Worst fitness class I've ever taken. Instructor lacks any charisma or personality. His warm up exercises are just plain bizarre. I never left feeling like I worked out. My time would've been better spent watching a movie at home- and that says something. Didn't learn much in the way of Krav Maga either. read more

James Sherman Krav Maga is such a gem. I had my first Kra Maga/ self-defense session today and it was awesome. The folks in the studio were very friendly, and James is an excellent instructor. He was really clear with instructions, and working individually with everyone in the group. I'm looking forward to trying out the other classes he offers! Also, great customer service-- I e-mailed James a couple questions, and he got back to me ASAP. read more

I've been taking Krav Maga and 90DX classes with James for a year now with my fiancé. Coming from a background of dance, when I am not taking a dance class as my source of working out I am usually at Zumba, yoga or Pilates. Never a gym unless I'm going randomly as someone's guest. So I am really happy that my fiancé introduced me to James. If those crazy looking machines at the gym intimidate you and you have no idea how to use free weights correctly, then look no further: James' 90DX classes are for you! His full body workouts are great, as is his progression and flow. I highly recommend James' Krav Maga classes for anyone that wants to get in shape and learn how to defend themselves. Being able to react in an instant makes all the difference, and that is what you learn in Krav Maga. His 90DX classes are intense and the real deal. Holy full body exercises Batman. His classes kick my butt! I always leave there drenched. You may think some his exercises don't make you feel the burn immediately, but rest assured you will most definitely feel the results the next day, the day after, and most likely the day after that! Then of course there are some exercises that my spaghetti arms can't handle - but I'm making progress!! On Monday evenings Krav Maga classes are hosted on the rooftop terrace! You get to enjoy a beautiful view while getting your butt kicked. Sweet deal. I can't wait for classes to start back up in Central Park! There is nothing like working out outdoors. read more

James is the man. I've been taking his classes for over a year now off-and-on with my fiancee. I'm going to try and bullet point this so it's easier to find what you're interested in, as I know some people join for different reasons. (Note: I actually had to use his training to defend myself in a situation a few months ago and I was extremely well prepared. My heart rate didn't even raise. Pretty much just like Rambo) First of all, onto his credentials: For Krav - He's one of about 6 people in the entire U.S. certified under IKMA in Israel. This guy knows defenses against everything like it's second nature. I'll bet he's practiced a defense 500 times against someone slapping you with a wet fish. I would hate to pick a fight with him. I know he also has hundreds of hours actually training IN Israel. For 90DX - James played D-1 College Football and trained with pros, as well as current NFL coaches. He's over 40, looks like he's about 28, and snowboards with professionals. He is an athlete and has been around athletes his whole life. Onto his classes, and what you should expect if you're joining: Personality - James is very laid-back. He's like the Dude from the Big Lebowski, only he can kick your ass. No frills. He's probably going to show up to class in a Volcom t-shirt and Osiris skating shoes. But don't take his laid-back demeanor for not being very professional and knowledgeable. Tempo - The class is what you make it. He does a good job of keeping the class flowing and attempting to teach people at various stages of development. If he sees you come often, and advancing, he'll put you with other people of your skill level and will give you stuff to work on. If you're there more for the 90DX, he can accomodate that as well. However, he's not an in-your-face type of trainer. There is (usually) no music, and he doesn't raise his voice or get overly excited. There are some people who prefer this type of trainer. IF THAT'S WHAT YOU PREFER, SAVE YOURSELF THE TROUBLE. Krav Maga in general - If you're new to KM in general, you should know how it differs from traditional martial arts. There are no forms or 'katas,' and there are no belts. There are correct ways to defend against specific attacks depending on a situation so you build muscle memory to react as quickly as possible. Once you learn something you do it 100, 500, 10,000 times until you can do it quickly, and without thinking. As you progress you may be learning the same technique but building on it and learning particular nuances. There is a lot of repetition. I hope to see you in class! read more

