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
*August 16- Candidate Workout
*August 20- Gear for testing due
*August 23- SAMI-X Panantukan Seminar
*August 27th- Sept 3rd- Testing Applications due
*Aug 29, 30, & Sept 1- Closed Labor day weekend
*Sept 3- Essays, Fitness Challenges due for candidates and Black belts
*Sept 6- Testing Prep Workout
*Sept 8-13- Testing Week (See testing week schedule)
*Sept 15- Closed
*Sept 16- Rank Ceremony
Beginner and Intermediate Jr’s at 530pm. Advanced Jr’s at 615pm. All Teen/Adult students at 7pm. 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
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 6/11
Candidate Workouts 6/14 7/19 8/16
All equipment/Embroidered belts due 8/20
Testing applications 8/27-9/3
Essays/Book reports/ fitness challenges due 9/3
Testing 9/13
Colored Belt Stripe Schedule
Week of 7/14- Begin Basics Stripes
Week of 7/28- Begin Footwork Stripes
Week of 8/11- Begin Self Defense Stripes
Week of 8/18-Begin Fighting Combo Stripes
Week of 8/25- Weapons and Breaking Stripes
Testing Prep Classes
August 9 & Sept 6
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.
Testing Applications
Testing Applications need to be filled out August 27th through September 3rd.
These should be filled out for ALL students testing. Late Fees will be added to late applications.
Sept 2025 Testing
Monday Sept 8
Little Dragon Exams 430pm- All other Classes Normal
Tuesday Sept 9
Little Dragon Exams 5pm- All other Classes Normal
Wednesday Sept 10
NO CLASSES
Thursday Sept 11
Beginner Jr's Exams 5pm to 615pm---Advanced Jr's Exams 630pm
Friday Sept 12
Intermediate Jr's Exams 5pm to 615pm---Colored Belt Teen/Adult Exams 630pm
Saturday Sept 13
Black Belt Exams 10am
Important Info
- All Gear orders are due in No Later than Aug 20. They have been emailed home and are for the ranks listed in the email and on the website.
- CANDIDATE ESSAYS, 45-DAY FITNESS paperwork, Personal Development Challenges, and Black belt (black and candidate) testing applications DUE Sept 3. MANDATORY FOR TESTING!
- All TESTING APPLICATIONS will be available Aug 27 through Sept 3 (Applications will include boards for green and up)
- All Colored belt students with 4 stripes (Black and Red) on their belt should show up to a testing time. If you are short by stripes please speak with Mr. Nichols for a final decision.
- The week of Sept 1 through 6 is a Sparring Week for Intermediate and above ranks. Students MUST attend a sparring day as a testing requirement.
- If you are testing please be in proper clothing- (Approved pants/shorts, shirt, or uniform)
- Little Dragon Students evaluations will be done in class Sept 8 & 9. Please only attend 1 time during these dates. (All Little Dragons are evaluated regardless of how long they have been here)
- Make up testing will be done by appointment only and only at the discretion of the chief instructor. Make up testing require an appointment and are subject to a private lesson fee of $40. There are NO make-up exams for Candidates or black belts.
- Students that arrive LATE to testing will NOT be admitted.
- Bring everything you need for your exam. This includes weapons and gear for required ranks. If you are not prepared, you may not pass.
- If you do not meet exam requirements you will be contacted via email within 24 hours of the exam. It will then be your decision and responsibility to schedule a make-up test or wait until the next exam date.
- A Student’s attendance greatly affects their potential to test. Our check in system tracks attendance throughout a cycle. Students have “minimum class requirements” per level in order to be eligible to test. These class requirements are based on 1 testing cycle.
Beginner Ranks-16 Classes/Intermediate Ranks-20 Classes/Advanced Ranks-24 Classes/Black Belts-25 Classes/ All candidates 30 classes
- Monday Sept 15th we will be closed for cleaning and maintenance
- Colored belt students will receive their new ranks at RANK CEREMONY on Sept 16. Black belts and Black belt candidates will receive ranks the day of their exam. Beginner and Intermediate Jr’s at 530pm. Advanced Jr’s at 615pm. All Teen/Adult students at 7pm. Students that do not attend rank ceremony will receive their belts in regular class.
- Wednesday Sept 17th is our “New Cycle” Zoom meeting for all students and parents at 630pm. ALSO at 715pm is a meeting for ALL Candidates and Black Belts. This includes new candidates and candidates that did not test from the previous cycle. This is MANDATORY to test for your black belt. Information will be emailed home.
Remember that it’s ok NOT to test! Every student’s progress happens in their own time. Just because we have an exam scheduled does not mean you have to be ready. Preparation for an exam should begin months in advance, not a few weeks before an exam. It is the student’s responsibility to be prepared and know what is on their exam. All curriculum requirements are on our website.
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 7pm.
- 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
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.
