Karate and Martial Arts Classes in Bensonhurst
One room. One lineage. Fifty years on the same block.
Traditional U.S.A. Goju for children, teens and adults at 2533 65th St in Bensonhurst. Your first class is free.
A real dojo, not a belt factory
We pride ourselves in teaching U.S.A. Goju, the way Grandmaster Peter Urban taught us. Our dojo is a house of discipline where all martial artists, who want to train hard, are welcomed.
A direct line
This is Urban Goju Hall #004 — a single-digit hall number, which means one of the first dojos Grandmaster Peter Urban recognized.
Our lineage →Graded, not scheduled
Nobody collects a belt every ten weeks. Rank is earned, and beginners train alongside senior students rather than being kept separate.
What to expect →Nothing to sign
There have never been contracts here. Train first, decide after, and cancel by telling us.
What it costs →Classes for every age
Same system, same room, same standard. The pace is what changes.
Kids · 6–12
Children train in the same system, in the same room, as every student who has trained at this dojo. The pace is different; the standard is not.
our childrens classes →Teen · 13–16
Teenagers get treated as capable. The training is demanding and the expectations are clear, which is usually the point for anyone who walks in at this age.
our teen classes →Adult · 17+
You do not need any experience to start. We welcome students of any skill level, starting from zero. Zen Goju Temple is a fighting school and there is sparring: Thursday is motion study sparring and Friday is harder. The lower rank sets the pace. Friday classes also teach conditioning and grappling.
training as an adult →When we train
| Class | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karate & self-defenseTeens and adults | 7:00-8:30pmKarateSensei Ferdman | 7:00-8:15pmKarateSensei Ferdman | ||||
| Aiki JuJutsuAdults and teens | 7:00-8:30pmAiki JuJutsuSensei Dimitri and Sensei Yakov | 10:00am-11:30amAiki JuJutsuSensei Dimitri and Sensei Yakov | ||||
| MMAAll ages | 7:00-9:00pmMMAKenny | |||||
| Sambo*Children and teensNot affiliated with U.S.A. Goju | 5:30-6:30pmSambo, children's6:30-7:30pmSambo, teens | 5:30-6:30pmSambo, kids | 5:30-6:30pmSambo, teens |
* Not affiliated with U.S.A. Goju
Times are subject to change. Call before you travel.
What is in the building
A working dojo floor, not a fitness studio with mats in it.
- Weight room. Bench, dip bar, squat rack.
- Heavy bags. Bags, kicking pads and gloves.
- Traditional equipment. Including the old stone and iron training tools.
- On 65th Street. Between 25th and 26th Avenues, in the middle of the block.
Urban Goju Hall #004
We pride ourselves in teaching U.S.A. Goju, the way Grandmaster Peter Urban taught us.
The dojo's own words
Shihan Vincent Merenda led this dojo for decades. Zen Goju Temple has been on this block since 1972.
The first class is free
Turn up, train or watch, and decide afterwards. No uniform, no contract, and nobody will chase you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any experience to start?+
No. We welcome students of any skill level, starting from zero. Beginners train alongside senior students rather than being kept separate, and the lower rank sets the pace.
Is the first class really free?+
Yes. Your first class is free. Turn up, train or watch, and decide afterwards. There is no uniform requirement for a first class and nobody will chase you.
Do I need a uniform?+
Not to try a class - wear something you can move in. Students bring their own uniform once they join. Black judo or karate uniforms are preferred.
Is there a contract?+
No. There have never been contracts here. The tradition at this dojo is that a contract feels like trapping someone into training.
What ages do you teach?+
Children from 6, teens, and adults. Classes run six days a week at 2533 65th St in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.
Where is the dojo?+
2533 65th St, Brooklyn, NY 11204, on 65th Street between 25th and 26th Avenues in Bensonhurst. Call (718) 645-2402 before you travel.