Dojo Defaced: Mendham Karate Sign Stolen From Front Window

The one place a would-be thief probably shouldn’t mess with is a dojo where all levels of Karate are taught.

But someone did, and because of it, Mendham Karate Academy no longer has a sign on the front of its school.

The academy, located in Kings Mall in Mendham for the past eight years, is run by Claudia Whiteley and her son Danny of Chester. The family also owns a dojo in Chatham, which is run by Claudia, Danny, and Michael Whiteley (Claudia’s husband). 

As a local company, it’s not so much the price of the canvas banner that was taken, but the principle behind how small businesses can be impacted by such an act.

“If there were just some way to get the sign back, I don’t care who took it,” Claudia Whiteley said. “But more than that, if people would just think about how the small businesses in the area are struggling.”

The sign was designed by Michael Whiteley and had been hanging for about six months. All that was left after the theft was the tape that held it in place, Claudia Whiteley said.

The owners notified Mendham police who are now aware of the situation.

Mendham Karate and the Whiteleys also run an annual blood drive in February.

Anyone with information about the missing sign can contact the dojo at (973) 543-5600.