Meet Shihan Durand Howard, Founder of Blue Life Karate
Founder & Chief Instructor — Blue Life Karate & Xtreme Kickboxing
World Champion | 10th Degree Black Belt | Hall of Fame Honoree | Martial Arts Educator
Shihan Durand Howard began his martial arts journey as a young child, discovering how discipline, confidence, and self-defense could transform a person's life. Inspired by his experiences and the teachings of distinguished masters and grandmasters, he developed a passion for martial arts and helping others achieve their fullest potential.
A 10th Degree Black Belt and founder of Blue Life Budo Ninjutsu, Shihan Howard also holds the distinguished title of Tuhon in Pekiti-Tirsia Kali. His competitive achievements include 12 New Jersey State Championships, 4 World Karate Union World Championships, and 5 National Championships.
His professional recognition includes the World Karate Union Hall of Fame, Action Martial Arts Hall of Fame, U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Legends of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame, and Garden State Games honors.
Beyond competition, Shihan Howard served as a Tactical Instructor for the Special Operations Group at the New Jersey Correction Officers Academy in Sea Girt, New Jersey, providing specialized instruction in defensive tactics and practical martial arts applications.
As founder of Blue Life Karate & Xtreme Kickboxing, he has combined his martial arts education, championship experience, and traditional values into a unique teaching system guided by the philosophy:
"A New Approach to an Old Concept."
His mission is to help children develop confidence, discipline, respect, focus, self-control, and the ability to overcome challenges both inside and outside the dojo.
Shihan Howard believes every child possesses untapped potential and that the responsibility of a great instructor is not simply to teach martial arts techniques, but to inspire students to become stronger, more confident, and responsible individuals.
"Our greatest achievement is not the champions we produce in competition, but the champions we help develop in life."
Experience Our Teaching for Yourself
LEARN ABOUT OUR OTHER PROGRAMS
Little Ninjas
Our Little Ninjas program focuses on character building and leadership in a fun and safe environment.
Shinobi Warriors
Our Shinobi Warriors martial arts classes emphasize improving fitness, confidence, and practical self-defense.
Teen Defensive Arts
Ages 14–17. Build awareness, confidence and personal safety skills. Mondays, 6:50–7:30 PM, except school holiday closures. Beginners welcome.
Kali Silat
Our self-defense classes help everyone get ready to protect themselves from any type of attack and get fit in the process.
Parents/Adults
Our parent karate classes emphasize improving fitness, confidence, and practical self-defense.
Xtreme Kickboxing
Quickly lose weight, get in shape, build muscle, and improve your cardio in our Health and Fitness program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Blue Life Karate & Xtreme Kickboxing so popular?
Our popularity at Blue Life Karate & Xtreme Kickboxing stems from our commitment to exceptional karate classes. Our caring karate instructors offer classes for a variety of age groups and skill levels. If you are interested in a karate class for you or your child, look no further than Blue Life Karate & Xtreme Kickboxing!
Who can attend your martial arts classes?
Blue Life Karate & Xtreme Kickboxing expertly caters to kids and adults, offering a diverse range of classes that meet the unique needs of each age group.
How can I contact Blue Life Karate & Xtreme Kickboxing?
You can call us at
908-967-8132, email us at [email protected]
Blue Life Karate & Xtreme Kickboxing
People believe that karate martial arts training is just another extracurricular activity; that is a misconception. There is not any program that is going to give you the benefits that you receive from martial arts training. Many people think martial arts are just about fighting; the truth is that the physical “kicking and punching” are really just the tools that I use to teach the most important and MUCH more valuable lessons about yourself.