Academy Of Self Defense

I joined ASD over a year ago (October 2014) and I have been hooked since… specifically on CrossPit. Prior to joining I could not do one real push up or do multiple sit-​ups without feeling sick. Sure, my first day doing CrossPit my body was in TOTAL shock… even threw up my first day, but since they offered the free 2 week trial, the Asian in me had to take advantage of it. I showed up nearly every day for those two weeks until I grew to love the challenge and the progress I made in such a short period of time.
Everyone is so inviting and the instructors are not intimidating at the least bit — they push you to be better but understand and recognize your limits. Ralph is the best (typically go to his 1PM CrossPit class) — Always a guaranteed challenging and fun workout with him.
Within just a few months doing CrossPit, my friends and family constantly asked what I was doing new because all of a sudden I appeared healthier and stronger. I, overall, became more confident in myself.
Now that I have been a member for over a year, I come to class feeling like I’m with my second family/“ohana”. We always encourage one another and help those who are new to the class. Every day is a different workout so I am also never bored or feel like I’m plateauing. I could not see myself doing any other workout. So ASD… you better be around forever!!! ;)

I came to ASD as a 41 year old woman with no martial arts history and never having thrown a punch in my life. A lot can change in 2 years! I’ve been taking Krav Maga classes at ASD since September of 2014 and earned my yellow belt in December of last year. This has been an amazing ride.
I originally wanted to learn self-​defense as a way to feel more secure at work since I work 1 on 1 with clients from all backgrounds and am somewhat isolated when I meet with them (meeting in a small office, sometimes at night, with no one else in the building). I just wanted to feel like I had some clue of what to do if I needed to protect myself.
Since beginning at ASD, I have learned so much in terms of skills, but I would have to say that what stands out to me the most about ASD is how it feels like a second family rather than a gym to all of its members. The instructors are so supportive and encouraging while maintaining the highest of standards at the same time. It is okay to make mistakes here over and over again in order to learn. During each class we laugh, we sweat, we get frustrated with tough drills and maneuvers, and we come out of each class feeling stronger, bonded with one another, and more empowered. What makes this all possible is the tone set by the instructors and their expertise: Ev, Danielle, Amit, Jason, Andrea, Allie, Jivoni, Serpano — — these instructors motivate me to hone my skills and push myself in terms of fitness every class.
I recommend ASD for anyone who wants to feel more fit, stronger, more empowered, or even just more connected to a group of people who are living their passion. This place is truly unique and amazing.

This review is long over due. I’ve been coming for about 3 years. I came in for their trial and have been hooked. Their pricing is very competitive. They offer membership by classes or a flat rate for all classes. Before coming to ASD I went to another place where they charged $ 107.00. Said its for all classes but they had very limited classes. At ASD they have so many classes through out the day and weekends. I do crosspit. The wads are different every day. Any repeats are 4 – 5 months out. It’s bag work outs, weights and cardio. They have sheets for you to log in your progress. I’ve seen a big transformation /​definition with my body. If you want a good work out ASD is the place. The coaches and classmates are motivational. Coaches Sabrina, Sepano and Ralph will make sure you are working out. I love ASD!

So I was introduced to this place back in 2014 by a friend and since then, I have found a new family
#ohana
You are made welcome the very first day
The pit program is amazing and the coaches know what they are doing. They bring that friendliness that makes you feel very comfortable and that discipline that inspires you to push yourself beyond the limits you never knew you could push yourself.
And I have not met a single person who will make you not feel a part of the family.
I guess good attracts good.
Whatever your goals are, be it losing weight, increasing your cardio, gain muscle, run a spartan race, self defense, being a professional fighter etc, everything can be achieved under one single roof.
I can not appreciate enough how good the coaches are. Starting day 1, I felt like this is what I have been looking for in my gym
And then they have this amazing 2 weeks free trial. Take all the classes you want to try out.
Isn’t that amazing?
All in all, this is the one stop shop for total physical fitness.
And you can find me in one of their student of the month videos. Started from 240 pounds and now 200 with PLENTY of muscle and strength
So my strong recommendation: give it a shot
You won’t regret it
Good luck

I’ve been to several martial art studios and was looking for a place that offers a challenging workout and ASD by far stands out from the rest. They offer variety of classes. The kickboxing/​Boot Camp instructor is awesome, funny, energetic and pushes you to the limit. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. The hours meet my needs not to mention an affordable monthly fee. I love this place. I’ve been there since September 2015, and I’m not going anywhere.

