Parent Testimonials: 

"First I wanted to let you know that my husband and I really enjoyed watching the entire class perform so well during the black belt test. It was by far the most exciting test to watch. Everyone had their own strengths and weaknesses and it was amazing to see all the classmates working together to encourage each other along.

James doesn’t show much emotion but you can see the excitement in his smile when he tells someone he made his black belt.  He is very proud of his black belt and his certificate is already hanging on his bedroom wall. James really enjoyed your karate school over the years and we want to thank you. He is now the toughest 4th grade black belt in Ohio haha. He had to bring something in for show and tell and he brought his black belt. (He didn’t talk much about it but did bring it in haha)

I hope the rest of the classmates are doing well and please let them know life is good in Ohio. Everyone is adjusting well. The move went well, the boys adjusted great to their new home, new school and new friends."

Elaine and Joe Lazevnick--Westlake, Ohio

609-560-2430

Lazevnick@roadrunner.com

"Fortunato Karate has helped my daughter in so many ways. Before joining, she was VERY timid and lacked some confidence. After 6 short months...she now has the confidence and great self esteem that she needs. I attribute this to her training at Fortunato Karate. There is never any yelling (which we found at other karate establishments) and it is very kid friendly. Mr. Fortunato treats each and every student as if they were is own child. A remarkable place to have your child go!"

Nicole Cunningham

"Fortunato Karate has seriously helped my daughter on so many levels...especially socially. It is truly amazing how in the past two years of attending Fortunato Karate, the transition we've seen in our daughter from a sort of shy (yet energetic child) - into a young girl displaying focus and ambition for achieving personal goals. In addition to learning karate techniques, she's also learning limits and boundaries, respect for others, self-respect and discipline. We highly recommend this school for others."

Sharon Marks

"My son has been training at Fortunato's for 7 years. He is getting ready to get his black belt in the summer. Jim has been more than just an instructor to us, he is a good friend. He genuinely cares about his students and their families. My son is growing into a fine young man and Jim Fortunato played an instrumental role in his growth. We can"t thank him enough."

The Strout Family-- Thorofare, NJ

"My son and I joined Fortunato Karate 6 Months ago and we both love it. It has made my son more confident about himself and has been a great experience for me both physically as well as mentally. I highly recommend it for children and adults. Thank you Jim!!!!!!!!!!"

Steve Weber--Mullica Hill, NJ

"My daughter has been involved in many activities; including soccer, swimming, and dance. Additionally, she is active in school clubs and church activities. About 2 years ago, she stopped dance and needed to keep busy. Jim Fortunato had a satelite program in Franklinville at the local library. My daughter joined because one of her school friends did. It was one of the best choices we ever made. Our daughter is approximately 6 months shy of her first black belt. She readily and willingly attends class and practices at night without coaxing. She is more focused, more controlled, and more confident. We watch her during class and are proud of her skills. It is amazing to watch; and there is a feeling of confidence in knowing that she has learned the skills necessary to get away from a "danger" situation. We are very happy that she is there and we are very happy with Jim Fortunato. He is an excellent teacher; matching learning with fun. He is skillful, funny, supportive, confident, and understanding of the children and the situations they face in the real world of school and play. He is always at class and always has time to answer any questions or concerns."

Donna S.--Frankinville, NJ

"Before coming to Fortunato Karate, my son Jacob (age 6) was somewhat shy and gentle.  I wanted him to experience the benefits of discipline, self control and confidence that karate offers.  It's been a true blessing to see how confident my son is now.  Fortunato Karate has given him the tools he needs to be a strong, independent, disciplined young man who takes pride in his abilities, his friends and his country.  Thank you for all you do Fortunato Karate."

Sherri L. Riddell--Sewell, NJ

esriddell@juno.com

"At Fortunato Karate you are treated like family. Mr. Fortunato is genuinely concerned about my son. I feel comfortable discussing problems or concerns with him...as well as our triumphs. He has gained confidence, discipline and most of all awareness. His karate training has made him a well-rounded person. He is more disciplined and more of a leader than a follower."
 

Stacy Strout--Thorofare, NJ 

jdliquors@snip.net 

856-853-1884

"I love the variety of activities and lessons taught. My daugther is learning independence, respect for others and discipline. I feel martial art training at Fortunato Karate encourages a positive outlook on life."

