Fantastic classes and top notch instruction where you can learn real, applicable and effective self defense techniques in a controlled and ego-free environment. A rare find these days. I initially found combatives academy when searching for a Filipino martial arts school for knife/weapons defense and fighting. I figured I carry a knife so may as well learn how to use it. After just the first class I was shocked at how much I didn't know (in a good way). Sifu Raffi has a very calm, detailed and easy to follow way of teaching. He's also a very talented martial artist which was obvious to me after seeing just a few demonstrations of techniques. So many self defense situations involve a weapon even on one side. Knives, baseball bats etc. This art really covers a lot of things. I have previously trained in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I asked about the Jeet Kune Do classes and the instructor recommended I take this, along with my Escrima classes to have a complete system as the hand to hand translates well over to the weapons. After the JKD class I took a few weeks later, I was very impressed with how complete of a martial art it was. In one class we covered some effective strikes as well as a few grappling moves. Each technique was shown in detail and we were given ample time to really practice it and get it right with a training partner. An all encompassing art like JKD is really what you need for self defense. It's also a fantastic workout along with stretching, etc. The JKD along with Escrima covers all the bases for me, effective striking, grappling, distance control plus weapons use and defense. I would highly recommend trying the 2 free classes if you're on the fence! Hopefully I'll try a Silat class in the future and can update my review with that aspect. read more

Great way to experience three different martial arts with their own unique properties that still complement each other very well. Classes are geared towards self-defense with an emphasis on quality over quantity of techniques. The instructors are very knowledgable, passionate, and patient when it comes to teaching martial arts effectively. I've trained at other places in the past that had a weird, cult-like attitude or cared more about sparring than drilling (which definitely didn't help me get better), but this school is different. The students here are driven, down to earth, and actually want to help one another learn and improve. So whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your repertoire, this is an excellent place to come train. read more

I have been training here since the beginning of the year and I cannot say enough about this school. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and excellent teachers. They approach this brutal martial art with intelligence and respect. They always work to ensure that students understand the techniques at a fundamental level and work to correct any missteps. My fellow classmates are equally as attentive and respectful. Silat, like any martial art, is incredibly physical and there are always risks of injury, but everyone trains safety and mindfully which makes for an excellent space to learn. Don't just take my word for it. They offer 2 free classes to see what it's all about. I knew I was in after my first free class. Check them out if you want to learn a unique and useful martial art from some of the best in the area. read more

Always been interested in martial arts and wanting to learn self defense. Started training her about a year ago before Covid-and sadly because of the pandemic and work I haven't been able to continue training as often/as much as I want but I am hoping to be back full time again soon. Great environment. Safe. Respectable. Things are broken down. You are given time to practice what is being demonstrated and the students are very friendly and patient as others have said. read more

I have been going to Combative Academy Jeet Kune Do classes for 1 year now and have really enjoyed the experience. Sifu Raffi and the other instructors are very knowledgeable and kind. The other students are supportive and friendly. I have grown so much in my athletic skills and feel much more equipped to defend myself if necessary. read more

I've been training at the academy since 2014. I know a great school when I see one. The academy teaches no nonsense effective and devastating martial arts. You will learn the most effective forms of martial arts from all over the world including Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do, Kuno Silat, Filipino martial arts, Muay Thai, Japanese arts and grappling (self defense). Sifu/Sensei Raffi is one of the most knowledgeable instructors I know. He is also a great friend. Please check out our studio. You will not be disappointed. "Train Hard" -Robert read more

This is one of the best martial arts programs I have ever been a part of. No belts, no tournaments, just 100% street fighting skills.

Sifu Raffi is a great teacher explains very things well. He is extremely knowledgeable and puts a lot of time and love into his craft. This studio is all about practical self-defense for the streets, which I like. I've known Sifu Raffi for years before he even started his own school and I have always liked him as a teacher. He is a true student of the craft. He has Kuno Martial Arts Silat Instructor, "Guru Dan Huybrechts" who trained under "Pendekar Paul De Thouarsr" teaching the class. Pendekar was one of the key leaders of Silat. He also has Master Kirk who studied under Grandmaster Leo Giron teaching classes. There's so much rich history, expertise, and knowledge at this school. I would say definitely give the school a visit if you're a newcomer or experienced material artist looking for a school that really cares about its craft and students. read more

