EP08: Sensei Andrew Katz on Why Martial Arts Isn’t Just for Fighters

Martial arts is more than self-defense. It’s a tool, like a carpenter using a hammer. At Tiger Schulmann’s in East Brunswick, martial arts rests on three pillars: confidence, discipline, and community.

On this episode of The Jersey Link Podcast, Jose Sanchez and co-host Kate Vargo sit down with Sensei Andrew Katz to hear how a passion that started with a movie at age twelve became a lifelong mission.

Sensei Katz shares how he left his full-time job to make martial arts his career, what makes Tiger Schulmann’s culture unique, and why the “non-quitting spirit” is the most important lesson for kids and adults alike.

From kids finding confidence and standing up to bullies, to adults trading stress for strength, martial arts here goes far beyond the mat. And if you think it ends at the local level, think again. Tiger Schulmann’s has produced fighters like Lyman Good, Jimmy Rivera, Nick Pace, and Louis Gaudinot, names that stepped from East Brunswick’s mats into the UFC spotlight.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:45) Sensei Katz’s Martial Arts Journey

(4:10) History of Tiger Schulmann

(5:00) Tiger Schulmann’s Culture

(6:51) Martial Arts as a Tool

(7:50) The Non-Quitting Spirit

(12:27) Opening East Brunswick School

(16:35) Advice for First-Time Students

(18:55) The Black Belt Myth

(24:49) Stress Relief & Everyday Benefits

You’ll also hear stories of students who started out struggling and went on to excel, including one who became both a black belt and a Princeton scholar before becoming a cardiovascular surgeon.

For New Jersey families looking for something deeper than a sport, this episode shows why martial arts is about more than training; it’s about building stronger people, stronger families, and stronger towns.

About Sensei Andrew Katz

Sensei Andrew Katz is the head instructor at Tiger Schulmann’s Martial Arts in East Brunswick, New Jersey. With decades of experience in training and teaching, he has guided students of all ages through martial arts practice. His work focuses on helping kids, teens, and adults build discipline, confidence, and real-world self-defense skills. He continues to grow the East Brunswick school as a place for families and individuals to train together.

Connect with Sensei Andrew Katz:

Website

https://tsk.com/locations/nj/east-brunswick/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-katz-7159a81b/

About Jose Sanchez

Jose Sanchez is a Broker-Associate at Keller Williams Realty West Monmouth with 22 years of experience in real estate, financial sales, and business operations. He leads a team, oversees recruitment, and manages client relationships throughout the buying and selling process. Jose also directs marketing efforts and helps drive team performance. He works closely with the community to support local growth and development. His focus remains on guiding clients and building strong partnerships across the region.

Connect with Jose:

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsanchez35/

Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/josersanchez

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only and reflects personal stories and community perspectives. It should not be considered professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with relevant experts for guidance on specific issues.