Carter's Academy of Self-Defense

Most things (hobbies, et al) you decide to take up have a logical stopping point. You begin as a novice, work hard, master the thing you are trying to do, get bored, or get too old, and eventually find something else to do.



I have found that Nihon Goshin Aikido is simply not like that. Anyone can take Aikido up at any time, with any athletic ability, and train their whole life without getting bored or feeling stale.



I attended my first class as a 42 year old with no prior martial arts training. Furthermore, Shihan Bowe is over 70 years old, and he still teaches a Friday afternoon class at the Nutley, NJ dojo.



There's always something new to learn or improve your understanding of in Aikido. Sensei Carter calls them "nuggets." Hang around long enough, and you'll be able to turn all those nuggets into your very own gold bar.



You will learn many new abilities leading (ever get a dog to run circles around you by dragging a stick just in front of his nose? , blending (getting out of the path of an attack at the last second), throwing (using you attacker's momentum to lead him into a position of imbalance, and then apply just enough force to topple him over), getting thrown (pain free way to meet the mat), controlling the power of your technique so that you do not accidentally injure you training partner or attacker, defending against a single attacker (ever tailgated at a SC v. Clemson game?), defending against multiple attackers (ever walked around Five Points after 11:30?), defending against someone with a knife, a club, or a gun (ever been in a store while it was being robbed?), etc.



Generally, the prime difference between Aikido and other martial arts is that Aikido is a standing system designed for defense ultimately against multiple attackers. It realizes its full power not by brute strength or "striking" (meeting force with force), but by using the power and energy of the attacker's attempt to strike you against him. This being the case, the Aikido practitioner can make his defense violent and deadly, or tempered and restrained as he so desires.



Classes are scheduled in the evenings Monday - Thursday, and during the day on Thursday and Saturday.



The dojo is also a certified Gracie Jui-jitsu center - in case the fight were to go to the ground.

Our son started with Sensei Carter at the Carter Academy of Self Defense as a young teenager and is now a 20 year old black belt. We have been completely impressed with every aspect of this dojo and Sensei Carter. He has the rare ability to instill both fun and discipline into every class. From the very beginning it was clear that our son was learning and progressing quickly, and enjoying every minute of it. That is very important as parents...money well spent! The friendships our son has made through the class is just another excellent benefit. We discovered this academy through a recommendation of someone working at a different martial arts studio. While he liked his studio, he said that Sensei Carter’s studio was better. We chose it based on that recommendation and it was conveniently located near our house. We’ve never regretted the decision!

I've trained in nine martial arts since 1981 and have been blessed to study in Okinawa, Japan, and South Korea. I've seen everything from the old "blood-and-guts" dojos to the "belt factories." It's really difficult to put into words the love, respect, and admiration I have for Sensei Carter, his assistant instructors, my fellow students, and the arts of Nihon Goshin Aikido and Gracie Jui Jitsu. There is a perfect balance of martial arts tradition and contemporary learning, and of serious study and fun. We found Carter's Academy when looking for a school for our younger son. While there are many good schools and instructors around, my wife and I wanted the best for our child. Simply put, Sensei Carter is the best.

Our son started Aikido with Sensei Carter when he was 4 1/2. That was 3 1/2 years ago and he still loves to go. Classes here are structured, but fun. Close monitoring of each student is done to ensure safety and well as correct technique. Students are taught respect, tolerance and conflict resolution. Role playing is done to demonstrate techniques to not only handle potential conflict, but to also avoid it if possible. I highly recommend Sensei Carter for anyone interested in learning self defense.

As a student at Mr. Carter's dojo, I have found an instructor who is knowledgable and attentive to all students. He spends time with every student, preparing them for self-defense in real life situations. The atmosphere he promotes makes students of all levels comfortable and enables success.

I have been going to the Academy for a little over 3 years now. I have enjoyed it so much! The training is amazing! It is a fun atmosphere but serious too. I have learned so many affective techniques for defending myself. When I joined the Academy I was a shy, scared little teenager. I am now 20 years old, the people, enviroment, and Sensei Carter have really helped me grow even as a person. I have matured since joining the academy. I learned to have fun when its appropriate, and be serious when needed. I went from being afraid of walking down my own street as well as taking the trash out in the dark, to having confidence enough to run around the block multiple times in one day and feeling confident. I have had to use my aikido in real life, and I tell you it was a blessing having it! If you are looking to join a dojo, join this one! It isn't just any Dojo, it is by far the BEST! (And as a female I can say to all the women, you won't regret any length of training here.)

I've been a student at this school for about 4 years and I wouldn't be writing this review now if I didn't love it there. Its a great art for self defense that doesn't just teach you techniques to defend against attackers but also a mind set and strategies to avoid bad situations entirely. Its versatile enough that kids can safely learn and use it to defend against a bully while at the same time it can be used to defend from knifes, guns, and even multiple attackers. Sensei Carter also teaches Jiu-Jitsu which used together with aikido means you can feel comfortable standing or on the ground. Its a great learning environment where everyone is there to help each other get better. Sensei Carter is a great teacher and he cares about all of his students making sure that even a white belt can feel confident in defending them-self. Come by the dojo and you can see the kids and adult classes for yourself and decide if you like it.

Sensi Carter provides everyone that comes to his Dojo with the upmost respect and he passes that on to all of the students, parents and vistors. He is a teacher that truely loves what he does and does an excellent job teaching it to his students. He is a very patient teacher and works hard for and with his students!!

Sensi Carter teaches his students, respect, discipline, techinique and how to defend themselves. He also addresses issues with bullying, most children will encounter sometime in their life.

Since my son Zach has been a student of Sensi Carter's he is more disciplined and attentive.

I highly recommend Carter's Academy to anyone that I hear asking about Self-Defense!!!!

Joining Carter's Academy of Self-Defense has been one of the greatest decisions of my life. I joined when I was twelve years old in sixth grad because I was struggling with bullies. Not only have I learned how to defend myself from anyone, but I have also learned great values as a person. I couldn't imagine training at a better school with a better teacher. The environment you train in couldn't be better. Everyone in the Dojo does their best to make you feel welcome and is willing to help everyone regardless of rank. I have made some of my best friends there and plan on training in this art for the rest of my life. I have been here for over eight years now and don't ever plan on leaving.

Both of our young boys take Aikido at the Academy, and our oldest has been attending for the last 2 1/2 years. I love that they are learning to effectively defend themselves without trying to hurt anybody. There's a strong focus on discipline and respect, and all of these elements have contributed to a humble sense of confidence in our kids.

I love being a part of Sensie Carter's Academy. The people in our dojo are friendly and always willing to help one another. If you are looking for a dojo that is more about learning to defend yourself and not just for show, than this is the place for you. We take Aikido seriously, but we still have fun.