This is a great place to learn how to defend yourself! They teach you how to use your instinct as your defense in many situations. It's wonderful to come in everyday and have a sense of community while training. Plus the family who owns and teaches here are the nicest people! Highly recommend! read more

This is the best training I've ever had !!! the instructors are experts in self defense , weather if it is gun , knife or whatever weapon they show you the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones with this training!!! I recommend it to everyone!! thank you for what you teach and show us everyday sincerely john p read more

This place is a creepy mix of a cult like atmosphere and a Bernie Madoff sales job. Be warned! In addition to ridiculous fees, you have to buy their cult clothes to assimilate you. They FREAKED out when I tried to take a picture, claiming people steal their training techniques. What a joke for push ups and punching bags. The woman at the counter looks like she is being held against her will. Strange vibe all around. read more

This is really a great organization and one heck of a workout! I've trained in a few different gyms and organizations throughout my career and this is most certainly one of the best I've had the pleasure of being a part of. The staff and members are very welcoming and will make you feel right at home. If you have been hesitating because of any level of nervousness, fear, intimidation, etc.. put that aside and come on in for a class. There really is no better way to work out and learn a skill of self defense. You never know when you may need it for yourself or a loved one. read more

I brought my daughter (13years old) to React Defense Systems to learn self defense and gain confidence. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, and as a family owned business takes pride in knowing all members. They made her and myself feel very comfortable with the training environment. She took a rape prevention course recently as well which was something I can not say enough about. It is an uncomfortable topic but my daughter has a better understanding of what to do in this situation if if ever occurs. The heavy bag and workout classes are excellent as well for cardio and strength. I look forward to continuing the training. read more

Fantastic place to learn Krav Maga and workout. My two sons have been going to React Defense Systems, RDS, for years and they finally convinced me to go. I love it and it's too bad I didn't go earlier! The instructors and facility are top notch. As a beginner, the instructors made me feel welcome and motivated even though my skills were untrained. After two weeks, I can feel, see, and hear the difference. I love smacking the bag with sweaty fists and feet and seeing the sweat fly. If you are looking for intense conditioning, then RDS is the place. If you are looking for life saving skills, then RDS is still the place. Learn a great life skill, become fitter, and have fun. I agree with AZ Central: RDS is the best boxing/martial art facility in Arizona. In closing, I'd recommend RDS to anyone and I apologize to everyone for not being creative enough to think of something funny or flippant. Oh did I mention this is one of the few places in the world where parents and their kids can legally beat on each other and enjoy it?! When was the last time your son hit you? ;-) read more

REACT Defense Systems - Phoenix - Front door to a great workout! - Martial Arts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

See all

By far the best system I've ever trained! No ego here! Just friendly grounded instructors committed to giving you the tools you need to survive in ever increasingly crazy world! There fitness classes and defense classes weave together to give you the total package of fitness, confidence and training! I wish I would have joined sooner! For those who say this place is expensive. Its really to cheap for what I've gotten out of it! Remember folks you get what you pay for! And you get out what you put in! Aside from that they are actually quite competitive in price for martial arts gyms. And they don't teach you how to look cool in a uniform here! They teach you how to survive if you are ever in that situation where its you or them. I love this place and can't speak highly enough about the folks who have dedicated there lives to teaching this valuable skill set. read more

