The NLPS Martial Arts was originally started for New London Public School Students who were enrolled in BDJMS and was formerly known as the BDJMS Martial Arts Club. After the first year the club increased it's enrollment by allowing prior club members, who had moved on to High School, to return for classes (Grandfather Clause). The primary system taught in this program is Praying Mantis Kung Fu.  As of the beginning of the 2006 school year, new members have been accepted from fifth (5th) grade and up to include all school levels and adults (must be New London resident or attend a New London school) .

Currently the program has grown tremendously and added a couple of new classes to better serve the community. A Tai Chi class (Taiji Quan) has been added and is geared towards adults. The Tai Chi class is held once per week. A Karate (Shorin-Ryu) class has been added and is geared towards younger age students. Members in this class are from all Elementary School grades (must be New London resident or attend a New London school) ..  The Karate class is held four times per week directly after the Praying Mantis class.

Membership to this program is a privilege.The Head Instructor reserves the right to deny anyone membership for any reason, at any time. This program was formerly known as the "BDJMS Martial Arts Club" but has changed it's name to "New London Public Schools Martial Arts" in order to reflect that it is no longer just for BDJMS students. This program is for the entire New London community.

NLPS Martial Arts completed the "New Space Project" and is now operating out of it's new home. The new training hall (kwoon / dojo) is located in room #109 of BDJMS. All students, spectators, and guest are asked to enter/exit from the Waller Court side of the school where there is a door that leads directly into the class. The door is propped open during class time. There is ample parking on the Waller Court side of the school.

If you would like to participate in this program, please send us an email at resourceofficer@newlondon.org with your name, school (if applicable), and contact information, or simply visit us during one of our classes.

All lessons are free of charge. However, if you are a student, you will be required to maintain a set standard in academics and behavior to remain part of NLPS Martial Arts if selected. All members must have a signed permission slip (including adults) that may be obtained at any of the classes or by clicking on the logo to the left of this paragraph.

CLASS SCHEDULE: There are multiple classes offered starting the 2007/2008 school year. New schedule as follows:

*Praying Mantis Kung Fu / Beginners Group #1 / Monday & Wednesday / 4:00-4:45 p.m.

Inst: Ms. Feliciano

*Praying Mantis Kung Fu / Beginners Group #2 / Tuesday & Thursday / 4:00-4:45 p.m.

Inst: Mr. Reyes

*Praying Mantis Kung Fu / Interm. & Advance / Monday, Tuesday, Thursday / 5:00-5:45 p.m.

Inst: Shifu Brisson-Lopez

*Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan / Wednesday / 5:00 - 5:45 p.m.

Inst: Shifu Brisson-Lopez

*Shorin-Ryu Karate / Beginners Group #1 / Monday & Wednesday / 6:00 - 6:45 p.m.

Inst: Sensei Alger

*Shorin-Ryu Karate / Beginners Group #2 / Tuesday & Thursday / 6:00 - 6:45 p.m.

Inst: Sensei Alger

**Notice: All classes start on the hour. Members who are late will not be allowed to participate unless prior permission was granted by the Instructor for that member to be late for the specific class.

TRANSPORTATION: All members are responsible for their own transportation and may not hang around the middle school while waiting for class to start. Parents who provide transportation must pick up their child on time. Failure to do so, may result in the members enrollment being terminated. During special events (Competitions, Demonstrations, Fundraiser's), members meet at the NLPS Martial Arts class (or designated area) and utilize a car pool system if needed. It is a class requirement that when traveling for events, all members arrive and depart from the event together as a team.

COMPETITIONS, DEMONSTRATIONS, FUNDRAISERS: NLPS Martial Arts periodically participates in competitions. Students are never required to compete, it is strictly up to them. Competitions can be very costly. Fees for competitions are ultimately the responsibility of the member. As a courtesy, the NLPS Martial Arts often works hard at raising monies to cover these type of expenses, or at least minimize the monetary impact (Note: To date the club has managed to cover a majority of the cost for competitions for all members that wished to participate, but this is not a guarantee and should not be expected. It is done when ever possible). Competitions are attended for a learning experience and fun. They have no bearing on the learning process or advancement of students in any of our classes. Demonstrations are periodically conducted to develop new opportunities for NLPS Martial Arts and students. Fundraising events are also periodically conducted to raise funds and keep NLPS Martial Arts going and/or to provide funds for competitions or special events. All members are expected to support Demonstrations and Fundraiser's when ever possible, whether they choose to compete or not.