Sports
Taekwondo · Boxing · Kickboxing · Self-Defense
Our flagship program delivers Taekwondo instruction across 44 afterschool sites. Team Raposa, our USA Boxing-registered gym, develops competitive youth athletes.
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43
Newark Public School Sites
1,500+
Students Served Annually
14
Elementary Schools with DEFENDER SEL
7,000 SF
Community Center in the Ironbound
What We Do
Our Programs
Four interconnected pillars that build the whole person — body, mind, and community.
Performing Arts
Movement · Ballet · Filmmaking
From classical ballet to K-pop performance art and youth documentary filmmaking — students discover their creative voice and perform on regional stages.
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Life Skills
Cosmetology · Fitness · Women's Empowerment
Professional-track training in cosmetology and esthetics, fitness programming, and the Strong Women Project — building confidence and career readiness.
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Featured
DEFENDER
Anti-Bullying · Social-Emotional Learning
CINA's proprietary SEL curriculum embedded in every martial arts class — teaching 8 sequential competencies to identify, prevent, and respond to bullying.
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Our Approach
Theory of Change
CINA's programming is built on a simple premise: structured physical discipline — delivered consistently by trained instructors inside school settings — builds self-regulation, confidence, and conflict resolution skills that transfer to every area of a young person's life.
Step 01
Structured Instruction
Trained instructors deliver consistent martial arts programming inside school settings.
Step 02
Physical Discipline + SEL
DEFENDER curriculum integrates social-emotional learning into every class.
Step 03
Core Competencies
Students develop self-regulation, confidence, and conflict resolution skills.
Step 04
Lasting Impact
Reduced bullying, better attendance, and stronger peer relationships.
"Most anti-bullying programs are classroom-based. Most martial arts programs teach technique. CINA combines both. Every martial arts class is a DEFENDER class. Students don't just learn about resilience — they practice it, physically, every session."
Trusted Partners & Affiliates
Newark Public Schools
USA Boxing
Essex County Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs
NJ State Council on the Arts
Rutgers University–Newark Cornwall Center
ILEF
Testimonial
"CINA's Taekwondo program has become one of the most requested enrichment offerings across our schools. The discipline and confidence students develop carries over into every classroom."
Ready to Make an Impact?
Support Newark's youth through martial arts, performing arts, and the DEFENDER anti-bullying curriculum.