Announcments
Please make sure to check our below for special event registration, featured products, and announcments
We try our best to stay connected to our students in a variety of ways. Do you follow us on:
Facebook (public): Union UTA Martial Arts
Facebook (public): SAMI Combat Systems of NJ
Facebook (Private): Union UTA Martial Arts/SAMI Union
Instagram: @unionuta
Instagram: @samiunion
Instagram: @coachrobertnichols
twitter: @UnionUTASamiNJ
Tik Tok: @UnionUTASamiNJ
YouTube: Union UTA Martial Arts/Sami Combat systems of NJ
Please help us grow with likes, follows, and sharing. and always tag your pics with #unionuta
Upcoming Events and Reminders
*Sept 15- Closed
*Sept 16- Rank Ceremony
Beginner and Intermediate Jr’s at 530pm. Advanced Jr’s at 615pm. All Teen/Adult students at 615pm. Students that do not attend rank ceremony will receive their belts in regular class.
*Sept 17- Classes resume
School Zoom Meeting 630pm
Candidate Meeting 715pm
*Sept 22- New Class Schedule Begins
*Sept 27- SAMICS Knife Defense class
*Oct 7- Closed. Leadership Meeting at 6pm
*Oct 11- Testing Prep Class
*Oct 18- Halloween Party
*Oct 21- Closed for Scouting Event
*Oct 25- Candidate Workout
*Oct 31- Closed
*Nov 1- Testing Prep Class
Purchase Books by our Chief Instructor!
Now available on Amazon, for Kindle, and Audible!
Our Chief Instructor, Robert Nichols is also an author!
His award winning book, “How to Earn a Black belt in…. An Average Guy’s Guide to Life.” is now available in paperback, e-book, and audiobook.
This common-sense book covers topics like parenting, leadership, relationships, and more. All while Robert Nichols shares personal stories on these subjects.
His new book, being released January 2023, "Elite Martial Artists in America," is a co-author book with martial arts legends Stephen K. Hayes and Dana Abbott. Each martial arts master covers a section in relation to Leadership, motivation, and business.
Robert Nichols is also available for speaking engagements, martial arts business consulting, and SAMICS International Seminars. He is available for virtual events and travels the country teaching. Visit the website below for information.



Upcoming Candidate/Black belt Event Dates for the Sept 2025 Testing & Colored belt stripe schedule
Black Belt and Black Belt Candidate Schedule-
Book deadline 10/1
Candidate Workouts 10/25, 11/8, & 12/13
All equipment/Embroidered belts due 12/10
Testing applications 1/1-1/7
Essays/Book reports/ fitness challenges due 1/7
Testing 1/17- Snow Date 1/24
Colored Belt Stripe Schedule
Week of 11/17- Begin Basics Stripes
Week of 11/24- Begin Footwork Stripes
Week of 12/1- Begin Self Defense Stripes
Week of 12/15-Begin Fighting Combo Stripes
Week of 12/22- Weapons and Breaking Stripes
Testing Prep Classes
10/11, 11/1, 12/20, & 1/10
2pm-315pm
These open floor guided classes will be focused on prepping students specifically for testing. Part open floor and part guided instruction; the only goal of these classes is to work on testing material.
SPACE IS LIMITED! To make sure students are getting appropriate testing material attention we will be limiting this to only 15 students.
Boards are available for purchase if students wish to practice on live boards and not training boards.
Week After Testing Reminders
- Monday Sept 15
- Closed
- Tuesday Sept 16
- Beginner and Intermediate Jr’s at 530pm. Advanced Jr’s at 615pm. All Teen/Adult students at 615pm.
- Wednesday Sept 17
- Jr's Fun and Games Day-School Zoom Meeting 630pm-Candidate Zoom Meeting 715pm- Teen/Adult Hardcore 730pm to 9pm

After Testing Zoom Meetings
Sept 17- 630pm
School Wide Zoom Meeting
This is our new testing cycle meeting. All parents and students are encouraged to join us.
Sept 17- 715pm
Candidate Meeting
This meeting is a requirement for all Candidates.
Any candidate under 18 should have a parent present.

