Business Details
36 Years
experience
Premier Martial Arts Training in Fredonia, NY
Founded in 1990, Karate Connection has served Fredonia as a premier martial arts school dedicated to fostering personal excellence through diverse disciplines. Under the leadership of owner and head instructor Norman Yonkers, the school emphasizes 'Black Belt Excellence,' cultivating discipline, fitness, and mental resilience. Offering programs including Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Hayastan Grappling, we prioritize a safe, family-oriented environment where students develop beyond self-defense skills. As the NYS Representative for the Hayastan Grappling System, we host annual tournaments and provide tailored classes for all ages, from children to adults.Our instructors, including certified professionals with decades of experience, exemplify integrity and expertise, ensuring a transformative journey for every student. We reject mandatory contracts, retaining members through genuine value and commitment to quality education. With flexible schedules and rates designed for families and college students, our mission remains to empower individuals through martial arts, fostering productive, successful lives.
Services
Karate
Jiu-Jitsu
Muay Thai
Grappling
Tai Chi
Self-Defense
Kickboxing
MMA Fitness
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of combined martial arts instruction expertise.
- Our diverse programs cater to ages 4 through adult with all skill levels.
- Certified instructors bring real-world tournament and teaching experience.
- No mandatory membership contracts ensure satisfaction-driven retention.
- Dedicated to community through annual state grappling championships.
What people say
Experienced instructors
Family-friendly atmosphere
Flexible scheduling
Effective teaching methods
Great community vibe
Services
Karate
Traditional Karate instruction for ages 4+ focuses on technique, discipline, and character development. Classes are structured for children, teens, and adults, with standardized curricula promoting belt progression. Our program builds foundational martial arts skills while emphasizing respect and perseverance.
Hayastan Grappling
Hayastan Grappling combines Judo and Sambo techniques for real-world self-defense applications. Both gi and no-gi classes teach takedowns, holds, and ground fighting for students aged 6+. Certified through Gokor Chivichyan's system, our curriculum prepares participants for competitive and practical scenarios.
MMA Fitness
High-energy MMA Kickboxing classes blend striking techniques from boxing, Muay Thai, and karate with cardiovascular conditioning. Designed for teens and adults, these sessions improve strength, coordination, and endurance while teaching practical self-defense movements in a dynamic group setting.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi classes for adults focus on slow, controlled movements to enhance balance, flexibility, and mental focus. This traditional Chinese martial art incorporates breathing techniques and flowing forms to promote wellness and body awareness through gentle physical activity.
Self-Defense
Specialty self-defense courses teach practical techniques for real-life scenarios. Women's classes emphasize awareness, evasion strategies, and effective countermeasures against common attacks. Instruction includes situational training to build confidence and safety preparedness in various environments.
People
Norman Yonkers
Owner/Head Instructor
Founder of Goshin-Do system with 5th Degree Black Belt in Goshin Jutsu. Certified by American Council of Martial Artists and Cooper Institution. Holds national tournament organizer credentials. Teaches SUNY Fredonia self-defense programs since 1999.
Vince Gugino
Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt since 1991 with specialized youth communication skills. Combines verbal instruction with physical demonstration to create accessible learning experiences for students of all ages in traditional martial arts disciplines.
Greg Cramer
Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt trained since 1992. Holds advanced rank in Hayastan Grappling system. Championship competitor who emphasizes traditional karate values while maintaining engaging, demanding classes with motivational teaching style.
Damien Gee
Assistant Instructor
Trained at The Karate Connection since 2012. Currently pursuing personal advancement while assisting members with skill development. Known for patience and supportive guidance throughout student training programs.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We offer Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Hayastan Grappling, Tai Chi, and Self-Defense programs for ages 4 through adult.
Do you require membership contracts?
No mandatory contracts. We believe in satisfaction-driven membership and let students continue because they want to, not because they have to.
Are there family discounts available?
Yes, we offer discounted rates for multiple family members and advance payment plans for 3, 4, 6, and 12 months.
What college student programs are offered?
Full-time college students receive special rates starting at $475/semester with included uniform or $135/month with gear purchase.
Do you offer free trial classes?
Yes, new students can schedule a free introductory lesson by selecting their preferred class time through our website.
What competitive opportunities are available?
We host the annual NYS-HGC Grappling Championship and provide tournament preparation coaching for competitive martial artists.
Reviews (4)
Adam R.
Jan 18, 2022
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I met Norm traveling with Gokor , and Ken Harte. He was A passionate instructor, his son is also a beast on the mat. If you're in the New York area don't hesitate to train here.
Tom D.
Feb 18, 2019
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Well - I put off finishing my review until I had enough interactions with the owner and to give Mikey a chance to let me know his thoughts on this place - and as I suspected - this place and Norm are fantastic! My only wish is that I could have had a place like this when I was a kid. It's not just Karata or MMA - it's a culture and I am so glad my friends highly recommended it to me! My grandson is learning so much more than grappling or karate - it's nice to know he is learning about a culture and able to speak some Japanese too!
Daniel Wysocki
Jan 11, 2016
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You get what you pay for,real training.Shihan Yonkers embodies the essence of what the martial arts should be.If you want to learn real skills and earn your rank,not buy it,then Karate connection is the only real choice.
Adam Tucker
Oct 18, 2015
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Great instruction at an affordable price! Real legitimate karate, nothing watered down here. Sensei Norman Yonkers is a highly decorated instructor with ranking in multiple systems. The school teaches self-defense, traditional karate, Hayastan Grappling, conditioning, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, judo, jujitsu and Sambo. They are the western New York affiliate for Gokor Civichyan's Hayastan Grappling System and have produced high level competitors in karate, mixed martial arts and grappling competitions. This school is great for competitors, those just looking for a great workout and everyone