discover the studio
Located in South Toms River, NJ — The Lotus Academy blends traditional martial arts, mindfulness, and wellness to support growth in body, mind, and spirit. From kids programs to senior classes and healing services, we offer a space to move, breathe, and explore. Whether your goal is to build confidence, improve fitness, or find harmony, we’re here to help.
there are a lot of gyms out there — this is what sets us apart
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lineage
Our head instructor, Grand Master Gantner, has been practicing traditional Taekwon-Do for over 50 years. As a widely respected instructor, he travels the world to teach technical seminars and in 2024 he was inducted into the International Taekwon-Do Hall of Fame for his lifetime dedication to preserving this traditional martial art.
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family run
For three generations, the Gantner family has upheld the tradition of Taekwon-Do, passing down its teachings with care and integrity. Co-founded and led by father-daughter team Chris and Katie, The Lotus Academy was created from a shared love of Taekwon-Do and a belief in teaching with compassion, integrity, and heart.
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our values
We value safety, empowerment, expansion, and community. We believe ANYONE who wants to learn should feel comfortable to try something new. We take pride in our ability to make training approachable and accessible to every person that wants to train, regardless of age or ability. Whether you are four or sixty-four, there is a place for you on our mats.
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community
Our values attract and foster a friendly training environment and a supportive community of kind-hearted families and individuals. Ego and intimidation are checked at the door. Cool people train here!
no mud
no lotus
no mud no lotus
our philosophy
The lotus flower is an enduring symbol of awakening, strength, and perseverance. It blooms in the muddiest, muckiest swamps. Its roots begin deep in the murky water below, and its buds slowly push upward until they burst open, reaching for the sun. If you want the beauty of the lotus, there is no escaping the mud.
What if the pain, confusion, and difficulty you’ve faced are not just obstacles but essential parts of your path to freedom and happiness? This does not mean you have to understand or be grateful for these experiences, nor that everything will turn out perfectly. But what if truly understanding your suffering is the first and only way to move through it?
Our task is to get to know the mud—to shine a light on it, see it clearly, and name its parts. We learn to breathe through the pain instead of numbing it, recognizing that without facing the mud, the lotus cannot bloom. The mud is the path. From struggle come hope, joy, patience, and fortitude—born from opening our hearts to the journey.
We can face the mud with courage. We can commit to showing up day after day, even when it is hard, with more kindness, acceptance, and love for ourselves. “No Mud, No Lotus” reminds us of the transformative power of suffering and the beauty waiting to bloom within us.
Practices like martial arts challenge us intentionally. Every time you step onto the mat and face that challenge, you teach yourself resilience. You build strength and endurance not only in your body but also in your heart and mind. While the skills you learn are important, never underestimate the power of simply choosing to show up. This quiet act of courage is where resilience is forged—the resilience that carries you beyond the studio, out into your life and the world.
“The secret of joy is the mastery of pain”