Krav Maga Federation - New York, New York

Geo Espinosa

This is the best Krav Maga school in the New York, maybe the US. Impressively Rhon, whose school is named after, teaches many of the classes himself. Having the founder of a martial arts school who teaches white belts and black belts alike is unusual. Rhon is an artist of his craft and teaches it with care and detail. Lastly, the other instructors; David, Erik, Kel, Adam, and Alon are all high-level belts, all taught by Rhon, and are too excellent instructors. They consistently teach to high standards. I feel lucky to have access to this, hardcore, no-nonsense, Krav mega school, honestly.

Bonnie T.

A few years ago, my gym membership lapsed and I had gotten a little soft. A friend who worked in the Columbus Circle area mentioned that she wanted to try Krav Maga. We took an introductory class at the Krav Maga Federation (then located at John Jay College). I was sore for days after that. Life got busy and I couldn't commit to a regular workout schedule until several months later. When I found the time, I joined the KMF.

It's hard to believe that it's been more than 5 years since I first stepped on the mat at John Jay College. Since then, Rhon Mizrachi has opened his own school in Chelsea and has greatly expanded his class schedule. In addition to regular classes, there are weapons and groundwork classes, seminars and workshops. There is even a kids program - and you can bet that my daughter will be given the opportunity to train there as soon as she's old enough!

Ever since I started training in Krav Maga, I've told everyone who will listen about what it means to me and what it has done for me. I've invited numerous people to try classes and they have all been impressed. I know that some women feel intimidated by martial arts, but there's no need for that here. When you walk in the door at KMF, you aren't reduced to your demographics. You aren't a man or woman, gay or straight, black or white, old or young or anything else I've failed to mention - you are simply a person who wants to learn to save your own life. At KMF, you can learn ways to do that in the face of a violent attack. If you are committed to being respectful of the tradition, the art, the instructors, the school and your fellow students, you are welcome here.

I hope to see you on the mat.

Justin Zaroovabeli

This is authentic Krav Maga traced back to its roots. Master Rhon has a level of respect that is recognized internationally. His knowledge of Krav Maga traces directly back to Imi Lichtenfeld (the KM Founder).

Self-defense is a sugar-coated word, that really means the ability to hurt someone badly before they are able to hurt you. The reality is that no martial art in the world can guarantee your safety in a fight. Understanding that every fight situation is dynamic, and impossible to predict is essential for developing as a martial artist. This school prepares you to be ready. The instructors understand this reality, and teach you accordingly. Master Rhon holds everyone accountable (regardless of their level/belt) and every student is expected to constantly improve and develop their skillsets.

Krav Maga Federation is the backbone of the original art, and if you want to truly learn on how fight and defend yourself, this is the place to go.

Rebecca Rubenstein

I found out about Krav Maga Federation through a friend’s constant Facebook postings about how great it was but at the time I was doing a pretty intense workout 6 days a week and while it sounded cool it did not seem necessary. The place where I was working out involved a good deal of us yelling which I cannot do since my voice only goes so loud. After a particularly unsuccessful day of yelling my instructor who was concerned, asked me what I would do if I was being mugged or otherwise attacked if I can’t scream for help. That day I asked my friend to take me with him to his next Krav Maga class.

That was 10 months ago and ever since then I have attended every single class I possibly can. I have pretty much become a permanent fixture at the school.

Because of Rhon Mizrachi I have found a strength and confidence I don’t remember ever feeling before. He takes such a great deal of pride in the art and it shows not only in the way he is with his students but in how well he has taught his instructors to teach others.

During the hour class the instructors are tough but let's face it, in a way they are taking on the huge responsibility of getting us out alive if it came down to a life or death situation. They are not promising that we will come out completely unharmed if we got into a fight, in fact they pretty much guarantee we would get hurt (even the most seasoned fighters don't come out unscathed) but they are teaching us how to inflict the most damage possible on our attacker while at the same time taking as little impact on ourselves.

As tough as they are on the mat, they are also extremely kind, approachable, always willing to answer a question, help correct your form or show you that one specific move for the millionth time (and I say that from personal experience).

Then there is Eve, the woman who runs the show. I can be having a particularly tough class, she will pop her head in for one reason or another and she will smile at me as if she instinctively knows (which she probably does being that she has gone through it all, is now a green belt and still training) and I am immediately able to get my head right back into my training.

I would highly recommend this place for anyone who wants to feel safer and that if ever attacked they would ultimately end up feeling that they were the one in control of the situation.

Ravi Best

Having practiced at the school for over 8 years, I can attest to the great professionalism and knowledge of all the instructors. Master instructor Rhon Mizrachi is a walking encyclopedia on the art of Krav Maga and fighting. His wealth of knowledge and experience is unparalleled. You can't find a better place to learn how to protect your own life.

Rodrigo Carrasco

Serious stuff.
I did an introductory 3 months, twice a week. The instructor is excellent, a former member of the IDF. Classes are tough, very. Focused on technique and exercise. 1 full hour is a top workout . Requires concentration and willingness to learn. Amazing class. Not for everyone.

Michael Golansky

krav maga federation is the most professional and authentic krav maga school in the country !!!
im a student at the school for almost a year .the level of detection and skill and just pure love for the art of master Rhon and all the instructors is absolutely amazing .this people make me train like i never trained be for in my life.this school not only the best for self defense for everybody woman and man .its also a place that has a big amount of students that practice martial arst all their lifes and they come to us to train .. (its the reall thing ) KRAV MAGA !
this the only school you should go to if you want to study krav maga

Brian Coblitz

There is no substitute for experience in the world of martial arts. Rhon Mizrachi has been teaching Krav Maga for over a quarter of a century. He dedicated himself to making his classes the most efficient way to learn self-defense. But, you won't find any gimmicks here, just a supportive place for personal growth. I love training, because I am not just getting a workout, but am also constantly learning new material and being challenged by my peers.

Update: I have since moved to DC. Because there was no KMF school in DC, I asked to start one. Rhon graciously supports this effort, often traveling to DC to test and teach my students. I am blessed to be able to continue practicing and sharing this art. Now we have a thriving KMF community in DC.