If you have practiced Silat and can't seem to make it work? If you practice JKD and feel you are missing a piece of the puzzle? If you practice Kali and can't decide on a lineage to follow? You need Combatives and Sifu Raffi's experience and wealth of knowledge in the many facets of Martial Arts. You not only get the knowledge, but the reps to make it a part of your being. Your confidence and mental attitude will positively change in a matter of 2 months of training. For the best, well rounded martial arts training in several diciplines....Combatives is the place to train. See you there. Lito read more

I had wanted to learn Silat for years, and was lucky enough to find this place. Raffi has been patient and is always more happy to show you the knowledge he has. It's an inviting environment and has been a joy to come and train even when I was unmotivated to come. Even If you're not looking to learn how to fight it's a good place to get a workout in while also improving bodily mechanics, I lost 40-50 pounds just coming here. read more

Martial Arts has been my passion for over 40+ years. I have been training with Raffi for the last 8 months, I am impressed with the valuable information that is shared and how it is taught. Raffi and his associate instructors are great people and instructors, the process and curriculum makes sense. The combination of the various arts that is being taught will definitely enhance your combative skills and knowledge and make you more well rounded. Come join us, 1 stop shopping and get a good workout plus valuable combative skills. The people are great too! read more

Great martial arts studio with a unique mixture of highly effective forms for practical self defense. Aside from being extremely knowledgeable, Raffi and his staff are friendly and work hard to help you improve. If you want to learn very effective martial arts quickly and safely, I strongly recommend this place. read more

Combatives Academy is a great place to learn the traditional arts of Silat, Escrima, and JKD. Raffi is a great patient teacher. Everyone is very friendly and willing to help new students. read more

I love this school! The instructor Raffi is extremely knowledgeable, and he and all the senior students are warm and friendly. They go out of their way to help less experienced students. Everyone trains hard but there's no ego or competitiveness or aggressiveness. It's such a great environment and I always look forward to class. They teach several different styles including Silat and Jeet Kune Do. I've studied a few different marital arts before including Krav Maga and Tae Kwon Do, but I really loved the art of Silat taught here. It seems really effective, with a lot of the techniques relying on angles and positioning, and not brute force. I love the sneaky throws and sweeps and takedowns. The Jeet Kune Do taught here was really great too. With all the styles they teach here, it would cover all different ranges of fighting, armed and unarmed. I would definitely recommend checking out the school. At least stop by for one class or at least to observe. read more

Fantastic studio/dojo. Classic and real martial arts with legit endorsements of grand masters in FMA, JKD and MMA. Actual lineage where most schools fake the funk. Try a class. You won't be sorry. read more

I've been training here for almost a year and it's helped me a lot mentally and physically. Rafi is very kind and a great teacher. When I first started classes I usually couldn't even get through a class without feeling sick, but now I go to 3-4 classes a week. The people who work and train here are all great and kind people who help each other out read more

This is a great place to train in MMA! I have been attending regular classes for about six months now. The main instructor knows his stuff; he will teach us basic concepts, and then show/explain how they link together. (We're still beginners, mind you.) The assistant instructors are good at helping out- they bring pointers and help us learn. Everyone takes personal interest in our development and encourages us to grow and learn! A nice community of good people that want everyone to become skilled fighters. read more

A welcoming and non-intimidating class. The instructors and students are all supportive and work together to make sure each lesson is followed correctly and safely. Each new move or strike is presented with a live demonstration, so the students have a clear understanding of the mechanics of the move. Like other reviews have said, there is no ego here. It's a hell of a workout and a solid investment if you're looking for adding fitness to your life and healthy dose of self discipline. read more

I've learned so much since becoming a student here. It's a very supportive and kind environment. The classes focus on traditional methods as well as real world application and self defense. I'm very thankful to have found out about Combatives Academy and to be part of this community! read more

A very positive place to learn and grow from wherever you are in your martial arts journey. You will walk out learning something you didn't know before, with the principles behind why it works. read more

Very good bunch of guys at this dojo. I like it because there's no attitude and the knowledge of the Guru's are fantastic. They teach Dutch Indonesian Pentjak Silat, Bahala Na Escrima and Jeet Kune Do. Everything they teach is based off of workability in real world scenarios. The academy is geared toward self defense. They're not a sport type of martial arts and definitely not a "McDojo". I'd say if you're looking for a new dojo or a first time martial artist be sure to swing by here and check it out. read more

I walked into this school after already studying Silat, Escrima, JKD, Hapkido, boxing and such. I knew what to expect in the arts taught but knew nothing about the culture within the school. I've trained at schools where the culture among the students and the teacher isnt great. I can honestly say it was a very welcoming place from the first moment I entered. I am glad I finally went that first time. For months I would check out their website and intended to go but would always put it off for one reason or another. Besides the welcoming culture, the arts are taught with details I have never gotten at any of the school that I have studied these same arts at Sifu Raffi is very well informed on the arts taught here. It's not common to be extremely knowledgeable in the arts and also have the patience for teaching anyone at their pace rather than at the teachers pace. I have no regrets about training here. I only regret putting it off for so long. If you're thinking about coming by just come by for a quick look and the decide. read more

Excellent and detailed instruction. Great people and an awesome learning environment.