I've grown up practicing several martial arts disciplines. After a 20+ year hiatus, my confidence had begun to wane. After countless hours of researching disciplines to restart my training, I found nothing completely excited me. I thought MMA, JKD......and then I found REACT Defense Systems. After speaking with one of the head instructors, I decided to observe a class. It took about 15mins for me to decide to sign up. We discussed the fees and I weighed the pros and cons of the month to month (M2M) vs the 12mo commitment. At no point did I not understand that a 12mo commitment with a lower cost was just that, a 12mo commitment; the M2M would provide flexibility, but at a higher price. Pretty simple concept. I chose the 12mo and began participating one hour a day five days a week. Then increased to 2-3hrs per day five days a week, taking advantage of the self-defense, bag and fight basics (sparring) classes. I was gently coerced into getting out of my comfort zone and into adding the core/strength fitness to my regimen. My participation frequency really lowered the average cost per class! With all of the training opportunities, I noticed my stamina and power quickly increased. My confidence was back! This is a very aggressive form of self-defense, but yet the instructors and students are all very welcoming and I've noticed no egos. You don't feel intimidated here. On my first day, I worked with an advanced Tactical Black student and he was awesome (thanks Eddie). He encouraged me, which helped me get through the first class because after 15 mins, I was dripping with sweat and EXHAUSTED. Students are asked to wear the REACT T-shirts when participating in the self-defense and (later) the tactical brown/black classes. So? I mean seriously, respect the system. It's a shirt. Buy one or two and wash it. I own 10 and they are a part of my casual wardrobe. Other disciplines require you to wear a Gi, Hakama, gloves, pads etc. I've gained a great deal of skill as far as self-defense and hand to hand combat are concerned, but another important component is de-escalating a situation before it gets physical. I took advantage of this training through a seminar. The seminars are meant to enhance your training and are not a requirement to move through the system; they don't have to be, you'll want to take advantage of them: rape prevention, home invasion, active shooter, de-escalation and verbal skills, critical decision making, fight analysis and airplane seminar. There is a lot to do at REACT. I've been training with REACT since Nov 2015 and can talk about my experience all day. Come in and see for yourself. That's the best way to do it. read more

Excellent team, trained here for 8 years now. REACT builds confidence in their students, and what they teach is unlike anything I've learned at other gyms. I've learned how defend myself, successfully avoid confrontations with aggressors, and walk in peace. In 2012, REACT was the only Krav Maga gym in Phoenix. After my first class I was so impressed I decided I was with them for life. Their programs are certified, and I know they'll be around for years to come. Their sparring and fight program is unmatched. Kickboxing classes are the best, and keep me honest about what I eat. I've maintained my current weight for 8 years, and managed to build lean muscle. Thanks to everyone at REACT. read more

I can't say enough good about REACT Defense Systems! I have never learned so much! The Tactical Black system is the best around and the instructors are top notch! You will learn how to defend yourself against real world situations, and not be a victim! I highly recommend trying at least one class. You can't go wrong when it comes to learning how to defend yourself in a life or death situation! read more

REACT Defense is a life altering experience. Go and experience it. What started out as an alternative way to get more exercise has become my passion. I have been able to achieve my goals for weight loss, increased strength, body composition, confidence, and personal drive to keep pushing it! This training is world class. I would rather hit on pads to de-stress than old vices. REACT has become my weekly escape. It's a welcoming haven to let loose and get relief from our everyday challenges. I'm a better mom, wife, and overall person after classes. I've gone to class with a packed schedule. I've gone tired, stressed, angry, sad, and sore. These schools are organized, family oriented, and designed for anyone, any age, any fitness level. The trainers are extremely knowledgeable about their craft, approachable, and genuinely care about the well-being and safety of us all. Training in Tactical Black at REACT Defense is the greatest gift you can give yourself, or anyone you care about. You learn the skills needed to walk in peace throughout life in an unpredictable world. Just go. You won't regret it. read more

Great instructors, poor ownership. This gym operates off contracts (the shortest being 1 year), with essentially no exit clauses. The writing of the contract is small and nearly illegible. I incurred an injury and provided medical documentation for that injury, yet was still denied the ability to cancel the contract and therefore responsible to pay them for a service I was no longer using. The response I received was "I can't cancel a 36 month contract". To their credit, they gave me 4 months off, but it was only after I reminded them that I supported them for 2 months when they were closed during COVID. Unfortunately, this gym is profit focused and not people focused. I highly advise going elsewhere, as throughout the course of your contract, your life circumstances will inevitably change; however, that does not matter to them as it is all about money and you will still be held responsible for payments. FIND A GYM THAT HAS MONTH TO MONTH PAYMENTS, you will be much happier. read more