I wont start by saying how good the staff is, or how cool is this place, i would just like to share my results to prove how effective this place is.
I started here back in early 2012 and left in jan 2013 and started again in jan 2015– to date. Both the times i had different goals in mind and the coaching staff at asd is helped/​helping me achieve these.
Stint 1: JCF combo fit 4 – 5: before joining the class I was over-​weight, close to obese category as per the bmi chart and wanted to loose lot of weight. Here is the before and after numbers for me:
Before joining ASD: weight 85 kg, waist side: 38 inch
After 8 months (jan 2013) of JCF (4 – 5 classes a week) and some hiking on weekends:
Weight 66kg, waist 34 inch
I left the class as lot of new ppl with new year resolutions joined the class and it started to cramp.
Cut to jan 2015, now i was the one with new year resolutions, joined Crossfit morning 9 – 10 class.
This time around, before joining the class i use to think that i am physically fit as i used to bike 10 miles a day for 5 days per week, play tennis twice a week and hike atleast once a week. All of this helped me last 15 min, yes just 15 min on day one and may be 10 min on day two of cross fit. This is when I realized that i need to continue cross fit and i am glad i did.
Stint 2: cross fit 9−10am (4 – 5 classes a week), 3 – 4 times tennis and 10 mile bike 5 times a week:
Before joining crossfit: waist 35 inch, weight 67kg, 13 inch arm (all fat around bones), could do, 25 – 30 situps, 5 pushups in a row and 1 pull up at max.
As of Yesterday: waist 31 inch, weight 70kg, arm: flxed 12.5 inch (mostly muscle), did 37 pushups in a row this morning and 12 pullups. I can do more than 100 situps at a stretch. All due to the efforts put in at ASD.
ASD worked for me as everyone around me in morning class is highly motivated, be it the coaching staff or other members of Crosspit morning class. The positivity of these ppl flows around and always encourage everyone to do there best.
If you need to surround yourself with coaching staff who would yell at you for not having proper form, or have a coach breathing down your neck, staring at you, if you dont give your best during work out, then ASD is the place for you.

The review is way over due. Been practicing here for almost two years now. If I could give ASD 10 stars I would. The class offerings are great, Krav, Hapkido, bootcamp, Muy Thai just to name a few. There is something for everybody. And if you want to learn everything they have on the schedule, you can do that with their unlimited plan, too!
The head Krav Maga instructor Ev is amazing (funny and good looking to boot)! Everyone that comes here is great, we get along and learn from each other every class. I have heard a lot of nasty ego things going on at other schools, not here.
Muay Thai class with Coach Jivoni is great! I leave every class having learned something new (a lot of new things, actually)!
There are at least 2 or 3 workshops going on on the weekends every month, such as knife skills, family protection and sparring techniques.
They offer two weeks free trial so I highly recommend anyone who’s thinking about starting self defense classes/​sport to try it out! You have nothing to lose and will gain some new knowledge!

I am in my second month coming to ASD and it has been a pleasure. From the Ohana vibe that the gym instills, the instructors and members have been awesome and very welcoming. Not to mention the workouts are killer! I have only had a chance to try the crosspit, but I can say it will kick your arse and if you are looking for a fusion MMA/​Crosspit type of workout, this is it. So far the only instructors I have worked with are Ralph and Sepano, both guys are great dudes who encourage you through the whole workout. One thing to remember for noobs and veterans alike, bring your damn pit shirt or get one! LOL.

