GRAND OPENING: Special Needs Karate Program Comes to Bergen County

Special Dragons Partners with TeamUp Counseling  to Expand Opportunities for Children with Autism and Special Needs

Special Dragons Karate, a nonprofit program dedicated to helping children with autism and other special needs build confidence, coordination, physical fitness, and social skills through martial arts, is bringing its specialized karate program to Cliffside Park, New Jersey.

As part of this expansion, Special Dragons is partnering with TeamUp Counseling to help bring this unique program and its benefits to children and families in the Cliffside Park and Bergen County communities.

An orientation for families interested in learning more about the program will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 4:00 PM at:

Special Dragons Karate 596 Anderson Avenue, Suite 305 Cliffside Park, NJ

Special Dragons is much more than a traditional karate class. Classes are taught by a unique team of special education teachers and experienced karate black belts who understand how to work with children with autism and other developmental and learning differences.

Using basic karate techniques in a structured, encouraging environment, instructors work with students on important skills including:

• Eye-hand coordination
• Motor control and motor planning
• Physical conditioning
• Balance and coordination
• Focus and concentration
• Listening and following directions
• Positive behavior development
• Self-confidence
• Social interaction

Karate, Confidence and Friendship

One of the most important benefits of Special Dragons is something that extends far beyond karate — friendship.

For many children with autism, finding a comfortable place to socialize, participate in a group activity and make friends can be challenging. Special Dragons provides a welcoming environment where students can learn at their own pace, celebrate their accomplishments and develop friendships with classmates while having fun.

Free Evaluations for New Students

Special Dragons offers free individual evaluations before a student enters the program.

The evaluation gives instructors an opportunity to meet the child and family, learn about the student’s individual abilities and needs, and determine how the Special Dragons program can best support the student.

The goal is not to compare one child to another. Each Special Dragons student is encouraged to progress according to his or her own abilities while experiencing the pride and excitement of learning new skills and earning karate stripes and belts.

Expanding Special Dragons Into Bergen County

The new Cliffside Park program expands Special Dragons’ presence in New Jersey. Special Dragons currently offers programs in Union, Belleville and Jersey City, with the new Cliffside Park location providing another opportunity for families to access specialized martial arts instruction closer to home.

Through its partnership with TeamUp Counseling, Special Dragons looks forward to introducing the program to more Bergen County families and creating additional opportunities for children with autism and other special needs to participate, learn and grow.

Families throughout Cliffside Park, Fort Lee, Edgewater, Fairview, Ridgefield, Palisades Park and surrounding Bergen County communities are invited to learn more about the program.

Family Orientation — September 10

Parents and caregivers interested in Special Dragons Karate are encouraged to attend the upcoming orientation:

Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026 Time: 4:00 PM Location: 596 Anderson Avenue, Suite 305, Cliffside Park, NJ

Families will have an opportunity to learn about Special Dragons, meet the team, ask questions and find out how to arrange a free student evaluation.

Special Dragons Karate believes every child deserves the opportunity to experience accomplishment, confidence, friendship and the pride that comes with earning their next belt.

About Special Dragons Karate

Special Dragons Karate is a nonprofit adaptive martial arts program serving children and individuals with autism and other special needs. Through the combined expertise of special education professionals and trained martial arts instructors, the program uses basic karate techniques to help students develop physical, behavioral, social and developmental skills in a positive and supportive environment.

Special Dragons currently serves families through programs in Union, Belleville and Jersey City and is expanding into Cliffside Park through its partnership with TeamUp Counseling.

Program Information Special Dragons Karate Email: [email protected]

Phone: 973-667-8525