Empowering, engaging, inspiring, valuable, and fun cannot even begin to describe what REACT Defense Systems in Phoenix provides. I am a 57 year-old female and am in my 15th year with this training. If you seek world class training to be able to protect yourself and loved ones, you won't find anything better. It's the choice of law enforcement and former military. It has been such a major part of my life - building my confidence and self-reliance, empowering me to take on whatever challenges life throws at me--its effects are far reaching beyond the idea of just self defense. You learn from professional, extremely encouraging and supportive instructors who not only know their subject matter, but know how to teach. It is a lot like having a personal trainer in a group environment. The owners have dedicated themselves to providing the most up-to-date, scenario-based training with easy-to-learn techniques for successfully protecting yourself which should be a priority in today's reality of so much senseless violence everywhere. They also provide lots of help/knowledge with wellness, fitness, and nutrition for a balanced life approach. Please do not be swayed by the handful of negative reviews that are from people who didn't appreciate the authenticity of the training (it's not necessarily what everyone wants to do--some people like ballroom dancing, softball, or pilates, etc. for their exercise), they couldn't afford it, or misunderstood what it is all about. Negative reviewers tend to be disgruntled about lots of aspects in their life. REACT would not have the almost 2,000 students training at their 3 locations if it were not the level of training I described. Bottom-line, if you are looking for superior personal defense skills and/or solid fitness conditioning for a better "you," check out REACT Defense Systems. read more

Couldn't have experience worse customer service. Any martial art or self-defense system should have humility and a focus on people and passion for learning & teaching at heart. Instead, after walking in hoping to continue to pick up where my previous training in grad-school left off, I was told that they weren't "interested" once they found out I am a strength & conditioning coach. I simply told the woman, that I am there to learn, not to coach & she then stated that they don't want people "stealing their methods" as if I was going to teach the baseball, football and high-school athletes I worked with Krav Maga at a performance training facility focused on speed, power and agility. Two more co-workers went in, including my girlfriend and it was the same song but different verse. Disappointed that there are "teachers" out there that are so self conscious that they think not opening their doors to everyone willing to learn will somehow preserve and grow their business. Side note* their pricing is also ridiculous. Locked in contracts that are clearly focused on money and forced retention. read more

So I've been going now for 2 months and figured I'd give a little bit of an update. The GOOD that I mentioned earliar is still all there...I am enjoying Krav very much and have recently started doing a bit of Bag and Core classes also. I am not a huge fan of Core classes as they remind me of Gym classes which are boring and dont keep me engaged. The bag class is really fun because you are punching and kicking the whole time. The Krav class is amazing...but I got to admit that going 2-3 times a week...I've started to learn everything they have to teach in this beginer class. What does this mean you ask? I'm glad you asked. This means I need to move into the more Advanced class like Fight or Tactical Black. Here is the issue with this.....it costs more money. Now I'm not a cheapskate by any means but since I'm already paying $120/mo for basic Krav....going to $160/mo is just a little brutal for what you get in return. I mean the only thing that $40/mo extra is paying for is the ability to move up a class....you have to buy the equipment yourself so its not like you are getting equipment they have to pay for or anything. Kinda sucks. Obviously this leads me to the BAD/UGLY I mentioned before. It very much a money driven orginization. I was cornered after about a month and told that I needed to sign up for a year if I wanted my 3 month membership to apply towards the year. I never knew I only had 1 month to decide...I thought I could play out the 3 months and then decide....but I guess I missed the fine print. The equipment you can buy there is also marked up big time, as I found the same equipment I bought for cheaper elsewhere. Anyway, overall I still rate this place 5/5 and am having a great time and met some really cool people here and still try to recruit my co-workers to join...I just wish FIGHT and Tactical Black was all part of the same package...I dont agree with charging more for taking a different class...bleh. read more