Great place to learn self-defense. I wish I had found this place a few years ago. The training you will receive from Sifu Raffi is top notch and the members are all polite and friendly. You won't find a better place to train. read more

The curriculum here is both the culmination and continuing evolution of Raffi's martial arts experience. We cut through the clutter and get to the core of self-defense and combative training. While that may sound intimidating, Raffi's understanding of these arts makes him a very effective teacher. You will learn to do something on your first day. Of course, it won't be perfect without putting your reps in, but you'll get a lot of those here, too. The blend of arts here can make you a formidable foe in any violent confrontation, covering empty hand and weapons-based systems. Our training is not for sport, but the techniques can be effective in that setting. And though our focus is not fitness, you will get fit-both physically and mentally-when you train here. Great teacher, friendly students, and an awesome learning environment. If you're at all interested in learning martial arts, I highly recommend checking us out. read more

I've been training at combatives academy for the past 8 months and have found it to be one of the friendliest, inclusive, educational, and yet structured environments I have experienced. I have a background in Filipino martial arts, boxing, and kickboxing and Sifu raffis way of teaching and demonstrating has surpassed all my expectations. He is easily one of the most well rounded instructors and really takes the time to cater to each student. This is a place that will expand your understanding of the various arts and really show You their individual potentials. With other schools you may feel like you are only getting certain aspects of the arts...here, there is no question you are being exposed to everything the arts have to offer. Come in, say hi, and train hard! read more

The Combatives Academy is a truly exceptional place to learn martial arts. These 3 systems: Kuno Silat, Bahala Na Eskrima and Jeet Kune Do blend and balance each other beautifully to create a unique weapons & empty hand Close-Quartes-Combat system. Guro Raffi is an excellent, patient and caring instructor that helps you to grow as a warrior-martial artist always getting into the intricate details of each combat system. I've trained in different fighting styles throughout the years, Chinese Kenpo, Wushu, Kajukenbo, Doce Pares Eskrima...but I always wanted to learn Pentcak Silat and was fortunate enough to find the Combatives Academy open again at the end of the pandemic lockdown. Silat is incredibly efficient and brutally effective martial art, with sweeps, locks and strikes that are very precise and complex. JKD will teach to you see the amazing possibilities between learning Boxing, Wing Chun trapping skills, Muay Thai kicks and ground fighting, while Bahala Na Eskrima you learn about stick, knife and machete (Short sword) and empty hand fighting. In todays world, where violent people roam everywhere, and violence can strike at any given moment, we should be ready to defend ourselves and our loved ones. Besides the wonderful instructors, the excellent workout you'll get, the amazing comradeship and brotherhood you'll develop, you'll serious and effective learn reality-based self-defense skills. If that is what you are looking for then look no further, and join us at the Combatives Academy! read more

Authentic instruction and always a positive energy when training at this facility. Definitely one of the hidden gems of martial arts schools. read more

Raffi and the guys at Combatives Academy are super knowledgeable and they train you in a way that's easy to understand and apply in a real life situation. From the first class on, you'll experience a stronger sense of self and confidence. If you're looking to train in the combative art of self defense, then I highly recommend checking them out! read more

Combatives Academy is an excellent place to learn Martial Arts. The academy has a strong focus on AUTHENTIC Indonesian Silat program, along with an EXCELLENT Escrima program (which provides one with proper usage is weapon training and knife defense), and a Jeet Kune Do (JKD) curriculum (a system which descends from the late-great Bruce Lee himself) that you can't beat! Since joining the program, Guru Raffi and Guru Dan have been nothing less than supportive. They guide you every step of the way and ensure that you have a COMPREHENSIVE, INFORMATIVE and most of all SAFE training session. The skills taught in class are very easy to learn due to their simplicity but highly street effective and can be used for self defense by the everyday bystander. I highly suggest Combatives Academy because it is an AUTHENTIC, WELL-STRUCTURED, and People friendly program. You cant't beat the prices you pay here for such quality training and most of all, it is FUN! read more