Business Details
27 Years
experience
Premier Martial Arts & Kickboxing Training in Seaford & Saint James, NY
East Coast Karate has been dedicated to providing premier martial arts instruction on Long Island since 1999. With locations in Seaford and Saint James, NY, we specialize in Kenpo Karate, fitness kickboxing, and self-defense programs tailored for children aged 4+, teens, and adults. Our curriculum emphasizes character development, moral integrity, and physical fitness, delivered through age-specific training that ensures personalized attention. With over 25 years of experience, our certified instructors have helped thousands of students build discipline, confidence, and practical self-defense skills.Our facilities feature state-of-the-art matting and structured programs that combine education with entertainment, creating a supportive, ego-free environment where students of all abilities thrive. We maintain rigorous accountability standards while fostering lifelong friendships and a commitment to excellence both on and off the mats.
Services
Kenpo Karate
Kickboxing
BJJ & Judo
Children's Program
Youth/Teen Program
Adult Program
Self-Defense Classes
Fitness Training
Belt Certification
Private Instruction
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer age-specific programs for children aged 4+ through adults with personalized attention
- Our instructors include 4th/5th degree black belts with over 25 years of combined experience
- We emphasize character development alongside physical training through our Belt Reward System
- Our facilities feature fully matted, state-of-the-art training environments
- We maintain a proven track record with thousands of successful students since 1999
What people say
Renewed sense of self-esteem
Improved grades and behavior
Physically fit for first time
Confidence and security improved
Transformed from timid to confident
Services
Kenpo Karate
Our Kenpo Karate program develops physical and mental discipline through practical self-defense techniques. Students learn controlled movements that build strength, flexibility, and situational awareness while emphasizing character development. This martial art combines traditional values with modern effectiveness for ages 4 through adult.
Kickboxing Fitness
High-intensity kickboxing workouts burn up to 800 calories per hour while teaching practical self-defense skills. This cardiovascular program builds core strength, improves coordination, and reduces stress through dynamic movements tailored to individual fitness levels in a motivating group environment.
Children's Program
Age-specific martial arts instruction for ages 4-7 combines fun with foundational skills development. Our curriculum builds confidence, focus, and social skills through structured play while teaching respect and self-discipline in a supportive, non-competitive environment.
BJJ & Judo
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo classes focus on ground fighting techniques and leverage-based self-defense. Led by a 4th degree BJJ black belt, this program develops strategic thinking, physical conditioning, and practical defense skills for ages 16+ in a technical yet accessible format.
Adult Program
Adult martial arts training combines physical fitness with practical self-defense for ages 16+. This program builds confidence, reduces stress, and improves overall fitness through structured Kenpo Karate techniques while fostering personal growth in a supportive community environment.
People
Renshi Michael Pinelli
Owner/Chief Instructor
Founder of East Coast Karate with locations in Seaford and Saint James, NY. 30+ years martial arts experience, developer of age-specific training programs, and mentor to thousands of students. Emphasizes character development alongside technical proficiency.
Sensei Gregg Stevenson
Chief Instructor
Lead instructor at Saint James location specializing in adaptive martial arts instruction. Focuses on individualized training plans that build discipline, patience, and practical self-defense skills for students of all ages and abilities.
Questions
Is martial arts safe for children?
Our program eliminates injury risks through controlled training methods. Occasional minor bumps are rare due to our strict safety protocols and instructor supervision during all activities.
Can non-athletic children participate?
Yes, our individualized instruction ensures every child progresses at their own pace. We emphasize personal growth over competition, with no 'bench warmers' in our supportive environment.
How does martial arts build confidence?
Through incremental successes and constructive failure experiences. Our curriculum systematically develops self-esteem by celebrating progress and teaching resilience through structured challenges.
What age groups do you teach?
We offer programs for children aged 4+, teens, and adults. Our age-specific classes ensure appropriate skill development for preschoolers through senior citizens.
Do you offer women's self-defense classes?
Yes, our women's self-defense program builds confidence, improves posture, and teaches practical techniques for real-world situations in a supportive, stress-relieving environment.
Are classes structured for different skill levels?
Our programs separate students by age and experience level. This ensures proper technique development and allows instructors to provide personalized attention during all training sessions.