More Than Martial Arts
Helping kids build confidence, discipline, and resilience through authentic martial arts instruction.
Our Mission
At Martial Arts for Life, our mission is simple: help young people develop confidence, discipline, and resilience through authentic martial arts training in a safe and supportive environment.
For over 20 years, we have worked with families in New Providence and surrounding communities to help children grow not only as martial artists, but as confident and capable young people.
While students learn valuable self-defense skills, the deeper goal of our program is personal development — teaching kids to focus, persevere through challenges, and develop a strong sense of character.
A School Built Around Community
Martial Arts for Life is a family-run academy that has been proudly serving the New Providence community since 2005.
Many of our students begin training as children and continue for years, developing friendships, confidence, and a strong work ethic along the way.
Our goal is to create an environment where students feel supported, challenged, and encouraged to become the best version of themselves.
Parents often tell us that the positive atmosphere and strong sense of community are what make Martial Arts for Life such a special place to train.
Meet Master Instructor Rich Brugger
Rich Brugger is the founder and head instructor of Martial Arts for Life and has spent decades studying and teaching martial arts.
With more than 30 years of experience working with students of all ages, Rich is passionate about helping young people develop confidence, discipline, and resilience through structured training.
His teaching philosophy emphasizes practical martial arts skills, personal growth, and a supportive learning environment where every student can succeed.
Rich and his wife Michelle run the school, and their son Dean trains alongside many of the students in the program.
Meet Our Chief Instructor
Meet Our Program Director
Michelle Brugger serves as Program Director at Martial Arts for Life and is often the first friendly face families meet when they walk through our doors.
In addition to helping guide the day-to-day operations of the school, Michelle plays an active role in supporting students and families throughout their martial arts journey.
Michelle has been deeply involved in the New Providence community for many years. She served as President of the New Providence Business & Professional Association for over a decade and currently serves as a board member for the Downtown Improvement District.
She has also contributed her time to the New Providence–based NJ Sharing Network Foundation as a member of its Board of Trustees. In 2025, Michelle was honored with the Union County SHERO Award, presented by the Union County Board of Commissioners and the Union County Office on Women. This award recognizes women who have made significant contributions to their communities.
At Martial Arts for Life, Michelle helps ensure every family feels welcomed, supported, and part of the community.
Together, Rich and Michelle have spent more than 20 years building Martial Arts for Life into a place where students grow in confidence, discipline, and character.
Authentic Martial Arts Lineage
A Commitment to Authentic Martial Arts
Rich has trained extensively in multiple martial arts disciplines and holds instructor certifications under world-renowned martial artists including Guro Dan Inosanto, Sensei Erik Paulson & Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee.
He is also a certified instructor through the Martial Arts Teachers Association, reflecting a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional instruction.
Through continued training, seminars, and mentorship, Rich remains dedicated to lifelong learning and bringing the most effective and authentic martial arts instruction to his students.
Coach Under Sensei Erik Paulson
STX Kickboxing & Combat Submission Wrestling
Certified Instructor
Martial Arts Teachers' Association
Instructor Under Guro Dan Inosanto
Jeet Kune Do & Filipino Martial Arts
Our Commitment to Quality Instruction
Martial Arts for Life is built on a simple philosophy: students deserve authentic instruction, structured training, and a positive learning environment.
We believe that great martial arts schools are defined not just by what they teach, but by the standards they uphold every day.
Authentic Martial Arts Training
Our curriculum draws from multiple martial arts disciplines and is continually refined through ongoing study, training, & mentorship under world-class instructors.
Professional Instruction
Our instructors are committed to continuing education and professional standards to ensure students receive high-quality guidance in every class.
Structured Progression
Students follow a clear and age-appropriate path from beginner to advanced levels, helping them build skills, confidence, and discipline step by step.
A Positive Learning Environment
We emphasize respect, encouragement, & personal growth so students feel supported while being challenged to reach their potential.
What Our Students Say Years Later
We asked former students what lessons from martial arts they still use in their lives today.
Camden - Black Belt & Instructor
Trained at Martial Arts for Life for 12 years.
Avery - Black Belt & Instructor
Trained at Martial Arts for Life for 11 years.
Ava - Black Belt & Instructor.
Trained at Martial Arts for Life for 13 years.
Rachel - Black Belt
Local Emergency Department RN
Recognized in Our Community
Martial Arts for Life has been proud to serve the New Providence community since 2005. Over the years, our commitment to students and families has been recognized by local organizations and community leaders.
🏛 Borough of New Providence
Proclamations honoring our contributions in 2015 and 2025
📰 TAPinto New Providence
Featured for community involvement and youth development
🏅 Union County SHERO Award
Program Director Michelle Brugger honored for leadership and service
Michelle Brugger discussing Martial Arts for Life’s involvement with the NJ Sharing Network 5K on local television.
Supporting Our Community
Martial Arts for Life has always believed in giving back to the community that has supported our students and families for so many years.
• For more than a decade we have partnered with local PTA and PTO organizations, helping raise over $10,000 for local schools through our annual Skills for School Fundraiser.
• Since 2012, our students and families have participated in the NJ Sharing Network 5K as Team Martial Arts for Life, collectively raising more than $78,000 to support organ and tissue donation awareness.
• Program Director Michelle Brugger also serves on the NJ Sharing Network Foundation Board of Trustees, helping advance the organization’s mission in the community.
Is Martial Arts for Life Right for Your Child?
Our program is designed to help kids grow in confidence, focus, and discipline — both on and off the mats.
Our program is a great fit for kids who:
✓ Need help building confidence
✓ Have lots of energy and benefit from structured activity
✓ Want to learn real martial arts skills
✓ Could benefit from stronger focus and discipline
✓ Enjoy challenges and learning new things
No martial arts experience is required.
Many students start as complete beginners.
No experience necessary. Beginners are always welcome.