So I'm not sure if it was a scheduling error, something I missed, or something else, but I had scheduled two sessions this week (Tuesday/Thursday, 8/21 and 8/23) and both days James and the rest of the class was a no show. Like no one was there. I scheduled the course through his website like had been for the past several weeks, and Tuesday the girl at the desk of the gym said that he canceled it. This evening (8/23) when I showed up, she said that she hadn't heard from James and that if he doesn't show up, I was free to stay and at least get a workout in (which I did and I'm very thankful for her graciousness). I'm really disappointed that if there was a notification that there were some flaws and I didn't get any notice about any cancellation at all (no text, no e-mail, nothing). And I didn't really look around to see if others were coming in (since I was busy working out). I did e-mail James to see if I missed a notification and to see if I could get my two missed sessions back. We'll see what happens. read more

AWFUL. Don't do it. Scheduling classes is a nightmare and the customer service is miserable. I traveled an hour and half into the city only to find out there is a "glitch" in the system that allows you to register for classes that don't exist. I even got a confirmation email! Instead of apologizing James Sherman started yelling at me! (For a guy who teaches women's defense classes he has no problem being angry and aggressive towards a woman) I asked nicely for an extension in the Groupon so I could still get all my classes before it expired in a few weeks and he told me it was my own fault for not booking them months ago. (I had waited for my gym membership to expire before booking). In short he's RUDE, UNHELPFUL, OBNOXIOUS and TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL. Oh, and almost all his classes are during the workday, so if you have a full-time job forget about it. I am sad because I was really excited to learn krav maga, but not worth it to deal with this rude jerk. read more

I'm actually very surprised by the negative reviews. Are we talking about the same thing here? I have been to the class 5 times so far, and I feel it's the best workout I've ever had. I've been to other gyms before and have had personal trainers as well. What I love about this class is the fact that not only am I getting a great workout, but I am learning moves that will help me defend myself if ever necessary. As a female, that is very important to me. I took the class in central park today, and I loved it! We were on the rock by the pond, and talk about an amazing scenery to go with a great workout. The instructor (James) is not rude at all. I actually find him to very approachable. My mom takes the class as well and tells me all the time how much she likes the class and the instructor. I would strongly recommend taking these classes. read more

Having just finished a ten-class sequence with James Sherman, I had to come on here to say that I've thoroughly enjoyed the work and learned TONS. Now, I'm someone who's followed diverse fitness programs quite seriously over the years (Bikram yoga, pilates, kickboxing, weight training, etc.), in addition to pursuing contemporary dance. James Sherman's sessions are not traditional gym classes where the instructor does every rep with you and only asks you to follow. As another reviewer has written, you reap what you sow here. You have to summon your own determination to maximize the workout. When James says, "Go for thirty reps," you push for thirty; you don't drop out at fifteen just because everyone around you has or because James has begun to give instruction for the next exercise (I appreciate that he does this to maintain flow and keep everyone fully engaged). And as he's circulating around the room to correct form and encourages, "Keep practicing," you keep at it with concentration and force; you don't stop moving and stand around just because he's stopped watching you or because several people around you have dropped off. I feel much stronger in my upper body and core and comfortable in my joints, in particular the hips. I also feel more confident in my reaction times and ability to maneuver swiftly from side to side, front to back with coordinated movement in the arms and legs. I've learned invaluable skills in deflecting and wielding an aggressor's energy to my own advantage, blocking and hitting while avoiding the force of an aggressor's direct blows (not easy to do!), directing effective force at an aggressor's prime areas of vulnerability, and throwing hammer punches and more forceful elbow jabs. I've also learned techniques for dealing with a full range of situations. Looking forward to practicing more on my own! To be very honest, I can't imagine James as "rude," "obnoxious," or "unprofessional" as others have claimed. He's unassuming but confident in his technique, very patient, and clear in giving instruction. Also, I haven't had a problem with scheduling. Schedulicity is great, actually. And class times are plentiful: early-ish morning, late lunch, evening (6-7 and 7-8 p.m.), and weekend. If you're serious about learning self-defense and gaining strength, coordination, and speed, I highly recommend James Sherman's Krav Maga! Update on 8/7/2012: James has just moved his classes from VEBO Fitness to West End Sports Club. read more

James is a great instructor. I signed up for the Groupon 10 class package. It's a great deal. As someone who is not into group workouts...I really enjoyed my time and the people in my classes. You get what you put in...I leave every class sore. If you buy the groupon...be sure to book the classes early. Since I waited so late I'm only taking 8 classes....instead of 10. I don't feel like I'm missing out on two classes. As I stated earlier...I leave after every class sore. The one advice I will give is to arrive early. Don't be late...bring water, a towel if you sweat a lot and plan to get the best workout of your life. read more

