Why Choose GoForIt Martial Arts

KARATE CLASSES FOR KIDS AT GOFORIT MARTIAL ARTS IN OZONE PARK AND HICKSVILLE!

Why GoForIt Kids Martial Arts Program in NY Stands Out for Young Learners

Choosing the right extracurricular activity for a child can feel overwhelming. Parents often look for a balance between physical fitness, character development, and a safe, encouraging environment. In New York, the GoForIt Martial Arts program, with locations in Ozone Park and Hicksville, has established itself as a premier destination for youth development. F

ounded by Grandmaster Gustavo Larrea (8th Degree Black Belt with over 50 years of martial arts experience), GoForIt Martial Arts treats martial arts not merely as a recreational activity, but as a comprehensive vehicle for life success, emotional growth, and athletic skill.

Key Pillars of the GoForIt Kids Martial Arts Experience

1. Building Character and Core Values

While traditional sports focus strictly on physical play, GoForIt integrates personal growth directly into the curriculum. Students learn core foundational tools, such as:

  • The 4 Laws of Laser Focus: Enhancing attention spans both on the mat and in the classroom.

  • The 3 Rules of Confidence: Empowering children to stand tall, trust their abilities, and overcome doubt.

  • The 7 Words of Respect: Instilling manners, active listening, and respect for parents, teachers, and peers.

  • Developing Iron Discipline: Teaching kids that increased self-control leads to greater personal freedom and achievement.

Comprehensive Anti-Bullying and Safety Curriculum

Safety and confidence go hand-in-hand. GoForIt provides students with practical Stranger Danger and Bully Defense Strategies:

  • De-escalation First: Children learn diplomacy, verbal boundary setting, and peaceful conflict resolution before ever resorting to physical self-defense.

  • Physical Preparedness: Real-world martial arts techniques ensure students possess the physical tools and personal poise to protect themselves if necessary.

Translating Mat Success to Academic Improvement

Parents frequently observe noticeable improvements in school performance after enrolling their children.

  • Focus & Executive Function: Through over 40 structured teaching strategies, instructors keep students engaged, teaching them how to channel energy productively.

  • Goal Setting: Breaking down the path to a Black Belt into manageable steps teaches kids how to tackle homework, research projects, and long-term academic goals.

Age-Appropriate Martial Arts Programs

GoForIt Martial Arts tailors its curriculum to meet children at their specific developmental milestones:

Little Dragons

Ages 3–4

Basic motor skills, listening comprehension, and following directions

Kinder Karate

Ages 5–6

Coordination, social interaction, elementary focus, and confidence

Junior Karate

Ages 6–12

Character building, anti-bullying, athletic agility, and academic discipline

Teens & Family

Ages 13+

Practical self-defense, leadership training, and fitness for all ages

What Parents Love About GoForIt Martial Arts

The GoForIt Martial Arts Program in New York offers far more than punches and kicks. By blending traditional martial arts discipline with modern child development strategies, it gives children the confidence, focus, and resilience needed to thrive in school and life. Whether in Queens or on Long Island, GoForIt provides a positive, life-changing foundation for young learners.

  • World-Class Leadership: Led by Grandmaster Gustavo Larrea, who brings decades of martial arts expertise across Shotokan, Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, and weapons training.

  • Spotless, High-Energy Facilities: Modern training environments stocked with up-to-date agility and strength equipment.

  • Supportive & Dedicated Instructors: Certified instructors who celebrate small victories, helping kids overcome fears, uncertainties, and doubts (FUDs).

  • Family-Centered Community: Opportunities for parents to participate alongside their children, reinforcing the belief that families who train together grow closer together.

Get 2 Weeks Free Now (select location):

PARENTS LOVE GOFORIT MARTIAL ARTS!

"My 11-year-old son is absolutely thriving at Go For It Martial Arts. He’s currently transitioning from a yellow belt to an orange belt and was even given the awesome call name 'Hollywood' by Joshu! The instructors truly make every student feel special while pushing them to be their best. My son looks forward to every class, and the growth in his confidence and skills has been incredible. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fantastic martial arts school!

As a retired Army combat veteran, I truly value the discipline, respect, and focus that this school instills in its students. We couldn’t be happier with his progress and the supportive environment."

Conrad Hutson

"Go for It Martial Arts has done a great deal for my son. He has been attending the karate school for approximately 11 years. His instructors are amazing. They instill dedication, self-discipline, confidence, and focus into my son at an early age. Because of this karate school, he has grown tremendously. He has earned a level 2 black belt currently. All the teaching helped him a great deal in school, especially with focus, reaching deadlines and staying on task even if it gets challenging. My daughter has also been attending the school for 1 year now. It is doing wonders for her. We are extremely satisfied with Go For It Martial Arts and all they do for our kids."

Devika Doodnath

"I am truly impressed with the Dojo and the whole staff. My son has improved in school, has better focus and a better understanding of doing jobs around the house without being asked. He has improved with reading , and researching more Healthy ways of eating. I can not express how truly happy we are with making the decision to go to "Go for it Martial Arts."

Kathleen Dalbey

"My daughter has been taking Karate at the Crossbay location for a month. It has been such a wonderful experience. The instructor’s are excellent. A wonderful balance of fun and seriousness. It is amazing how all the other important lessons are also incorporated into the class, respect for family, work hard in school and don’t give up. They even have Birthday parties at the location if you chose to do so. Not much more you could want for your child. Knowing that my child can protect herself gives me peace."

Kelly Geoghegan

"Highly recommended! This is my first experience my kids and I have taking Karate and we are having such a great time. We started in August and we look forward coming back every time. I love how the school teaches the students not only karate but all the qualities needed to progress and succeed for the future. They also care very deeply for the education of the students. For me, I am learning to be more confident and obviously to get in shape again. I’m super surprised that I could start to do more things that I once could do when I was younger."

Shente Brown

"Both of my kids (5yo & 3yo) have been attending karate classes at Go Fot It Martial Arts for about 8months now. My son started couple months before my daughter, she was only 2. Seeing her big brother and all that he was learning, my daughter decided to potty train herself just so she can join!!!

In 2 short weeks (with very minimal effort from me) she was completely out of diapers and ready to start her classes! This dedication from a 2 year old shows just how great this place is, she couldn’t wait to be a part of Go For It family! Their focus, discipline and character building have changed tremendously! Highly recommend!!!"

Iwona Drazila

Ready to Take the First Step Together?

We are currently qualifying new enrollments for our upcoming training cycles in Queens and Nassau County. Take advantage of our introductory evaluation program in Queens or Nassau County:

Get 2 weeks of classes completely free, plus a free martial arts uniform to get started.

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Get In Touch

Hours

Mon – Sat 9:00am – 8:00pm

Sunday – CLOSED

Contact Us

New Location

New York, NY, USA

Ozone Park

150-13 Crossbay Blvd

Ozone Park, NY 11417

(718) 805-8200

Hicksville

300 South Broadway

Hicksville, NY 11801

516-932-5275

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