Sam & Jennifer Knox--Pitman, NJ 

"I love the friendly atmosphere. My son Mark really looks forward to classes & is always practicing his techniques. Fortunato Karate is an awesome school...my son is more confident about his ability to do things. He is more focused & doing much better in school. My son is more patient and thinks things through before rushing to a decision...he's more positive also."

Sue Shisler--Sewell, NJ 

sshisler5@aol.com

856-464-6876

"I like how the Instructors at Fortunato Karate handle the children. I feel my child is more confident and is even listening to use more. Fortunato Karate has helped my child build self defense and self respect."

Maria Mendonza--Mullica Hill, NJ 

ronmen03@comcast.net

"What I like most about Fortunato Karate is Jim's philosophy and values. The biggest benefit our son Matt received from training is his dedication...he values not only his committment to his art but he has become more dedicated to his other activities. Both our sons have become more confident, focused, physically fit, strong in body and spirit and more respectful...of course we benefit from these as well."

Woody & Barb Woods--Mantua, NJ 

barwoods84@yahoo.com

856-468-3876

"My son Eddie really enjoys coming to class. His training has given him self confindence and he is becoming more and more focused and disciplined in his school work. His training at Fortunato Karate has also given him a clear idea of what is right and wrong."

Terry Wilkinson--Mantua, NJ 

ewilkinson@comcast.net

856-464-1426

"The management and instruction at Fortunato Karate are exactly what we were looking for. Fortunato Karate creates an environment filled with respect and motivation. It has enabled both of our sons to grow mentally and physically. We are witnessing self discipline and focus in other sports and academics for both our sons (ages 4 and 7). They are also improving their cooperation skills...less fighting! We also just had a parent-teacher conference and our sons teacher commented on his focus on every assignment in class."

Ann & John Karpinski--Williamstown, NJ 

karp_one@yahoo.com

856-728-6003

"I think Jim teaches the students more than Martial Art skills. He teaches life skills...self respect, respect for others and safety skills. The biggest benefit our children have received is their ability to defend themselves. They have also gained responsibility for themselves and accountability."

Terry & Matt DeMarco--Mullica Hill, NJ 

"Fortunato Karate presents a fun family atmosphere for all students and parents. The instructors show personal concern for all students.

Our daughter Abagail who is 9 years old, has Moebius Syndrome. This affects the 6th and 7th cranial nerves. They control reflexes, balance, spatial awareness, coordination and many other aspects of life. Abagail also has some attention deficit problems and she engages in self-stimulation by flexing her arm and leg muscles repeatedly and rolling her head from side to side.

When at karate class or practicing at home her symptoms;well they disappear!! In class she is focused, pays attention to all instruction and details. In fact, she is so focused we feel we are seeing a different child. Never have we seen such self-control. And its not just when She is ”in the middle“ this is true even when she sits on the side waiting her turn. We have been totally amazed by this.

We believe the benefits of training at Fortunato will follow Abby all thru her life. She shows improved balance, focus, agility, and she LOVES IT!!

I also am very pleased with the philosophies taught at Fortunato Karate. Things like respect for self and others, self control, patience, commitment and focus. These are aspects that are very important but not always seen in today’s world. Thank you Jim Fortunato."

Steven & Mary Anne Simmons--Elk Twp, NJ 

stsimmons@comcast.net

856-478-4290

Student Testimonials: 

"My name is Danielle Ward I was a former student at Fortunato Karate..and also one of the first girls to make black belt at the school. I'm writing to say hello. Since I had left Fortunato Karate I have not been taking lessons for a few years. I am now in my third year of college for nursing and one of my classes is Karate. I am now training in a Japanese form of Karate. My instructor has been commenting on my technique and form. He has told me that I have great technique. Now that I am back in karate I am very eggar to learn more. I have learned that there are many similarities in both forms of karate. I enjoy it alot. Although I had not trained in a while previous to recently starting a new form of karate, I was surprised that I had remembered alot from what you have taught me. I never thought that in college I would be using my martial arts training but I am very happy to be training again. I will be testing for belts soon and competing in tournaments once again, which I am very excited about. I just thought I would update you and commend you for teaching me great technique."

Danielle Ward--Sewell, NJ

dr_ward@neumann.edu

"I like the encouragement from Mr. Fortunato and the other students. I have a set training schedule to follow. I have developed better discipline and made some new friends. I also plan on becoming a police officer when I'm 19 and karate will help me greatly in that area."

Jesse Shafer--Monroeville, NJ 

"I like the 'forms' the most at Fortunato Karate. I've learned not to give up and how to have self-control."

Travis Shafer--Monroeville, NJ