"Keep Your Belt - and Expand Your Knowledge," said Sensei Alan Simms, the head master of Karate N Motion, 1006 South Ave. in Westfield. "All Black Belts are welcome."

Karate in Motion is dedicated to the “advancement of all registered Dojo Black Belts,” explained Sensei Alan, and to that end has developed a curriculum of study that “begins” at the Black Belt level and continues through 4th degree - (the first Black Belt degree level considered a Master)..

The school has (5) five Advanced Black Belt Masters, each with over 20 years teaching experience. The "Master's Track" curriculum covers advanced study in martial arts technique, winning in competition, as well as a range of innovative teaching strategies.

Advanced students learn spin kick theory; advanced self-defense, and the Martial Arts of various cultures. Black Belts students in Karate can also earn advanced degrees in Aikido and Jiu Jitsu. "

Any Black Belts out there who want to advance their skill and rank - Karate N Motion is the place!" exclaims Sensei Alan. " In the Master’s Track you validate your Black Belt experience,” he added. “The collection of Instructor talent at our school is truly unique."

Karate N Motion's Master Black Belt instructors range in rank from 5th, through 9th Degree Black Belt. They have expertise in Japanese and Korean Karate, Aikido, Jiu Jitsu, Kata, Weaponry, and have both taught and performed on a National level.

Head Master, Alan Simms, is a 3-time Black Belt Hall of Famer, and a recent inductee into the International Black Belt Hall of Fame.

"Black Belts often help out as teachers at their respective schools," he continued. "And in that capacity they can expand their knowledge, for sure. But," he said, "they are still advanced students, meaning that they are ready for advanced study," he said.

"Matriculating beyond the Black Belt is like just continuing studies in graduate school. Our goal is to offer any advanced student the opportunity to augment their preparation, and raise the quality of their knowledge - regardless of their former training," he said adding: "We do not ask students to start over!"

Karate N Motion's Master's Trac curriculum offers classes 5 days per week. A Black Belt can matriculate approximately every couple of years provided they take a requisite number of classes.



Learn Why: Techniques are just tools that that are only as effective as when applied with the applicable timing, distance and balance.

Learn How: Attitude and intent in martial arts stategy is every bit as important to master as in the understanding and articulation of technique.

Learn That: Martial Arts Teachers learn twice – once in developing the fluidity and control over themselves, and then again when to transfer that knowledge to others, with different learning styles and abilities.

Learn To: apply various tactics to strategic situations, i.e., “Block and Pop Strategies; Straight Line tactics versus Circle” Line tactics, and the phenomena of the “Flinch, Lock, and Change Up” theory, an many more.


According to Sensei Alan; the standards for Black Belt vary greatly from Dojo to Dojo - (Dojo means karate school). At Karate N Motion it takes a minimum of 6 years to earn a Black Belt. That translates into learning more of the value of the skills learned.

"A lot of people, both kids and adults, have tried a form of Karate at some point," he explained. "And, there are many more who feel less than confident about their preparation. We mix fun with fundamentals. We get folks in shape! Then, add in the strength of family involvement - and Karate N Motion puts the Art in Martial Art - family style!"

Before opening his karate school in Westfield, Sensei Alan taught at the Westfield Y for six years, and at the Recreation Departments in both Westfield and Scotch Plains, where he continues to operate programs today.

"We're here to tell you. There's a lot more to reaching the Black Belt that knowing how to do elementary kicks and punches. It doesn't matter what style you come from. What matters is that the approach helps to build your life and self esteem. Black Belt should not be an end. Rather, it should be the beginning of your enlightened self-esteem and excellence.

Sensei