Krav Maga Experts - Upper West Side - New York, New York

A

All the staff I’ve met have been so patient, kind, and welcoming. Even after they had my money ?

Almost all of the fellow students (don’t know if that’s the right word) have been encouraging, patient, helpful, and friendly. Even though I’m a beginner, and even the ones who are clearly advanced.

Nobody has made me feel “less than” because I don’t look like them (including body type).

These things are so sadly rare in any kind of exercise or related activity. I’m so grateful that they’re ALL present at this place.

Shout out Tsahi, David, guy at front desk tonight with the doll eyelashes (that’s a compliment), and students (no idea of spellings) Ariel, Lisa, Quinn, Kristi, Jessica, for making me feel so welcome.

C B

Fixed teaching mindset. Petulant behavior.

I attended this school for almost a year before deciding to leave due to key red flags.
I honestly liked all of the instructors which is quite sad having to make the decision to leave.
1) In my first class with the owner, he told me after watching me try a move for 30 seconds, “if you can’t do this I can’t teach you”. This was marketed as beginner class.
What’s with the attitude? Any teacher knows it takes more than 30 seconds to learn something.

2) He made a comment at the end of another class about needing to be in good “fitness” and gestured at me. I can do 5 minute planks, I am in great shape. He seems to have a certain of idea of what his ideal students should look like.

3) The size L female tshirt is actually a size medium. While this fits me well it does not seem inclusive to all students who cannot fit that size.

4) When the founder started making inflammatory remarks in class about certain groups of people (due to world events) it was time to leave. Why bring politics into a martial arts class?

5) After leaving this school, the founder targeted my partner in a demonstration, to the point where other students were asking my partner if they were ok. This seems vindictive

Again the other teachers at the school are quite nice and I’m sad I had to switch schools, but the founder’s behavior bordered on bullying. Stick to the other instructors and you should be fine.

TAKASHI YOSHIHARA

When I knocked on the door of this place was exactly eight years ago.
First, I assumed all the practitioners were macho and strong. But I was wrong. Most were ordinary people. The studio is clean and bright unlike some old style martial art gyms. All instructors are skillful and knowledgeable. They kindly give us answers when we encountered technical questions after the classes. All techniques are systematically well organized for the level testing.
Amazing thing is that Chief instructor remembers hundreds of all students names. This is a good sign indicating all students are important. Moreover he gives us the variations of techniques depending on our skills and levels so that we don't need to feel anxious or unsatisfied about techniques although you are new or advanced.
Another great point of this studio that stands out is that they frequently replace worn-out common equipments.
Also this place have wonderful people who are so friendly. They have a potluck party once in a while in order to make bonds with training partners. This makes it easy and comfortable to practice in high intensity with caring safety to each others in the classes.
I have never thought quitting here. It's a great place. Eight years were so quick and I had to quit here because I'm leaving this country. I highly recommend here to everyone to have sweats, tears and bloods. In the end, you can obtain high level practical self defense skills.

Christopher Stewart

By far one of my favorite places to train during my week's group of workouts. I try to get 2-3 sessions in per week to work on different skills, as not all classes are the same.

My favorite classes include the Weapon's Defense Class with Tsahi, combatives class with Harrison, Krav Core Class with David, Harrison, or Elaine, and for ground work, BJJ with Kevin and the new Ground Combat with Marco on Friday (the last class I took and a great introduction to fighting on the ground with slight variances from BJJ).

The more classes I take, the more comfortable I become with understanding how my body can react effectively, if a fight arises. I would highly recommend KME for anyone looking to deepen their practice in combat training while significantly improving body composition in the process. Each class works the entire body with dynamic, practical movements while strengthening the mind too. 5 out of 5 would recommend.

~Chris S.

Dean Alamleh

This gym runs fantastic classes for both newcomers and advanced fighters. I’ve taken classes with Tsahi and Walker, who are both highly experienced and effective instructors. They’ve created a unique environment where someone who is in their first few classes can learn alongside someone who has been learning martial arts for years, but both students are gaining valuable knowledge. If you’re on the fence about signing up, just do it!

Benson

Variety of fun fighting classes for anyone at any experience level, including boxing and ground fighting. They have experienced, personable instructors that lead by example and always leave you with something to think about or improve.
My strength and mobility have noticeably increased a few months in so I recommend giving this place a try!

Sankha Bhattacharya

Good instructors, friendly folks. Helped me build stamina, fitness and confidence. Great starting point for people new to self defence or martial arts.

Kira Arnold

IKM Krav Maga New York is the best Krav Maga studio in the city. The classes are appropriate for all skill levels, from beginner to expert. Most of the classes tend to blend skills from each level of training, which means that you’re always learning something new. This makes classes not only engaging, but challenging as well. The classes are generally between ten to twenty-five students with one, two or three instructors depending on the mix of levels and size of the class and you will definitely see your skills improving from week to week because of this.

Speaking of the instructors, they are at the tops of their field. Each instructor at IKM has a very unique blend of expertise and training that work together to give each student the best possible instruction. They are all highly skilled, very approachable and have a talent for adjusting their teaching techniques to fit each individual’s learning style.

If you’re looking for a great self-defense class, or even just a great non-traditional fitness regiment I would highly suggest going to IKM New York. I can say with confidence that whatever your expectations are, IKM New York will surpass them.