The staff is inviting to new members regardless of skill level and make you feel like you fit right in. More skilled / advanced members help beginners fit in as well. More than one advanced members have said to me "everyone starts somewhere."It is truly like a family. Great and caring teachers that engage students and a physical workout like no other. Every activity is geared toward teaching self defense. They are serious and drop you into the pit right away. I'm so pleased to have joined. I have trained now for 13 months and am more excited to attend classes, to learn new techniques, improve or attempt to perfect techniques and push myself to my physical capacity with the guidance of incredible instructors and great training partners. It's a safe bet to say that every student feels as I do. The Ackerman family make this a special place. The physical training programs transform the health of its members. It's the most thorough fitness regiment that I've experienced in my life. read more

The instructors here are top notch. The workout is great and provides the HIIT that is beneficial to the heart, blood flow, calorie burn and brain. If you are not in great shape to start, they will coach you through you physical fitness journey. Your confidence in yourself and your ability to handle difficult situations with that confidence will improve. This is a safe place for law enforcement to train and many of the participants are first responders. The seminars are creative, realistic and test the training the student has learned. This is a family owned business operated by a great family. read more

Been going to the Glendale location for over 5 years. Tony is a great instructor. They have many different types of class to fit all needs. If you want to get in shape, build stamina, hit the bag or learn street defenses they have if all. Their instructors walk around and give you one on one teaching. Students are of all ages and fitness levels. They will teach you lots, make you feel at home, exercise you hard, and make you ready to survive out in the streets. read more

If you want the best training in the Valley, then this is the place! It has everything for beginners to expert! It doesn't matter what your looking for, self- defense (that actually works) or you want to just get in the best shape of your life. REACT has it all. You can do a little, with a class or two a week or you can do as many classes as you want in a day all week! I have had nothing but the BEST of instruction and camaraderie the with Owners, Instructors and fellow members. I dont know some of reviewer's situations were with contract issues. It is explained very clearly as to what your are signinng up for. I mean it is a business! Again everyone is entitled to their opinion. I typically dont write reviews. But please dont let others sway you! Come and check it out for yourself. If your serious about your goals or your just curious who is a better judge of what you're looking for other than you! REACT has changed my life for the better! I'll continue to attend as long as I can! Love this place!! read more

Two years ago I searched for a self defense training facility which would complement my fitness training. I looked at a couple of boxing gyms, jujitsu, and other martial arts. No place captured my interest like React Defense systems. The training started off with situational attacks by taking the defender's basic instincts and using it to eliminate the immediate threat. Being a physician in critical care, I've seen the devastating endpoints of so many situational attacks. I also have no appreciation for cookbook approaches to self-defense which are taught in a one size fits all routine. Instead Jay Ackerman and his outstanding group of expert instructors put the science of self defense and mixed martial arts into this training system to best represent reality. I found that my skills to defend myself on foot, on the ground, in enclosed spaces- whether they be dark or lit , improved exponentially. From the outset, React Defense instructors highlight that an important component of self-defense is fitness. The many variety of courses that React Defense offers all include fitness training and learning to fight even when physically exhausted. One of my good friends who I brought to React Defense continues to come back solely for the fitness and exercise training. The ALEET and Core courses will get you in tiptop shape in no time. The React Defense philosophy is simple. In order to learn to fight you have to fight. But it is presented to the trainee in a non-intimidating fashion. My sparring skills have completely catapulted and I have been able to adapt both my defensive and offensive movements depending upon the weight , size, and height of the attacker. But on top of all of this, I have also learned so much weapons defense training as well as what to do when encountering situations with an active shooter, a home invasion scenario, third party protection and most importantly how to verbally de-escalate intense situations. I have been able to implement that in my practice working in highly emotional situations like the intensive care unit and in different emergency departments. I enrolled my wife and my two daughters into React Defense. My girls have loved the training. Both of my daughters have attended the rape prevention seminars and have already been able to put some of these basic skills to practical use. My youngest daughter for example, reacted to help an inebriated and vulnerable college classmate escape a situation where she was being sexually assaulted. My entire family's situational awareness has made a paradigm shift for the better. React Defense systems is a gem in the Phoenix area. I would recommend it to anyone without any reservations. There might be better instruction somewhere else in the world but quite frankly I cannot imagine how it can be any better. I came to this place with the goal of improving my abilities to be able to single-handedly protect the most important thing in my life...my family. That objective completely failed. In its stead, we have all elevated our capacity to protect one another. I wouldn't trade that for anything! read more

