Tiger Schulmann's Martial Arts (Elmwood Park, NJ) — Local services in Elmwood Park

My son had been attending this school for almost two years. The reason I signed him up is because he has been getting bullied in school. He can’t punch a bag to save his life, nor can he kick it. They kept giving him stripes and belts he didn’t earn because he is super lost. I even paid for private lessons, which they asked me to do with the idea that he is doing great, but they want to take him to a new level - bs. I fell for it and paid the $700.00; what a joke. It changed nothing. Then I signed him up again in September. I was given the police discount because of my husband. A few days later, I noticed my credit card had been changed without my permission. I spoke with a few people, and they told me the matter would be taken care of. It wasn’t. I sat with the son’s owner, and he told me the problem is that my discount was wrong and it should have been less. I told him, listen, I never asked for a discount. I am upset because my credit card was charged without my consent. He made a phone call to the manager, who explained to him that he was, in fact, wrong about the discount, and I was right. He hung up and said, wow, you got a great deal, but the way he said it was as if I couldn’t afford to pay the full amount, and I was getting cuts. It was very disturbing. This was in September; we are now in January. I still have not recovered my refund. I tried to talk to the owner last Wednesday; he was very rude, told me he was busy, and to hurry up and tell him what I wanted. I explained to him the situation, and once again, he asked me why I have a discount; you need a badge for that. I was super confused; he knows my husband. I told him my husband has one. He said you should not be getting a discount; you guys are jipping me, super loud, yelling that we are stealing from him. He asked me who did that; I told him who, and then he said we were all stealing from him. Then he yelled across the room at the manager, as if she was his servant, that I needed to set up an appointment to speak with him because he was too busy. Then he went and sat down on the bleachers to talk bs with some of the moms. This man is one disgusting piece of work. He has preferences for the kids who go to tournaments and the moms. Let’s talk about the ambient sound in this place. The moms have their own click, like in high school; they will look at you wrong and not even say hi. For a whole year, I tried to be nice, to the point I was so uncomfortable being there. I would just drop off my son and pick him up because I didn’t feel like getting dirty looks. The owner and son think they are better than you, and you are just a peasant getting handouts. They think they are better than everyone else. Then they want their staff to apologize on their behalf for being unprofessional. Good luck sending your...

My son Cameron Garcia has been attending TSMA of EP for the past four years he started at 4yrs old and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences for both him and our family. From day one, the instructors at this school have not only taught him MMA but have also instilled invaluable life skills that have contributed to his growth as an individual. The leadership and discipline my son has gained from training here are remarkable. He has become more confident, focused, and respectful, and I’ve seen these qualities extend to all aspects of his life. Whether it’s at school, in sports, or within our community, the lessons he’s learned here have shaped him into a more well-rounded and disciplined young person. Even for his young age of 8 years old His improvement in both physical and mental strength has been incredible to witness, and I can confidently say that his success in MMA has positively impacted his overall self-esteem and outlook on life. All the instructors at TSMA of EP to many to name, are not only highly skilled but also passionate about their students’ development. They take the time to understand each child’s strengths and challenges, offering personalized guidance and support. They create a welcoming, motivating environment where kids can grow at their own pace, while also pushing them to reach their full potential. What truly sets this school apart is its focus on,"character development". Beyond just teaching techniques, the instructors emphasize respect, perseverance, and kindness—values that my son carries with him daily. The positive atmosphere and the sense of community here make it a place where students feel like they belong. I especially appreciate the strong communication and involvement with parents. The staff is always willing to provide updates on progress and are quick to offer assistance if needed. It’s clear that they genuinely care about the well-being and success of each student, and I’ve seen the results in my son’s growth over the years. We couldn’t be more pleased with the impact TSMA of EP has had on my son. It’s not just about MMA—it’s about shaping young people into strong, confident, and disciplined individuals. I highly recommend this school to any parent looking for a positive and enriching martial arts experience for their child.

Thank You, Shihan Tirelli, Sensei Cobra, Joshu DJ.

P.S. We have witnessed many examples of the success TSMA of EP has had on our son, in only 4 months of wrestling he placed 7th in NJ State wrestling comp this past March 2025. 7th among hundreds of kids across NJ that didn't make it, Imagine what is in store for...

I am not usually the type to write reviews; however, after discussing with others who attended this location and have since transferred, I decided to share my experience to provide potential members a complete picture and things to consider before making a decision.

Initially, my experience in the beginner classes was relatively good, although the quality of instruction varied. Some instructors did not consistently provide tips to improve technique or spend time working with each member. Many times, I attended classes without receiving any attention or feedback.

In the intermediate class, the environment became cliquish, resembling a high school setting where your experience greatly depended on being part of the “in crowd.” The behavior of some core team members was particularly unprofessional and unwelcoming. This created an atmosphere of favoritism that significantly impacted the overall experience, making it negative for those not included in the favored group.

Due to these issues, I returned to the beginner classes but faced immature and petty behavior from one the instructor. On one occasion when attending the 1pm class, when I asked for help with test questions for my blue belt qualification on Valentine’s Day, the instructor reacted negatively because I did not give him a Valentine’s Day card. He snatched the paper from me and threw it on the ground, leaving it there for the entire class until I picked it up myself. This was just one example of the many instances of immaturity and disrespect I faced.

Before transferring, I spoke with the Joshu at the location. Although he listened, he did not offer an apology, only stating that my experience might be better at my new location. Since leaving, I have spoken to others who shared similar negative experiences, reinforcing the issues I observed.

I hope this review helps others in their decision-making process and prevents them from experiencing the same distress I did. While I regret choosing the Elmwood Park location, I do not want to deter anyone from Tiger Schulmann’s as a whole. I have since transferred to another location with a much better...