As a retired law enforcement officer with over thirty years of experience I recommend REACT Defense Systems for new hires and in service personnel looking for an edge in handling high stress street encounters. I have been training in this system for over fifteen years. The members are professional and competent to train with. The skilled instructors are encouraging and want you to succeed. This system will develop you mentally and physically in handling the stress of the public safety profession both on and off duty. read more

This is a family run business, Mom, Dad & Children, other employee's are like family. I was there for ~3 years, I felt like family too, the work ethic, the camaraderie all excellent. The Krav is not for everyone,it is hard corps Israeli self defense for men an women, not only how to break free, but how best to badly hurt yous attacker. The cardio classes are truly OUTSTANDING, highly highly recommend to get in shape and burn calories. FIght classes - Good classes for basic (mu-ah Thai, boxing, wrestling) some light (very light) sparring Would have been 5 stars, except I didn't like contract. These are GREAT people, fantastic trainers. read more

I signed up here a few years ago when they were still on 32nd street and Greenway. It looks like their "practice" hasn't changed much. At first I was excited to learn a new art (I have over 15 years of martial arts experience). But then after a few weeks realized that it's just a money making scheme where they trickle in a few moves to make you think you are effective in a fight. They had the advanced class next to the beginners (my class) at the time, and just watching the advanced students practice made me realize I could seriously injure 90% of their students in a real fight as a beginner. Well, when I tried to get out of the contract I realized that I was locked in and was on the hook for the $1200 annual contract. Let me tell you that anyone that forces their students to stay locked In a contract is in it for the money not for trying to make people better. Long story short I made up some fake documents to pretend that I had moved to a different state and was able to cancel the contract after jumping through some hoops. Thank god. I'd never step in their gym again. If you find a true KM school, don't hesitate as it is truly an effective fighting style. read more

Loved the training here, the instructors are wonderful (my personal favorite was Laura, she was very motivating). I learned so much from them and felt really good about my workouts and health. The reason I'm only giving this place 3 stars instead of 5 is because the customer service was HORRIBLE! First of all my first "trial" class costed me $20 (joys exact words) yet after I signed up everyone else seemed to have a free first class, got the feeling I was ripped off (of course didn't realize it till I was locked into my contract). When I joined I was told for anyone you bring in that signs up for a term they would discount your rate at the time of renewal. Well as it turns out that wasn't true, when I asked about this (my friend had signed up for a year per my recommendation) they said that I was at a rate they couldn't discount....funny because I remember confirming more than once I would get a discount. Also my friend that signed up wanted out of her contract a couple months early, and wanted to see if she could work out an arrangement or see what her options were. she called several times with no return call from joy. It was like pulling teeth. I was surprised after spending all that money for a year that when your contract ends they literally do nothing....wouldn't you think that people who are part of this would be the best ones to market? Nope apparently a phone call or email about renewing a contract or finding out how the experience was wasn't even considered. Again the instructors here are wonderful and they really taught me so much. If this place would learn from their unhappy customers and change their customer service they would be getting 5 stars across the board. read more

Love this place! I've trained in all locations! Instructors are professional and knowledgeable. Great for all levels of training. I'm always sad when class is over. Highly recommend! read more

OK, so I am on month 2 of my 1 year subscription (almost done with second month)... I live/work 40 minutes from the closest facility, but it is well worth the drive. My main goal was to get in shape doing something that wasn't boring and that could be used in critical situations. I looked at Kenpo because I had done that when I was young but I hated the Katas and frankly there are a ton of out of shape people in that system. So, I gave REACT a $20 try and I was hooked. That first class was tough and seemed like forever but I am already getting into the other classes and doing 2 in a row. The staff are awesome. They are all very friendly and make me feel welcome there each and every day. They don't have any weird authoritarian hang-ups like many "Sensei" types seem to. They are just real people trying to teach you skills that might come in handy. Now, to be clear, I have only been to the Chandler facility so I am only really commenting on those instructors. The system includes all kinds of conditioning classes, because you will lose the fight your body isn't prepared for... trust me just try hitting something for a minute with all your might repeatedly and you will appreciate that you need to be in shape if an encounter occurs. The only classes you can't take with your beginner subscription is the Tactical Brown/Black ones, and that makes sense too. If you just watch those classes, they are basically fighting each other the whole time, so why would a newbie with no skills be thrown to the wolves? That would be bad for both the newbie AND the "wolves". As far as it costing more, I can see why on that too.. economies of scale folks. There are less people in those classes but the same amount or more of instructor time goes into them. Simple economics. As far as the $120 or $160 goes, that is another thing where people should do the simple math... # of students required to offset instructor wages, rent, equipment, utilities, other overhead, plus small profit... with the knowledge that you can only instruct so many people at one time effectively. Let's use our brains here a little before complaining about prices. (I consider them very reasonable and obviously the market agrees.) Anyway, since joining, I can feel my IT Project Manager fat melting away and muscle replacing it. I feel good about myself like I haven't in a long time and as such, I highly recommend this system... even if it is 40 minutes away. If you think I am associated with the place, come on in take a trial and then afterward ask for me. I will gladly show you (after class of course) that I am nothing more than a student there and am not being coerced in ANY way to write this review. read more

I have been training for a very long time at React Defense Systems. The training is the BEST IN THE VALLEY! Practical self defense, intense fitness classes, and top notch tactical training! Every single instructor is helpful and extremely knowledgeable. If you have not had the pleasure of training there, go see them! read more

Ive been a student for over three years now and it saddens me to read these untrue negative reviews. I know for a fact that this family is more than fair and always goes above and beyond to be helpful. Since this is a family owned and operated business (which was very unique and comforting to me), they made me feel welcome from the start. The training that I have received here has been crucial to my line of work. This training saves lives and there is nobody on this planet that does it better than the Ackermans and their instructors. The level of knowledge, training and effort put forth on the mat each time I come to class is something I am truly thankful for. So for anyone looking to get the most realistic reality based street self defense training from some of the greatest people Ive ever met, this is the place for you. They offer such a wide variety of classes that accommodate most schedules and all the students i have trained with have all been helpful and encouraging. FIVE STARS ALL THE WAY. read more