James should pay me for that one star. Don't waste your time coming here. You're not getting fit or learning to defend yourself. His first location was at the Julian Walker Studio... which was decent. Now it's in the basement of some bootleg Krav Maga "University." The only time James would actually pay attention to you is if you got D cups or paid the full price (not the groupon). read more

I attended this classes for several months and plan on coming back for more. James is an amazing instructor. He is very passionate about what he is doing. He makes everyone feel welcomed regardless of physical shape or age. Never any hint of being condescending or even unpleasant behavior whatsoever. He manages to run different routines for several people simultaneously, it is like each participant has a very personal trainer, who adjusts exercises according to individual needs or abilities. James' customer service is fantastic-email or message him, he responds very promptly, friendly and to the point. I enjoy his classes very much and find them useful. If you put an effort you will get a nice result. I learned a lot and would definitely recommend taking this classes. read more

Wow!!! Just joined, Fantastic facilities and nice people. Owner, Ray, rocks....classes....best in town. They just snapped best trainers from the sold Gold gym.....it is the place to be or a very cheap price in Manhattan!! Hurry and join the place that will keep you is shape. heard they bring the best Zumba guy in town....Hans....can't wait! read more

Instructor is rude, insulting and unprofessional. Scheduling system is annoying. I agree with other posters that this is not worth it.

I have been learning krav maga from James Sherman for about 2 and a half years, and it is has always been an extremely fulfilling experience. I wanted to learn some kind of self-defense, and after a really thorough search, I found James Sherman. His attitude and approach are surprisingly calm for a hand-to-hand combat expert, but I think the combination of expansive knowledge and an accessible nature makes him a really great teacher. That's why I started taking fitness classes with him as well. No class is ever the same and the exercises are not like any I've ever done. The workouts never feel routine, and I think that's way better than workouts that are planned and predictable. He is a really focused person, and I appreciate when a teacher is genuinely interested in your progress and in your individual goals. I have learned so many ways to defend myself in a lot of different situations, and I know there's so much more for me to learn (even after 2.5 years). I don't understand at all the negative reviews, but all I can say, after years of working with James Sherman, is that the classes are awesome and the teacher is one of the best. read more

Ive been going to James for Krav Maga classes for over a year now. I dont know whats wrong with the people below who have given horrible reviews (most likely to human error on their part for scheduling or their "expertise" in web-site design is imagined) but James is awesome, hands down. I have been practicing martial arts since i was 6 years old and in many styles. Krav Maga is the best practical self defense I have ever utilized and James is a great and knowledgable instructor. I have never been disappointed in his class due to lack of enthusiasm on his or anyones part nor have I been let down in the quality of the techniques that he has taught me. Not only does james teach Krav maga, but he also teaches great fitness classes. Think the warm ups are boring? too bad! theyre good for your limbs and joints. youre not gonna want to pull something if you dont stretch. Think the exercises are stupid? NO! Theyre actually very complex movements that you need to work at to get the results you want (you lazy person you). Think the krav maga moves are too simple and too repetitive? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? The more you practice these basic moves the more prepared and deadly you will be to defend yourself from an attacker. This is no joke and the material taught in these classes arent either. If you want a great workout, great self defense classes, and a great/fun/friendly atmosphere, then come to these classes and you wont be disappointed. See you next class James -Michael P, Brooklyn NY read more

I bought a Groupon and didn't use all of my classes because I couldn't stand to go back for anymore monotony. I've taken Krav Maga classes at other places that result in a great work out and actual learning of technique by using partner work and pads. While James is a nice guy and the class was pleasantly small (it has to be, the space is tiny- but nice- at Julian Walker Studio), I didn't learn anything worthwhile. We did some warm-ups and basically kicked and punched the air in the mirror for an hour. I never broke a sweat. I went back 3 more times and we did the exact same thing in each class. We never learned anything different. I was furious after my last class for wasting my money and my workout time not learning how to actually defend myself against another human being (versus my reflection in the studio mirror) and not getting a decent workout. I politely approached James inquiring as to when during the week I should come so that I could perhaps get a more advanced workout. He replied that he carefully monitors each student so that they are practicing at their capacity. What a bunch of B.S. I don't care that I let 5 more classes go to waste, I never want to have to suffer through another hour of that again. read more