It's kind of long, but if you're curious or hesitant about giving them a try... please read it! I have tried a couple of different self-defense classes but none of them felt right. Most of them were very technique oriented, focused on sport fighting or basically a cardio class with a bit of "self-defense" at the end. Not being well versed in the types of martial arts that are out there, I couldn't articulate exactly what I was looking for but when I heard someone describe the Tactical Black training, I knew React Defense Systems was exactly what I had been looking for; real world, real life applicable self-defense. Having a bit of social anxiety, I usually don't try new things without a friend going with me. I decided I HAD to give React Defense a try and I went all by myself. Joy and Jenna were super welcoming and definitely put me at ease. During my first class when Josh said "OK, partner up!" this is where my anxiety kicked in to high gear. Someone quickly offered to be my partner and the part that I was most worried about was no longer an issue. I go to the Glendale location 1-2x a week and Phoenix 2-4x a week depending on my work schedule. I used to not care about having days off and would try to pick up as many shifts as possible because both, I love my job and I didn't really do anything on my days off. Now, I schedule plans and extra shifts around when I can make it to class that week. All of the instructors are so easy to talk to and explain everything so well. No one looks down their nose at you for being a beginner. No one makes you feel dumb for asking questions or not understanding something right away. Even at times when the classes are large, they make sure everyone gets the attention they need. Crawl, walk, run. It's real. They teach you everything you need to know before moving on to the next step in any technique. If you're afraid to give it a try because you don't have any experience, or maybe you think you need to be in better shape first - don't be! They really do give you all the tools you need in order to be successful. It's well worth the money and it's well worth the drive (I drive about 35 miles one way, up to 5 times a week). It really is training that could save your LIFE! My only regret is not joining sooner. read more

React Defense Systems teaches Tactical Black, a street-fighting self-defense martial art. You can't get this training anywhere else. I have a third-degree black belt in tae kwon do and some years of hapkido training (both here and in Virginia), so I know what I'm talking about when I say that React Defense Systems training is the real deal. They have stress drills and adrenaline training, so you can test your skills under pressure. This is important because you and your body behave differently under stress. Over a third of my fellow students are police officers, active military, and other first responders. At React Defense Systems, they teach us how to defend ourselves even on the ground. They have a two-story structure in the back of the training center that they can turn into a house, an airplane, a bar, anything they want. But it's not a boot camp. The instructors want you to succeed. When I started, I was afraid I would be surrounded by eighteen- or twenty-year-old ninjas. I was in my forties. But people of all ages practice there. I just passed my black belt test and I am middle-aged, and I wasn't nearly the oldest person in the room. After training with React Defense System, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish! I also have my sixteen-year-old training with React Defense Systems. React Defense Systems teaches how to defend yourself in an active shooter situation. Right after Parkland, my son said, "Mom, during our lockdown drills, they have us hiding in the corner of the room. I said to the teacher, 'But the door is right in front of us'!" If your teen trains with React Defense Systems, they won't have to hide and wait for their executioner. As a bonus, React Defense Systems has fitness and strength classes to help equip you for self-defense. I have never been in better shape and never had more muscle tone. My fellow students are delightful and it's a great atmosphere. Who'd have thought you could learn how to defend yourself in an increasingly dangerous world and have fun, both at the same time! The bad reviews on Yelp are all about how this training center has you sign a contract with them because you, you know, have to pay to practice there; the people who complain are shocked that they can't break their contracts. When you sign a one-year contract, they give you a break on the fee. The owners honor their end of the contract---and then some. When I started, I thought I was training in a place with two training rooms and a "cage area." But they added their two-story structure in the back, with stairs, and we learn close-quarter fighting in the back. They've done more than honor their end of the contract. I've never seen any business owner put so much of themselves into their work. Other people complain that you have to practice while wearing React Defense Systems shirts. Shirts. They are complaining about shirts (which are cool-looking, by the way). When I practiced tae kwon do, we had to wear a dobok and a belt, and padding and a helmet for sparring. If you practice any sport, you have to buy the equipment. If you knit, you have to buy yarn. Why is this shocking? You will learn valuable, life-saving skills; get in better shape than you've ever been in; and have more fun than you've ever thought possible. And, as a mother, I'm so relieved that there is a place where my teenager can go and get the right training, too. read more