I will do my best to not fill this review with hyperbole and ridiculous metaphors. It might be a challenge considering (spoilers) how much I enjoy ASD’s facility.
A little over a year ago, I was going through a rough spot. I was visiting the gym regularly, but the mundanity and repetitious nature of weights and cardio machines were losing their appeal. I’d done some basic self-​defense and boxing in the past (to no real level of proficiency) and found the workouts to be challenging, though the ad hoc nature of the facility was incompatible with my learning style.
I found ASD through Unilocal.I was nervous about visiting. Some Gyms and MMA facilities can be a bit off-​putting if you’re not into the shouting, grunting, bro/​ladybro lifestyle. I gathered up some courage, drove over and signed up for a two week trial.
It’s pretty cool. You can try not only a specific specialty, but any of ASDs classes for those two weeks. If you do this at a slow point in your social calendar, you can try a LOT of different things. Combo Fit, Boot Camp, Combat (practical) Hapkido, Krav Maga, Muay Thai, Crosspit (fighting focused HIIT).
I walked into my first Krav class and shyly stood off to the side. Tried to get a read of the room, as I do. I was pretty quiet my first day, but Ev introduced himself and asked if there were any new people in class. I bashfully raised my hand (and was joined by a few others).
Class began with a bow and we jumped into conditioning. We were encouraged to take things slow our first day — it’s no fun if you can’t come back in for a week because you strained a muscle. After a 20 minute warm up, I was admittedly pretty beat. I felt like I was in shape at the time, relatively speaking, but this challenged me in a new way. I wiped my forehead, got a bit of water and moved into technique practice with the rest of the class.
After working on front, round and back kicks, my partner complimented me on my first day’s performance. While I was definitely feeling that hour, I was proud of taking that first step. Cut to a year later, and roughly 3 – 5 classes a week, my fitness level, strength, endurance and skill has increased. I’ve also tested into level 2, which continues to push and grow my skills. In addition, I’ve made some friends and regularly see familiar faces.
The team at ASD is a great one. Ev is one of the nicest, warmest people you’ll meet. He makes an effort to remember every face in his class and challenge students without pushing them too far.
If you’re looking to get in shape, to protect yourself, to push the limits of what a traditional gym can offer, swing by for a free trial.

So happy I signed up as a member! Everyone (instructors and other members) are so nice and helpful. I especially like the Krav Maga classes with Ev (Everest Pepper), they are awesome! Amazing workout, super fun, and most importantly very informative.

CROSSPIT!!! Heck Yea!!! You want a workout that can make you feel like you’re really challenging yourself everyday?
If the answer to that question is a definitive «YESSSS», then CrossPit is the perfect workout for you.
I’ve only been here for 2 weeks, but I’m loving everyday of it. The workout is different everyday, which makes coming to CrossPit exciting and fun. In a good way, you never really know how the instructors will challenge you on that day. Essentially, it doesn’t get old.
We do everything from common workout moves (push up, pull up, crunches, squats) all the way to cardio exercises like «suicide» (basketball exercise), jogging, and jump ropes. On top of that, different variations are added to each move to makes things not only more interesting, but also more challenging. Imagine trying to do regular jump ropes, but swinging it twice before you land. Additionally, if you’re pissed, you get to punch some bags and release your inner emotions… jkjk. but it is definitely refreshing to learn a few introductory MMA moves. You get both strength and stamina training all in one go.
On top of the butt-​kicking, sweat pouring, and emotionally mind-​blowing and satisfying workouts, the instructors here all have a very good and encouraging attitude. Instead of bashing you and putting you down, they shout words of challenge and improvement your way to make you want to try harder. If you’re not doing something right, they guide you along the way until you get it right. When the time is right, they acknowledge your success and improvement.
There are many benefits to being part of CrossPit. I love getting fit, so this is perfect for me. This will help you slim down and get built if you commit to this workout and a good diet. Even if you just want to keep weight and indulge yourself in yummy and delicious food everyday, this will also work for you.
Give this a shot. There’s a two week free trial for ASD. It doesn’t hurt to try! See you around!

I’m currently signed up for the 2 week trial and have been attending the combo fit kickboxing class and I enjoy it very much. It’s a fun YET intense class that pushes you to your limits. The academy offers several different classes to choose from throughout the day which is pretty cool. The people are great and very welcoming and nice. The only thing that’s a bummer about this place is parking– it’s very limited in the lot which means you’ll need to park on the street. Other than that, this is the place.

I’ve been coming here for a couple months now and really enjoy it. The academy offers tons of classes, the staff is very friendly and make coming to ASD very fun. Ev, one of the owners, and also an instructor is an amazing guy. He’s been doing this most of his life and it shows. He’s very dedicated and is one of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. Great sense of humor and makes his classes fun. He makes this place addicting. Once you start coming here you won’t be able to stop! Mark is another one of my favorite instructors, he’s a cool down to earth guy always willing to help out and really loves what he does, he’s very passionate about teaching and working on his own techniques to keep on top of his game. All the other staff members are very friendly and always willing to help.
The facility is very clean and plenty of space. There are no ego’s here, students are great and it’s nice meeting new people. This place feels like family. Thanks to everyone at ASD for all your hard work and dedication!

