Our Head Instructors

Owner and head instructor at United Martial Artist, Mat has over 30 years of experience training in various martial arts forms, including Taekwondo and American Mixed Karate. He has competed globally in both point and full-contact fighting and has been inducted into several Global Martial Arts Halls of Honor. Mat’s true passion lies in teaching martial arts. He stepped back from active competition and training to start a family with his wife Jane and to manage the family turntable manufacturing business, VPI Industries.

Recently, Mat returned to martial arts, opening the school to provide quality Karate education in the community and shifting his focus to Okinawa Gojuryu Kenkyukai. Besides his martial arts expertise, Mat is a certified New Jersey Educator, having taught at Holmdel High School and Brookdale Community College, and is currently an active professor at Monmouth University, teaching Information Technology and Business classes.

Bridget, with 13 years of martial arts experience since starting at age 25, initially trained in Nihon Goshin Aikido and American Mixed Karate. In 2023, she joined the Okinawan Gojuryu Kenkyukai, earning her Shodan. Bridget primarily instructs kids’ classes and assists in dojo administration, including coordinating events. She’s pursuing her Shodan in Toyama Ryu Battodo and plans to teach Kuntaw Kali Escrima. A believer in the accessibility of martial arts, Bridget values diverse styles. Outside the dojo, as a mom, she volunteers at an animal rescue, enjoys ElfQuest, anime, video games, and is learning Japanese.

Mat, a dedicated martial artist with over 20 years of experience, is highly proficient in Goju Ryu karate and Jinmukai Japanese swordsmanship. His approach to teaching is marked by a meticulous attention to detail and a profound respect for the traditional elements of these disciplines. As a full-time professor, Mat possesses a unique ability to transfer his deep knowledge of martial arts, making complex techniques accessible and engaging for students of all levels. His passion for martial arts is matched only by his commitment to helping students achieve their full potential in both skill and discipline.

Training since the tender age of 6, Adel brings over two decades of dedication to our dojo. He has achieved a black belt in American Mixed Martial Arts and Traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu, alongside an extensive proficiency in martial arts weapons like the Bo, Japanese sword, and nunchucks. Furthermore, Adel boasts a robust foundation in grappling, honed through seven years of high-level wrestling and jujitsu training during his college years. His diverse and comprehensive martial arts background makes him a valuable and skilled member of our team.

Sandy, residing in Holmdel, NJ, has been an inspiring Zumba Fitness instructor since 2011. Her journey into fitness began as a response to her first cancer diagnosis, igniting a passion not only for her own health improvement but also for helping others achieve their fitness goals. Sandy holds licenses in various Zumba disciplines, including Zumba Basics, Strong by Zumba, Zumba Gold, Zumba Core, Zumba Toning, and Zumba Step. Her career boasts notable accomplishments, such as features in Zumba Fitness ZLife articles, the Zumba Fitness Party in Pink Campaign, performances in worldwide Zumba Fitness Livestream Classes, and appearances in the “Hello World” music video and other promotional videos.

As a two-time breast cancer survivor, Sandy is deeply committed to her Annual Zumba Fitness Party in Pink charity events since 2010, benefiting local organizations. Sandy’s belief that fitness is attainable for everyone, regardless of physical condition, was exemplified when she trained for and competed in an NPC Bikini Athlete competition at 51. Also a licensed Personal Trainer, Sandy’s mission is to motivate and encourage a positive, healthy, and active lifestyle. She invites everyone to join her in the journey of fitness and dance.