Our Strength

We study the Art of Isshin-ryu Karate which was created by Master Tatsuo Shimabuku of Okinawa. Our form of Isshin-ryu Karate is also called American Isshin-ryu Karate due to the changes and modifications that have been introduced over the years. In this program you will develop many skills, such as:

Techniques and applications in blocking, punching, striking, kicking and stance,
Mechanics and principles behind proper technique, balance, power and movement,
Various Isshin-ryu katas (formal exercises) that teach self-defense in movement. Some of the katas utilize weapons such as the bo, nuchukus, sia, tonfa and sword.
Sparring with other students in controlled matches,
And last, various applications and principles in self-defense, pain compliance, and joint lock techniques.

The study of any martial art is a progression and personal journey. Mastery of the techniques comes through practice, practice, practice and time, time, time! However, the journey is not merely a technical one. As you progress in your journey, you will discover many things about the art and yourself that fascinate, stimulate and motivate you to personal growth and excellence. Many students discover and focus abilities that they never knew they had, build self-esteem and confidence, learn self-discipline, respect and goal setting. The relationships and friendships that you forge with like-minded students while in the art will be some of the relationships and friendships that are with you for life. We welcome you to enjoy our school!

Isshinryu Karate

James Thaxton

Godan (5th Degree Black-Belt) - Master Thaxton is the founder and head instructor of Thaxton Martial Arts. His formal training is in the areas of Isshinryu Karate, Kickboxing and Kyusho Jitsu (pressure-point application). Sensei Thaxton first began his training in Isshinryu Karate under the instruction of the late Grand Master Ernie Temple. After obtaining advanced rank, he went on to work several years as an assistant instructor in Master Temple's program. During this time Sensei Thaxton also began training in Kickboxing also obtaining advanced rank. Eventually, Sensei Thaxton went on to teach Karate and self-defense for the Piscataway Board of Education Adult Education program where he started several adult and children programs in Karate and self-defense. Sensei Thaxton also studied Kyusho Jitsu under the instruction of Grand Master Mark Kline, applying pressure-point application to the Isshinryu system of katas. Master Kline promoted Sensei Thaxton to 4th dan. Sensei Thaxton was promoted to 5th dan by Hanshi Don Vitale, Hanshi Don Nash, Hanshi Ralph Passero and Hanshi Mark Kline. Master Thaxton continues to enthusiastically work with students teaching the arts of Karate, Kickboxing and Self-Defense.

Kamini Patel

Sandan (3rd Degree Black-Belt) - Sensei Patel commenced her Isshinryu training under Master Thaxton in 2009. She exemplifies the grace, character, accountability, faithfulness, perseverance, and discipline that we look for in a student and particularly a black-belt. She is an amazing role model for the dojo. We are so proud to have Sensei Patel as part of our dojo.

James Vernon Gibbions Jr., M.D.

Shodan (1st Degree Black-Belt) - Sensei Gibbions is a deacon at the Cathedral International Second Baptist Church of Perth Amboy, NJ, an attending physician at the Family Medicine at Atlantic Health System - The Medical Institute of New Jersey, Cedar Knolls, husband and father of two. He commenced his Isshinryu training under Master Thaxton in 2010. He also holds Shodan rank in Shotokan. Dr. Gibbions exemplifies the character, accountability, perseverance, and discipline that we look for in a student and martial arts. He is an exemplary role model. We are proud to have Sensei Gibbions as part of our dojo.

Bipin A. Thakur

Shodan (1st Degree Black-Belt ) - Sensei Thakur commenced his Isshinryu training at Thaxton Martial Arts in 2018. He runs a global business in work solutions. Besides his day job, Sensei Thakur is passionate about exploring new skills, ideas, and endeavors, and views the dojo as a place where strong character, mind and body are built. We can proudly say of Sensei Thakur that he's committed to the art of Isshinryu Karate, and models the commitment that we teach and encourage our students to strive for. He is an outstanding role model. We are so proud to have Sensei Thakur as part of our dojo.

Meha D. Patel

Shodan Teiugu (1st Degree Black-Belt) - Sensei Patel commenced her Isshinryu training at Thaxton Martial Arts in 2018. She is an honor student in multiple subjects, also competes in volley ball, and now attends high school. Sensei Meha is an extraordinary young woman who can be described as gentle, modest, hard working, and very coachable. She is an outstanding role model for her peers. We are so proud to have Sensei Meha as part of our dojo.

Reyansh Gupta

Shodan Teiugu (1st Degree Black-Belt ) - Sensei Gupta commenced his Isshinryu training at Thaxton Martial Arts in 2017. He is an honor student in multiple subjects, and also competes in soccer. Sensei Rey is our youngest black-belt and the brother of Sensei Neev Gupta. We look forward to the bright future Sensei Rey brings. We are so proud to have Sensei Rey as part of our dojo.

Jormey T. Cualizares

Shodan Teiugu (1st Degree Black-Belt ) - Sensei Cualizares commenced her Isshinryu training at Thaxton Martial Arts in 2020. She is an honor student in not one, but in all of her subjects, In addition, she is a member of The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), participates in chior, and is on the dance team of her high school. Sensei Jormey volunteers regularly at a food bank, and with helping the community in need. She is one of the humblest, most kind hearted and coachable students that I have ever had the please of coaching. We are so very proud to have Sensei Cualizaresas as part of our dojo.