James Sherman

This guy is a slippery, tricky bastard. But I will give him this: he’s come a long way in the past year or so in regards to learning how to manipulate the internet in order to promote his business. He’s developed an impressive talent for re-​naming and re-​branding his business online in order to filter out and shirk negative reviews.
If you want more information on this business, search Unilocal for «James Sherman». You’ll get more than just the two questionably authentic reviews from his friend Alex and Alex’s fiancé (or rather, the reviews Mr. Sherman wrote himself and politely asked his friends Alex and Marissa to post for him on Unilocal).
I originally posted a critical review on both Unilocal and Google which basically said (in so many words) that I was discouraged from purchasing a groupon/​living social deal for this business because the website looked so unprofessional.
Obviously, he has hired a professional to re-​vamp his website since then. Kudos to him for taking my constructive criticism seriously.
However, at the time, he responded to my criticism in an extremely unprofessional manner by Facebook-​stalking me and sending me a derogatory message.
Now, to be fair, his personal Facebook account could have been accessed by someone close to him who found my criticism offensive. Likewise, someone who is a fan of his teachings who also found my reviews distasteful could have falsified his ID in order to contact me and make me aware of their disapproval.
All I know is that shortly after my critical review (s) were posted, someone named «James Sherman» contacted me directly via Facebook in order to let me know that they thought I was a «skank». Maturity at its finest, let me tell you.
If this sounds like someone you want teaching you (what could potentially be life-​saving) self-​defense, and/​or if this sounds like someone who you think you might trust to demonstrate potentially deadly choke-​holds on you, then be my guest and take his classes. I can’t honestly speak to his «talent» as a Krav Maga trainer, because his low moral character has discouraged me from placing that level of trust in him. I would not feel safe taking classes from him. But that’s just my opinion; I could be wrong.

James is the man. I’ve been taking his classes for over a year now off-​and-​on with my fiancée. 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

As part of my grand plans for apocalypse preparedness, I’ve begun to take steps to ensure my survival in dire situations. Thus Step 1! Get in shape and kick hypothetical ass. (note — hypothetical, please, don’t try to run up and attack me randomly… yet). I’ve only taken one class with Mr. James Sherman so far, but it was AhhMAZING. I guess I might be jumping the gun here but I left feeling like jello and was totally sore for the next couple of days (positively, awesomely sore). I really enjoy the way he does his class, it’s fast paced, so unlike yoga (not that i’m bashing yoga, I love yoga, sometimes…) you’re never laying or standing still wondering when you’re going to get the hell out of there. Also he rotates a lot between «sets» of different exercises that work on any and everything without driving you into the ground (at least not during, after class you’ll both want to fall down and run 50 hypothetical laps of workout happiness) and of course sticks in ill krav maga moves. I have however, only taken 1 out of a possible 20 classes (I got the groupon) so i’m not any where near kicking anyone’s ass right now.
I also should mention that i’m a complete newb and probably the most uncoordinated person on the planet. No, seriously. I’m out of shape, and can’t tell my right leg from my left, and have never taken any other classes or martial arts or ANYTHING, but he is a really nice guy, a really nice guy that would be totally scary (because he’s jacked and he moves strangely fast), if he wasn’t so nice. He does do his routine rather fast, but I don’t really mind because 1) I’m physically inept, 2) who cares because I just got 20 classes! (so I’m optimistically assuming I will by classes 15 – 20 finally get it, right? *_​*)
He does have some interesting exercises that i’ve never done before, and I actually think they are both strange AND really effective. It IS definitely different from your usual fitness class, so if you don’t like to do «different things» then sure, you might not like it but you might also be lame. There is this weird reverse push up thing for example that he has you do, and me, never having been able to really do a proper push up in my life, can now *maybe* start having some arm strength after a few classes. He does some balance things to which I definitely need, and a lot of abs/​core which I also enjoy (operation summer body, right?!). I wonder if (and hope) he does anything that inadvertently helps you work on having a huge killer ass (Yes this is completely important to me, James are you reading this? :p)
The only iffy thing, was the studio on 8^th Ave, which I wandered around confused for awhile and waited for the elevator for about 10 minutes. HOWEVER, I hear he JUST MOVED HIS STUDIO to something waaaay fancy (it’s at VEBO fitness on the west side) and i’m super excited. I haven’t been there, but their website has impressive looking pictures. Next weeks class is there and it looks NICE. So no complaints there. Maybe I’ll re-​update after I check it out next week, but maybe i’ll be too busy feeling really hype and motivated with all this working out to sit in front of my computer and write extensive Unilocal reviews. (Sorry!)
Also, I was worried (as all groupon-​ers usually are) of vendor prejudice against groupon-​ers (yes this has happened to me and probably a lot of people as well) so I’m always bracing myself to be treated like a 2^nd class citizen because of my discounted patronage (I mean, why do businesses put groupons online if they didn’t really want anyone to buy it? Or do they not care if their formerly potential customer now hates them and is going to tell all their friends how much you’ve mistreated them? I don’t really get it). James Sherman Krav Maga is not like this at all. Maybe he would have been more attentive or something if I paid him $ 800 instead of $ 85 but, hey, I didn’t really notice?
This video (from his website) was what initially convinced me to take 20 (as opposed to 5 or 10) classes with him:

Yeah, I’m totally laying on the love real thick here. Maybe I’m just high off workout endorphins?

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).

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.

I wasn’t happy with the classes or the instructor. His workout routine seems like it’s not planned and there is no flow. The instructor was more preoccupied at what the class next door was doing.
The set up was terrible. One bathroom for the whole gym. Small and inadequate locker rooms. Waste of my $$$

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.

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.

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.

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.