hundreds of techniques to be taught, and the student to study the particular techniques that resonate with them. By following this approach, the student is able to pick and choose which techniques will become a part of their personal arsenal of self-protection. There are two guiding principles to all the techniques that are taught:

1. The technique must be simple to understand and apply.

2. Each technique can be performed with minimal strength.

With these two concepts guiding the path, we have put a numerical requirement system in place that will allow the student to progress through the ranking system, all the while letting the student pick and choose the technique to be demonstrated. This creates a truly personal system, taking into account the physical, mental, and technical attributes of each practitioner.

The Judo Kai Ju-Jitsu System is not a static system. The techniques, requirements, and training methods are always being reviewed and revised to ensure the system is relevant to the modern world with the modern problems we face.