Frequently Asked · Howell & Jackson, NJ

MARTIAL ARTS QUESTIONS,
HONEST ANSWERS.

Everything families in Howell, Jackson, Freehold, Farmingdale, Lakewood & Monmouth County, NJ ask us before their child (or they) step onto the mat. If your question isn't here, call us at (732) 886-5556.

(732) 886-5556
4244 US-9, Howell, NJ 07731 · On Route 9 in Howell
How Do I Get Started?

The simplest path from curious to first class.

How do I get started at Inner-Power Martial Arts?+
Book your two free trial classes directly on the online calendar on our free-trial page. Prefer to talk first? Call (732) 886-5556 or stop by 4244 US-9, Howell, NJ 07731 — same plaza as Five Guys. Free-trial page →
What's included in the trial?+
Two full Hapkido classes for kids, teens, or adults with professional instruction and no payment or obligation.
What should we bring to the first class?+
Just comfortable athletic clothes and a water bottle. Kids typically train barefoot on our matted floor.
How soon can we start?+
Book your two free trial classes directly on the online calendar on our free-trial page. We keep class sizes structured, so spots fill on a first-come basis — the sooner you book, the sooner your child is on the mat. Free-trial page →
For Parents & Kids (Ages 4–12)

The concerns we hear most often from Howell and Jackson parents.

My child is shy — will they fit in?+
Shy kids are exactly who we built this program for. Our instructors are trained to draw kids out gradually, using small wins and clear structure so quiet kids gain confidence without being put on the spot. Most parents notice a change in the first few weeks.
What if my child has never done martial arts before?+
Perfect. The majority of our students start with zero experience. Our Core 24 curriculum breaks Hapkido down into small, learnable steps so every child — regardless of athletic background — makes steady progress.
What if my child is being bullied?+
Real Hapkido teaches kids how to carry themselves, set boundaries, and handle physical confrontation only when necessary. Confident body language and situational awareness usually stop bullying before it starts — and if it doesn't, your child will know exactly what to do.
Is martial arts safe for young kids?+
Yes. Classes are structured, supervised, and age-appropriate. We train on padded mats, use controlled contact only, and never pair kids of significantly different sizes. Injuries are extremely rare — far less common than in soccer, football, or gymnastics.
Will martial arts make my child aggressive?+
The opposite. Real martial arts training builds self-control, respect, and discipline. Our students learn that skill is for defense and self-mastery — never for showing off or intimidating others. Parents consistently report calmer, more focused kids.
What ages do you teach?+
Kids classes are Little Ninjas (ages 4–5), Kids Hapkido (ages 6–7), Kids Hapkido (ages 8–12), and Advanced Kids Hapkido (red belt and up). Teens and adults have dedicated classes as well.
How often should my child come to class?+
Twice a week is the sweet spot for steady progress. Kids who train 2–3 times per week typically earn belt promotions on the standard schedule and see the biggest confidence gains at home and at school.
How long until my child earns a black belt?+
Most dedicated students reach black belt in 4–6 years of consistent training. But the real "black belt" is the discipline, focus, and confidence they build along the way — most families notice changes in behavior within the first month.
For Teens & Adults

It's not too late — most adult students start with zero background.

I'm out of shape / too old — am I too late to start?+
No. Most of our adult students start with zero martial arts background, and many begin in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. Hapkido is a lifelong practice — you work at your pace, and every class builds real-world fitness, mobility, and self-defense skill.
What if I have a bad back, bad knees, or an old injury?+
Tell us during your intro class and we'll modify techniques to work around it. Hapkido emphasizes leverage and body mechanics, not brute force — many of our students actually feel better after training because posture, hip mobility, and core strength improve.
Do you offer self-defense-focused classes for women?+
Yes. Adult Hapkido classes are especially popular with women who want practical, realistic self-defense — joint locks, wrist releases, and escapes from grabs — taught in a respectful, non-intimidating environment.
Will I have to spar or fight full-contact?+
No. Sparring is controlled and optional — you're never forced into contact you're not ready for. Most adult training focuses on technique, drills, and partner work.
Schedule, Cost & Location

The practical details — for families in Howell, Jackson, and nearby.

Where is Inner-Power Martial Arts located?+
We're at 4244 US-9, Howell, NJ 07731 — the same plaza as Five Guys. Families from Jackson, Freehold, Farmingdale, and Lakewood train with us.
Is there a martial arts school near me in Jackson, NJ?+
Yes — Inner-Power is a Hapkido school on Route 9 in Howell. Families from Jackson, Howell, Freehold, and surrounding towns train with us every week.
What are your class times?+
Our full weekly schedule is on our Schedule & Pricing page. Kids classes run weekday evenings Monday–Thursday and Saturday mornings; teens and adults train Monday–Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. See the full schedule →
How much do classes cost after the trial?+
Membership is priced monthly with no long-term contract required. We'll walk you through pricing during your trial once we know what class frequency fits your family — so you're not choosing blind.
What if we try it and it's not the right fit?+
Nothing to lose — your two trial classes are free. No payment or card is needed, and there's no obligation to continue.
About Hapkido & Our Method

Why we teach Hapkido — and what makes it different.

What is Hapkido?+
Hapkido is a Korean martial art that blends strikes, kicks, joint locks, throws, and practical self-defense. It emphasizes redirecting an attacker's force rather than meeting it head-on — which makes it effective for kids, women, and anyone who isn't the biggest person in the room.
How is Hapkido different from Karate, Taekwondo, or BJJ?+
Karate and Taekwondo focus mostly on striking. BJJ is almost entirely grappling. Hapkido is the complete package — stand-up, ground, and everything in between — with a heavy emphasis on real-world self-defense and joint-lock control.
Who is Master Brian McCann?+
Master Brian has trained in Hapkido since 1990 and has been teaching kids and adults since 2001. He founded Inner-Power to build confident, disciplined, bully-resistant kids — and to give adults a real martial art they can practice for life.
What is the "Core 24" curriculum?+
Core 24 is the signature 24-move Hapkido curriculum we use in our kids classes. It's a clear, structured progression — every child knows exactly what they're working toward, and parents see measurable milestones instead of guesswork.
Still Have Questions?

THE FASTEST ANSWER IS A FIRST CLASS.

Serving Howell, Jackson, Freehold, Farmingdale, Lakewood & Monmouth County, NJ. Start with two free trial classes — no payment and no obligation.

(732) 886-5556