Martial arts excellence in Manasquan since 1993

Strong skills.
Stronger character.

Pendo Karate helps children, teens, and adults build practical self-defense, confidence, discipline, and healthy habits that carry into everyday life.

Choose a class Call 732-223-5020

Since 1993Serving local families

1:7Teacher-to-student goal

Join anytimeDuring a session

Explore

The Pendo difference

Fight not,
but for.

Martial art is more than punching and kicking. It is a way to meet problems, grow through challenge, and become more self-reliant.

Safe, ethical self-defense Achievement in school and life Character and responsibility A lifetime of excellent health

Programs for every stage

Find the right class

Age-appropriate instruction keeps students engaged, challenged, and progressing with confidence.

Ages 3–4

Kinder Karate

Fun, structured 30-minute classes build self-discipline, listening, memory, balance, teamwork, and fitness.

See Kinder schedule

Ages 5–10

Youth & Intermediate

Students develop technique, focus, confidence, and perseverance through clear goals and steady progress.

See Intermediate schedule

Advancing students

Advanced, Teen & Black Belt

Deeper training in safe self-defense, leadership, control, and the habits of lifelong practice.

See Advanced schedule

Not sure where to begin? We’ll help match your student with the right class.

Talk with Pendo

Current schedule

2026–2027 classes

Classes are held Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in four 10-week sessions. Students may begin at any time, subject to enrollment and staff availability.

Kinder KarateAges 3–4 · White/Blue

4:15 PMMonday & Wednesday

30 minutes · Attend 1× or 2× weekly

IntermediateAges 5–10 · W/B/Y/O

4:45 PMMonday, Tuesday & Wednesday

60 minutes · Attend 1× or 2× weekly

AdvancedG/P/B/Sr. B

5:45 PMMonday, Tuesday & Wednesday

60 minutes · Attend 1× or 2× weekly

Black BeltQualified students

6:45 PMTuesday

60 minutes · Weekly

Session 1September 3, 2026

Session 2November 12, 2026

Session 3February 2, 2027

Session 4April 13, 2027

Experience you can trust

Skilled and dedicated instructors

Pendo instructors are school-trained Black Belts committed to safe teaching, positive motivation, and each student’s growth.

Founder & Director

Sensei Al Gargiulo

Sensei Al brings 51 years of martial arts practice and teaching experience to Pendo Karate.

Program Director

Sensei Nick Gargiulo

Thirty years of martial arts study, Black Belts in Tang Soo Do and Isshin Fu, and more than 20 years of teaching.

Head Instructor

Sensei Jaclyn Baccarella

An experienced professional educator and one of Pendo’s highest-ranking instructors: personable, kind, and respectful.

Pendo Karate has been more than I could have asked for in a martial arts program for my son. The balance of self-discipline, character, enthusiasm, and encouragement develops the body, mind, and spirit.
Elizabeth Allen

My kids look forward to Karate each week. They have gained confidence from it. I can’t say enough good things about all the instructors and the facility.
Lori McBride

Our son has the best time there and is learning so much. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. We love Pendo Karate!
Lindsey Mather

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Practice beyond the dojo

Student video library

Use Pendo’s tutorials to review belt tying and practice required Kata at home. Parents are encouraged to watch with younger students.

Tang Soo Do Kata

Kata 1 Kata 2 Kata 3 Kata 4 Kata 5 Kata 6 Kata 7

Isshin Fu Kata

Kata 1 Kata 2 Kata 3 Kata 4 Kata 5

Featured tutorialHow to tie your belt

A different kind of birthday

Karate parties

Give your child a safe, active celebration with basic martial art, targets, obstacle courses, themed games, tug of war, and a technique demonstration.

1 hour in the dojo
30-minute traditional sit-down party
Safety-certified staff, equipment, tables, and chairs
For children age 3 and up who can participate independently

Ask about a party

Helpful answers

Before your first class

Questions are welcome. We want every student to begin in a program that is safe, comfortable, and suited to their age and skill level.

Can my child join after a session has started?

Yes. Students may join at any time during a 10-week session, subject to class availability.

How does belt progress work?

Instructors evaluate students regularly. Intermediate and advanced students earn stripes as skills improve, and individual pre-tests help ensure readiness before a belt test invitation.

What is sparring?

Sparring is supervised practice with a partner using directed drills and light contact. Required protective gear and martial arts shoes support safety and hygiene.

Can students practice at home?

Yes. The video library includes required Kata and a belt-tying tutorial. Parents should watch with younger children so practice stays clear and accurate.

Shop Pendo

Gear for class. Learning for home.

Pendo Store Pendo Academy

Visit the dojo

Your next step starts here.

Pendo Karate is located inside Epic Gymnastics on Highway 34 in Manasquan.

Address2351 Highway 34
Manasquan, NJ 08736 Phone(732) 223-5020 Emailsensei@pendokarate.com

Our rootsTeaching skill and character since 1993

More than three decades of practice, teaching, and service to Monmouth County families.

Strong skills.Stronger character.

Fight not,but for.