Perfect place to learn how to protect your family or your self . Amazing instructors . Family business .

I don't recommend this facility and here's why...Upon speaking with Joy behind the counter when asked direct questions about technique and fight skills, all I got were bragging responses about how many famous people have come through their facility. This time I did not judge the book by it's cover, which I then decided to try out a 1 hour class. I had to leave early due to loud yelling females that were so unbalanced they would really get hurt in a street fight. So if you like a colorful environment, if you like jumping up and down to music or if you like hearing about Rambo fight stories from Joy then this is the place for you. Going back to my Wing Chun wooden dummy. read more

I am 44, and for years I have been attending a gym brainlessly, running on tread mills, rotating on weight machines and gaining little physically and mentally. After starting with REACT my life changed instantly. After each hour of training I walk out of the gym with incredible knowledge, workouts that are effective, efficient and putting me into the best shape of my life. The best part is walking out of there having fired neurons in my brain. Gaining valuable knowledge and using your brain while working out is incredibly rewarding. After months of research I pulled the trigger on REACT KRAV MAGA. All aspects of the training prove useful and valuable. What really sold me were the you tube or website videos from REACT. The instructors provide an incredibly competent and non intimidating environment. Even with a room with many people you will still feel like you get the individual attention needed to succeed. They assure you progress in every session. The family run operation truly cares about each and every student. read more

The best instructors in the country for self-defense, fight and fitness. I have been training at React Defense for 15 years and consider myself lucky to have benefited from this unparalleled fighting system. Tactical Black will change your life. read more

In mid August 2019 a friend of mine said he was going to try a Krav Maga class in north Phoenix, he asked me if I would come with. I have wanted to try Krav Maga since the early 90s. I never made it a priority and it was only my "maybe, someday list" which of course means probably never, at least for me. I finally went with to the class to it check out, I immediately enjoyed it and realized it is so much more than what I imagined it was. For me it's about my health, I've lost 15lbs and 3 inches in my waist. I have gained lean muscle mass via the core board classes, Aleet 24 Burn classes, fight basics classes and the beginner Blue classes. It's also about having the confidence to protect myself and my family. The instructor have a very cool way of training, they push me to be a better version of myself. I have pre-existing shoulder & back problems, they have ways to help me train to protect and strengthen my problem areas. I started out unable to do some of the exercises or complete the exercise classes and now I can do most every exercise they ask me to do. and I can do them correctly. The encouragement is incredible and so I want to attend instead of paying for a gym membership and not going because I have no one to be accountable to or to truly encourage me to be a better version of myself. This locally owned and operated business has me in the best physical shape in my life. Most people do not believe I am 55 years old. I wish to say thank you especially to Josh, Jenna, Jerry and Vincent you guys somehow know how far to push me without making me even consider quitting and how you have given me alternate exercises to help me continue moving forward in my training. Jay and Joy thank you so much for opening React Defense Systems in Phoenix and for your encouragement as well. One more big thank you to all my classmates, those of you further along in your training for your encouragement. As another review states the other trainees who are far more advanced are always encouraging with the statement of "everyone starts somewhere". Sorry for being so long winded but I really believe in this system and I would like to encourage anyone considering Krav Maga to come React to train. A free test drive is available to you, come give it a try. I did and I am very glad I did. read more

Exceptional training for all skill levels, this family owned business is as good as it gets.

