Meet the FMAC Instructors

Head Instructor

Shichi-Dan (7th degree black belt)

 Mr. J. Sackett started his karate journey at the age of 7 years old back on November 7, 1985 at the Rockaway Karate Academy. His parents Dan and Lois Sackett brought him down to the dojo because older brother Adam was already studying and Jonathan had asked them constantly to go down and train. The two boys were always fighting at home and constantly getting into trouble together. He needed to learn to improve concentration, self control, self respect, self discipline, and above all self defense. Mr. Sackett took to Karate immediately. He tried many different activities growing up, but Karate stood above all! On December 5, 1993 at the age of 15 Mr. Sackett received the prestigious rank of Sho-Dan (1st degree black belt) from his Sensei Miss J Felenczak. 

In addition to his martial arts training in Isshinryu,  Mr. Sackett has also achieved his Ni-Dan (2nd degree black belt) in Ryukonkai Kobudo.

Mr. Sackett also started attending the American Budo Kai summer Karate camp back in 1987 and he has been on staff ever since 1994. Mr. Sackett became an assistant instructor with his teacher in 1994 and continued to do until he graduated from Rutgers University in 2000. He started instructing his own class in April 2001 on Wednesday nights for kids at the Rockaway Karate Academy. Six months later he started teaching the teen and adult class as well. On August 17, 2020  Mr Sackett received his current rank of Shichi-Dan (7th degree black belt). Mr. Sackett has seen many of his students under his tutelage elevated to Jr Black Belt and Sho-Dan.

In 2010 Mr. Sackett started working with his teacher to open up his own Karate Dojo. He trained with her to learn all the ins and outs of running an American Budo Kai certified dojo. Mr. Sackett spoke with his family about his dream of running his own dojo and this is when he decided to partner up with his brother Adam to make this dream a reality. On October 5, 2012 Family Martial Arts Center was opened in Parsippany, NJ helping Mr. Sackett realize his dream.  Family Martial Arts Center was recognized as a certified American Budo Kai dojo on December 2, 2012 fulfilling another dream of Mr Sackett's! 

In October of 2022 Family Martial Arts Center move to our brand new location in Pine Brook.

Please stop down at the dojo to see Mr Sackett and his dream of the Family Martial Arts Center  in action! 

 Have a question for Mr. Sackett feel free to email him at: 
jsackett@familymartialartscenterllc.com 

Senior Instructor

 Hachi-Dan  (8th degree black belt)

 Mr. M. Nowak is an experienced American Budo Kai karateka and instructor, bringing his passion and expertise to our Saturday morning classes at FMAC. He began his training in 1984 at the Rockaway Dojo, where his journey in martial arts was shaped by years of dedicated practice. Achieving his Sho-Dan in 1992, Mr. Nowak has spent decades honing his skills, mentoring students, and contributing to the growth of American Budo Kai karate. Certified as an instructor in 1994, he has taught at multiple dojos, including Sparta, Rockaway, and FMAC, and served on the Karate Camp full-time staff for many years, from 1996 to 2007 and again from 2017 to 2022. Promoted to Hachi-Dan in 2023, Mr. Nowak brings a wealth of experience and an enthusiastic teaching style to every class, inspiring students to explore, excel, and embrace the martial arts curriculum at FMAC.

 Have a question for Mr. Nowak feel free to email him at: 
mnowak@familymartialartscenterllc.com 

Senior Instructor
San-Dan (3nd degree black belt)

Mr. S. Hopler started at his karate adventure at Family Martial Arts Center in December 2012. After a free trial, it immediately became the time of the week that he looked forward to the most. The challenging nature keeps the whole experience fun and fresh, as well as, informative. Learning self-defense is a concept that nowadays has become more necessary to know. Karate has also been a great teacher in other aspects. It has taught him the value of responsibility and respect. Karate has also become an enormous boost to his health, both physical and mental. Through his hard work and dedication to martial arts, he has climbed the ranks to his current rank of San-dan (3rd Degree Black belt) at our Karate Camp 2021.

In October of 2014, Mr. Hopler received the honor to help with the Wednesday Junior class. A month later, he brought his passion to the Thursday Junior class, as well.  Mr. Hopler can often be found working with students on various stretches and routines before class. Mr. Hopler's enthusiasm can be found teaching classes in both our locations, as he helps shape future students.

While he enjoys various weapons training as a black belt, his favorite part of the dojo is now having the opportunity to help students learn some of the most important parts that he received from joining FMAC; he has the chance to help his fellow students learn the concepts bestowed upon him.

Have a question for Mr. S. Hopler feel free to drop him an email at: 

shopler@familymartialartscenterllc.com

Instructor

San-Dan (3rd degree blackbelt)