Rochelle Park · Bergen CountyMember login
1992
School founded
Black belt standard
34+
Years guiding Bergen families
5
Programs, ages 3 to adult

Programs

A class for every age, with a curriculum that actually progresses.

Little Ninjas class at ASDFC
Ages 3–4

Little Ninjas

Listening games, coordination, and respect — early habits that carry into preschool and kindergarten.

  • Motor skills & balance
  • Coachable attention spans
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Kids martial arts class in action at ASDFC
Ages 5–11

Kids Martial Arts

Confidence that reads at school and at home — paired with peer-appropriate defensive basics.

  • Self-control & teamwork
  • Healthy outlet for energy
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Instructor holding the tackling dummy during a teen self-defense drill
Ages 12–15

Teens Self-Defense & Fitness

Conditioning plus mindset — awareness, de-escalation, and striking where it belongs in the curriculum.

  • Strength & athleticism
  • Realistic defensive scenarios
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Adult fitness kickboxing class at ASDFC
Ages 16+

Adult Fitness Kickboxing

High-energy classes that still teach mechanics correctly — cardio you stick with because it feels earned.

  • Full-body conditioning
  • Fundamentals before flash
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Student practicing a defensive technique on the training dummy
Ages 16+

Women's Self-Defense

Skills and judgment taught with respect — scenario-driven classes focused on practical choices.

  • Awareness & verbal boundaries
  • Effective defensive options
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Not sure which class fits?

Tell us the student's age and goals and we'll recommend the right starting point.

Master Fred Bargiacchi, fourth-degree black belt

Master Fred Bargiacchi

43+ years of helping children succeed

Master Fred Bargiacchi is the Founder and Master Instructor of American Self Defense & Fitness Center in Rochelle Park, New Jersey. For more than four decades, he has helped children develop focus, confidence, listening skills, self-discipline, fitness, and the life skills they need to thrive.

  • Founder of American Self Defense & Fitness Center
  • Author of The Focus Formula
  • Creator of the 5-Step Focus Formula
  • Trusted by parents, teachers, and preschool directors
The Focus Formula book by Master Fred Bargiacchi

Master Fred's New Book

The Focus Formula

Book launches August 18th

The same five-step system we teach on the mat, written for parents and teachers of preschoolers and kindergarteners — better listening, stronger routines, and real school readiness at home.

  1. 01
    Structure

    Predictable routines that help children feel secure and ready to learn.

  2. 02
    Engagement

    Capture attention through connection, play, and purpose.

  3. 03
    Listening

    Teach children to hear, understand, and follow directions the first time.

  4. 04
    Learning & Understanding

    Help children absorb, process, and truly grasp what is being taught.

  5. 05
    Doing & Achieving

    Put skills into action and celebrate progress until confidence becomes a habit.

What families say

Some students have been with us for seventeen years.

"Amazing Taekwondo school for kids! Great instructors, positive atmosphere, and very well organized classes. My child loves coming here and has improved a lot in confidence and focus."
Google review
"Our family has been part of the ASDFC family for 17+ years. My older daughter tested all the way up from a Little Ninja at 2.5 to her junior black belt. Sir, Debbie and all the instructors are top notch."
Google review
"My 13 year old enjoys the self-defense and boxing classes. In a time where it's hard to keep teens occupied without a phone, it is great to see them moving and having fun."
Google review

Questions

Before your first class

Is this beginner friendly?
Yes. New students start with fundamentals and progress at a safe pace with instructor guidance.
What should I bring to my first class?
Comfortable athletic clothing and a water bottle. We'll tell you if anything else is needed when we confirm your visit.
Can parents watch classes?
Policies can vary by program and schedule — ask when you book your trial and we'll confirm what's possible for your child's class time.
How does the 2-week trial work?
Our intro offer is a 2-Week Trial for $39 with uniform included. Check out online, then we'll help you get started in the right class for your age group and goals.
How do I choose the right program?
Tell us the student's age and goals — we'll recommend Little Ninjas, Kids, Teens, Kickboxing, or Women's Self-Defense and explain what each class covers.

Visit us

Stop in or get in touch

Visit our Rochelle Park school, call, or email for current class times and program guidance for your age group.

2-week trial · $39 · uniform included
Address
156C West Passaic Street, Rochelle Park, NJ 07662
Get directions →
Hours
Monday – Thursday: 3:30 PM – 8:00 PMFriday: 3:30 PM – 7:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PMSunday: Closed