I'm not going to draw this out because frankly I don't need to tell you my experience in detail. I will make this short and sweet. The mother of the family who runs this gym is EXTREMELY RUDE and treats customers terrible when they have a concern or disagreement. Also, it was very clear that even though they run a decent gym and classes, their main concern is $$$$$. I would not recommend this gym to anyone. Read the other bad reviews, notice the same complaints, especially with there membership rules. Take my advice, go somewhere better and read the other reviews that don't glorify this place. read more

I have been doing Martial Arts for years now and have had the pleasure to work with many great trainers. I have studied Tae Kwon Do, Chuan Fa Kenpo, Krav Maga, Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Aikido. In all my expreiences I have never been so offended and dissapointed with a school. I recentlly moved to AZ back in June and have been looking for a place to train. I visited REACT with one of my peers who was also very interested. Upon arrival we were impressed. The location is clean, great size class rooms, equipment well maintained. We were greeted by a young man who collected our personal information and gave us a tour. During the tour my friend mentioned that we were personal trainers. Instantly our tour was stopped an we were escorted to the door. First, Krav Maga is a very simplified and very affective system for self defense. It's not rocket science and doesn't take years to learn. REACT is not any different from any other school. Second, we weren't there as trainers we were there as potential clients. We do very well and don't need to fight with other trainers or studios for work. Third, any quality school or instructor teaches because the live an breath there discipline. They do it because it's there passion. They exchange that knowledge with others because they want to share. They care about their students like family. This school is obviously focused on the commercial side. The only thing they really care about is your money! I can't say anything about the quality of training because we were never even given the opportunity. read more

If I had known this place was here it would have been my first. Pros and cons; To many pros to list and one con sore muscles which could be a pro. read more

I can't help but update my review after taking a look back at the reviews here. There's a common theme through the negative reviews. It's people who want small businesses to do impossible things. Due to work commitments my time at React Defense has ended, which kind of bums me out. Though I don't have time to drive to attend classes anymore, I am still paying the remainder of my contract 1) because I said I was going to do it and 2) because that's how contract law works! So yes, if you're signing a contract with a small family business don't expect they'll let you out of it without paying them something. This isn't Walmart (thankfully). This is a give and take thing: you sign a contract and get a lower rate. The longer the contract, the lower the rate. That's basically the essence of what a contract is. Personally, I didn't even ask about terms for getting out of the contract; if I had asked I certainly wouldn't expect them to let me out of the contract scot-free like some people here. As I said in my previous review attendance is a personal and financial commitment. I'm sure there are some folks that have had difficult and unforeseen circumstances but for most people, at the end of the day, it really is about commitment. If you start a workout program and chump out because you don't feel like it anymore (which is the vibe I got from a lot of reviews) what does that say about your commitment and work ethic? Were these negative reviewers really interested in improving their fitness and self defense skills? If you're on the fence either do it or don't. But don't half ass your way into a contract you have no intention of honoring. You do both yourself and this business a disservice. I am hoping and working toward a place where I'll have the time to do things like attend React Defense again. Until then this place is still a solid 5 stars and we're lucky to have it in AZ. read more

Love , love, love my training and workouts here. The instructors are all very professional and at the top of their training game. I have learned how to protect myself and how NEVER to become a victim. They are all hands on when teaching and training,with an amazing amount of encouragement. They truly set you up for success. Also, I've lost 22 pounds since I started training with them 4 months ago, which I never thought would be possible! This will be my home away from home 2-3 times a week.... read more

Not worth the price. They will not let you break contract. You either have to move far away, break a bone or sustain permanent injury, or buy out your contract at 1/2 the price, which considering that it is like $1500 a year is still A LOT of money. I'm stuck paying for something that I don't have the money to do anymore... Only do this if you're seriously dedicated. read more

Very unscrupulous owners. They make you purchase work out clothes for their gym using lines "you need to buy your workout clothes here to support the gym". If you want out of a contract, you better drive off a cliff as they will not let you out unless you have a divine discharge. This place left a horrible business ethic feeling with me that still resonates. read more

