Karate and Martial Arts Classes in Bensonhurst
One dojo. 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 Brooklyn tradition of discipline, respect and real training.
Welcome to Zen Goju Temple, Urban Goju Hall #004, where tradition meets evolution. Rooted firmly in the rich legacy of U.S.A. Goju Karate, we honor the deep principles and techniques of this martial art, fostering discipline, respect, and strength. At the same time, we believe that martial arts is a constantly evolving practice, and we integrate the best aspects of other combat disciplines, including mixed martial arts, grappling, and Aiki JuJutsu. Our goal is to create well-rounded martial artists who are prepared for any challenge. Train with us and discover how traditional techniques and innovative practices can work together to make you the best version of yourself.
Built for tradition.
Made for training.
We pride ourselves in teaching U.S.A. Goju, keeping to the way Grandmaster Peter Urban taught. 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 nobody is kept separate while they earn it. A white belt spars with a black belt. That is how it has always been done here.
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. There is an individual approach and every student receives individual attention.
Kids · 6–12
Children train in the same system, in the same room, to the same standard, as every student who has trained at this dojo.
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. Friday classes also teach conditioning and grappling.
training as an adult →When we train
| Class | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karate & self-defenseAll ages | 7:00-8:30pmKarateSensei Ferdman | 7:30-8:30pmKarateSensei Ferdman | ||||
| Aiki JuJutsuAll ages | 7:00-8:30pmAiki JuJutsuSensei Dimitri and Sensei Yakov | 10:00am-11:30amAiki JuJutsuSensei Dimitri and Sensei Yakov | ||||
| MMAAll ages | 7:00-9:00pmMMAKenny Kogos | |||||
| Sambo*Children and teensNot affiliated with U.S.A. Goju | 5:30-6:30pmSambo, children's6:30-7:30pmSambo, teens | 5:30-6:30pmSambo, children's6:30-7:30pmSambo, 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 and weight room full of iron.
- Dojo. Main training area with mat.
- Heavy bags. Bags, kicking pads, headgear and chest protectors.
- Weight room. Bench, Smith machine, dip bar, dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, fly machine.
Urban Goju Hall #004
Once baptized, always baptized.
Shihan Vincent Merenda, The dojo's own Facebook page, August 2018
Anyone who has ever earned a rank at the Zen Goju Temple is part of the family and is always welcome.
Shihan Vincent Merenda led this dojo for decades. Zen Goju Temple has been on this block since 1972.
Call Now, Train Today.
The first class is free. Turn up, train, and decide afterwards. No uniform, no contract.
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, and decide afterwards. There is no uniform requirement for a first class.
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, all training together in the same class.
Where is the dojo?+
2533 65th St, Brooklyn, NY 11204, on 65th Street between Dahill Road and McDonald Avenue. Call (718) 645-2402 before you travel.