PrincetonATA :: Martial Arts, Tae Kwon Do, and Karate in Central New Jersey

Since the first class was taught many years ago, the focus of our program has remained the same: to provide students the highest quality martial arts instruction available in a safe and positive learning environment that people of all ages can enjoy.

Each instructor is a graduate of an instructor program that represents more than thirty years of research and development. He or she will be with you every step of the way to help you reach your individual goals (and maybe even reach some new goals you never before thought possible).

Susan Winter – Chief Instructor, 5th degree black belt

Miss Susan Winter

Our Chief Instructor, Susan R. Winter, is a fifth degree black belt in Taekwondo and a first degree black belt in Haidong Gumdo. Her background in emergency medicine and a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, brings Miss Winter a unique and well rounded knowledge base to her instruction.

Celebrating over 15 years with ATA and 12 years in Princeton she continues to train in multiple arts and weapons bringing her students the best opportunities for their continued growth. She was also the Special Abilities Coach for the World Demonstration Team, and continues to work with the ATA to ensure Special Abilities martial artist have their needs met.

Competition is still a fun part of her training and she is a multiple state champ and top ten finisher; however, she continues to profess that she competes for the camaraderie and not just the victories. Her role as the Regional Chief of Tournaments limits her ability to compete, but she finds great pleasure in the success of her students as they compete.

Miss Winter finds the most joy in the success of all of her students, not just the top ten finishers, and in the number of students now pursuing or having earned their college degrees.

Ryan Anderson – Certified Instructor, 3rd degree black belt

Mr. Ryan Anderson

Having started his training in 1992, Ryan Anderson is now a 3rd degree Black Belt in Taekwondo who has studied multiple arts including ground fighting, Tang Soo Do – Moo Duk Kwan and Haidong Gumdo as well as medieval combat. This varied exposure gives Mr. Anderson a tactical viewpoint on how each student can best use their unique strengths as well as the inherent differences between sparring and self defense.

A multiple time state champ, and a Triple Crown State Champ, Mr. Anderson now focuses on helping students reach their individual potential as well as prepare for their own championship goals.

When not teaching, Mr. Anderson keeps himself busy as an Art Director/Senior Interface Director.

  Dylan Chow – Certified Instructor, 3rd degree black belt

Mr. Chow is a recent high school graduate who has been training in Taekwondo for 6 years.  He holds a 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo and a 2nd degree black belt in Haidong Gumdo.  Fortunately for PMAC he will be attending college locally and we will get to have him instruct with us for a while longer.  Mr. Chow holds Protech Certifications in BME and Combat Weapons as well as his advanced sword knowledge.  In addition he is a State Champ and Top 10 competitor.

 Jodi Zimmerman – Certified Instructor, 3rd degree black belt

Though Miss Zimmerman is now a student at Syracuse University, she has been a member of Princeton ATA since 2000 and an instructor since 2004. A television and film major, Miss Zimmerman continues to be part of our ATA family when school is not session. She is a previous weapons state champ and a Protech certified instructor.

Mrs. Karen Gates – Certified Instructor, 2nd degree black belt

Mrs. Karen Gates

Mrs. Gates has lived and traveled all over the world.  Fluent in several languages she enjoys the differences in martial arts from different countries.  She is a multiple State Champ and Top 10 competitor.  She is the proud parent of two black belts, and holds certifications in multiple Protech weapons.

Currently pursuing her certification to teach in the public schools she brings her unique background to the school.

Mr. John Sherman – Specialty Certified Instructor, 3rd degree black belt

Mr. John Sherman

Though Mr. Sherman is now a student at Loyola University, he has been a member of Princeton ATA since 2001 and an instructor since 2006. Mr. Sherman continues to be part of our ATA family when school is not session. He holds multiple Protech certifications and looks forward to completing his certified instructor status when a level up seminar is available that works with his college schedule.

Mr. James Gates – Specialty Certified Instructor, 2nd degree black belt

Mr. James Gates

Mr. Gates is a multiple State Champ, Top 10 competitor and 2 time World’s Silver Medalist.  Training in ATA since 2003, he is now adding ATAX and IMAS to his resume.  Mr. Gates plans to complete his certification as soon as he is age eligible.