I've been going to this place for a few weeks now. I don't have much to compare it to since I've never really gotten into any self defense-type things. I found myself nervous because of my lack of experience, but it was a great experience. I was tired of being intimidated by people who were bigger than me. I mostly wanted to take the classes to increase my self-confidence. Yet I was worried that the instructors would act like drill sergeants and actually strip me of my confidence. I was dead-wrong. It's filled with instructors who are so incredibly down-to-earth and patient. If you're having trouble learning a move, they'll bend over backwards to help you. And if you still don't get it down, they'll at least appreciate your efforts. They offer a free trial class, but I don't think it's a good representation of what the experience is like. You may find yourself exhausted. You may find that your head is spinning. But that's the point; it gets better with every class you attend. The workouts get easier, and you get more proficient at the fighting-related things. Don't find yourself discouraged, and keep going. With each class, the hour goes by so quickly. However, you will see results. After a week of doing it, I woke up and noticed my upper stomach was rock-hard. Not only are the staff nice, but the classrooms are filled with kind students. Every student is willing to work with you. It's very rewarding building relationships with your peers and the instructors. If you're a mean-spirited person, don't bother attending. You will stick out like a sore thumb. The classes are very diverse, too. I've seen classes with people ranging from 13 to 70 years old. The actual work is pretty tough, but you can work at your own pace. If you have any physical limitations, they will both accommodate you and train you. You will probably have your limits pushed, but if you need a break they're more than happy to give you one. I'd recommend this to anyone looking to protect themselves. If you don't know where to start, this is a great option. read more

A variety of great classes, high energy, knowledgeable instructors & multiple locations. If you get injured or sick they claim to pro-rate which is inaccurate. You pay full price as they have little control of their third party billing company who is relentless. It's worth the hefty tab if you go multiple times weekly, you will learn how to protect yourself, however use a cc in case of a dispute. read more

Great place to get in shape and learn self defense in a safe environment with talented experienced instructors! Would recommend this place highly! read more

Nine months ago after my 59th birthday I found my self-overweight at 220 pounds, and on three medications. I had high cholesterol, high bold pressure, and high blood sugar. My weekly routine and diet was no different than my friends -, work no exercise, and meeting my friends twice a week for dinner eating pizza and Mexican food. One Tuesday at our regular pizza night some of my friends started reminiscing about what good shape they were in back in the day. Everyone agreed that those days were behind us; alas we were all in our late fifties. The next week I went shopping for a new health insurance policy and discovered that by following my doctors orders and taking the medications I was now considered either a high risk or uninsurable. The system I trusted and followed was now slowly killing me. I knew all had to change, so I sat down at my computer and searched the Internet for a health and exercise solution, but what would I do? Lifting weights was out of the question, it was boring and it made my shoulders' hurt, I tried the Insanity work out video but after eight weeks I was bored silly. After viewing your website and noting that your location wasn't too far I decided to give REACT Defense a try. One week later I was hooked. The workouts were intense and the degree of difficulty was up to me. How much I improved depended upon how much effort I was willing to put out. One month later one of your instructors, Laura challenged me (as she still does to this day God Bless her) and asked why I wasn't also taking Tactical Black, and I started the next day. Thanks to you and your entire staff nine months later I now weigh 195 pounds. I am no longer on any medication, my blood sugar and cholesterol are low, my blood pressure is normal, and my resting heartbeat is 61 BPM. I now follow your diet recommendations which means I eat right I do not starve myself and I feel great. In nine months I have never done the same workout, your staff always keeps things fresh, your facilities are top notch and everything is kept safe. It shows how much Jay, Josh and all of your instructors truly care about our progress and believe in Krav Maga as the best defense system as I do. Unlike going to the gym, every time I get in my truck to come to class I get excited, and can't wait to start. read more

Awesome awesome place and the instructors are amazing! I love the confidence I feel walking out of class, like I am ready to take on the world! read more