SAMI-X Knife Defense Workshop
SAMI-X of NJ – Knife Defense Workshop
Saturday, September 27 | 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
(Optional Exams to Follow)
This workshop offers a focused introduction to the core principles of the SAMI-X Knife Defense Program. Designed from a personal protection and self-defense perspective, the seminar will give students a solid foundation in recognizing, understanding, and defending against the threat of an attacker armed with a blade.
Participants will work through essential concepts and drills that emphasize practical application under pressure. The goal is not only to introduce proven SAMI-X techniques but also to build confidence and awareness—helping students respond effectively and with greater safety in dangerous situations.
The session is suitable for both newer students looking to build their first layer of skills and for experienced practitioners who wish to refine their understanding of knife defense within the SAMI framework.
At the conclusion of the workshop, optional Knife Level Exams will be offered. Students planning to test must come prepared with the required material and hold an active SAMI International membership.
Costs
•Workshop: $30 (register before August 22) | $45 after August 22
•Exam: $50

Halloween Party!
🎃👻 Halloween Party at Union UTA! 👻🎃
Get ready for a spooktacular night filled with fun, food, and frights! This is our BIGGEST party of the year, and you won’t want to miss it!
✨ What’s Happening:
• 👗 Costume Contest – Show off your best look for a chance to win prizes!
• 🍕 Pizza & Treats – Delicious food to fuel your night of fun.
• 🎲 Games & Activities – Fun for all ages with plenty of laughs.
• 🎁 Prizes & Giveaways – Win big with contests and raffles!
📅 Date: Saturday, October 18th
🕠 Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
💲 Tickets:
• $30 per person if you register by Oct 13th
• $40 per person after Oct 13th (if space is still available!)
⚠️ Space is limited – don’t wait to secure your spot!
👉 Register early, grab your costume, and join us for a night of spooky fun and community spirit.
Testing Prep Classes
Oct 11, Nov 1, Dec 12, & Jan 1
2pm-315pm
These open floor guided classes will be focused on prepping students specifically for testing. Part open floor and part guided instruction; the only goal of these classes is to work on testing material.
SPACE IS LIMITED! To make sure students are getting appropriate testing material attention we will be limiting this to only 20 students.
Boards are available for purchase if students wish to practice on live boards and not training boards.

Register for Private Lessons or Private Exams Here!
Private instruction in a great way to focus on specific material or skill development with a certified instructor. The attention is solely on you.
Also use this section to register for a Private Exam- ONLY if you have been given permission by our office staff.
Personal Training and Fitness
Private one on one training and small group classes are now available by appointment!

- UTA/SAMI UNION Personal Training
- can be that extra kick in the butt to become the best version of you!
Sessions are available to purchase individually or in packages.
Sessions are available BEFORE regular class hours and can be set up for a variety of time slots during the week!
UTA/SAMI UNION Personal Training Program Benefits:
· Customization to your needs
· Available for all fitness levels
· Weight Loss
· Body Fat Reduction
· Strength and Building
· Toning
· Mobility and Flexibility
· Cardiovascular Conditioning
· Diet and Nutrition Tips
· And More!
- Equipment Order Forms
- There are currently NO SCHEDULED equipment orders. Please contact our main office before placing an order.
Please stop by the main office if you need assistance in measuring (forms tell you how) or for Cash payment options.
This includes:
- Boards- For practice or heavier breaking
- Sparring equipment for All Orange Testing for Green
- Nunchucks for Jr Purple belts testing for Brown
- Black Belt Candidates
- 1st Degree Probationary Black Belts testing for Decided
- 2nd Degree Candidates
- 3rd degree candidates
Please let us know if you have any questions BEFORE placing your orders.
If you are uncertain if this is a REQUIREMENT for your rank please contact our office.