This place is pretty much the best. I’ve been a member for about 10 months and after the two week trial and trying out a variety of their classes, I chose CrossPIT.
Over the years, I’ve practiced an array of exercise + training regimes and I can confidently say this is the most challenging, effective and rewarding one for me. And it’s not super intense and serious and bro-​y! ;) It’s fun; surrounded by energized and supportive peers and knowledgable and passionate instructors, in a clean environment with quality equipment. This place exudes «quality over quantity.» Quality of equipment, workouts (for fitness efficiency/​effectiveness and technical knowledge), instructors, and customer service. And because the owners, instructors and staff pour so much care and attention into this gym, it is always buzzing with positive energy :) Makes for an ideal environment to put in your all.
Lastly, as a woman, my least favorite part about going to a gym is the annoying «alpha male» creep vibe or the uncomfortable feeling of men dominating the space. Here? Not so much. It’s a safe space with respectful and friendly folks.
If you’re looking to up your fitness level, learn martial arts, or are just bored of doing P90X alone in your living room night after night (it’s okay, I was there, lol), come join ASD :) And bring your A-​Game~

I have been a student of ASD for 6 months now. This is as good as it gets when it comes to curriculum and instructors. The instructors in here are passionate about what they do and are genuinely passionate about teaching the system. Tough but fair is what comes to my mind if I have to describe them in one word.
I am so glad that they are not one of the schools that are «black belt» mills. You truly have to earn your stripes.
Coming to the curriculum, it is simple yet effective when you have to fight for your life.
So dear friends if you want to learn to defend your self when push comes to shove, this is it.
They are an embodiment of the spirit of respect and integrity.
Oh yeah they have s youth self defense program exclusively for kids.
And the krav classes are for adults and teens.
One last point. gee almost forgot. Friday there is a weapons class where you can learn escrima (stick fighting) and knife disarms. The fun part is… wait for it… magazine fight…

I’ve been a member of ASD for a couple of months now. I started off at ASD via classpass but got addicted to ASD so I became a member and quit classpass. Here are my takeaways during the 5 – 6 months @ ASD:
1. Workouts: I’ve only done CrossPIT and it’s seriously the BEST and most intense workout you will get. I’ve done SEVERAL different workouts and this one is seriously the toughest. It will definitely whip you into shape and the workouts are difficult yet fun and there is a good mix of cardio, strength training and MMA type stuff. HIGHLY recommend it. My husband took Krav here and LOVED it.
2. Instructors: The instructors here are good about correcting my form which is great because I have TERRIBLE form. They are extremely patient with me which I am thankful for because it will likely take me several months to have decent form. Both Ralph and Sepano are great instructors and each have different styles and highly recommend both. I took a woman’s self defense class with Everest and it was super fun and USEFUL at the same time.
3. Ambiance: I love the daytime classes because they are less crowded than the evening classes which can be super crowded (I mean who doesn’t love a good workout? but still…). I love the intimacy and the feeling of «family» during the daytime classes. Everyone gets to know each other and we encourage each other because the workouts can get pretty brutal.
4. Pricing: Um… hello??? $ 99/​month for unlimited classes? Can you say el cheapo? If you’re not willing to fork over $ 99/​month for QUALITY classes than something is wrong with you. In fact, I wish they would raise the prices so that the classes would be smaller. I think it’s important to have accountability and dialogue with your fellow peers when working out because it helps motivate you to come to class and try hard. Also NOTE to ASD Owners, please have more seminars!!! I wish they had a regular women’s self defense class as I think it is an EXTREMELY useful class to have in this day and age.
5. Ambiance/​Equipment: They use top quality stuff… I’ve been to other gyms where the stuff wasn’t so quality.
Come here and try the free trial and you won’t be disappointed!

This place is awesome! The staff is amazing and they really care about teaching you proper technique. The atmosphere and vibe are great. The other students are really friendly. The place is clean and really put together well. I would recommend The Academy of Self Defense to anyone that is interested in learning from a very knowledgeable staff. 10 stars!

Academy of Self Defense is a FIVE STAR gym.
First Star is for the 2 week FREE trial! Unlike other gyms, ASD (academy of self defense) encourages you to try ALL classes regardless of skill level. Beginners rejoice!
The staff & instructors are amazing! The moment you step into the gym you feel like part of the ASD family.
I had the privelage of taking Muay Thai with Jivoni.
I highly recommend taking this class; elbows, knees, kicks, punches… enough said!
Pit Master, Ralph K. coaches CrossPit. He has a reputation for being intimidating but he’s really patient and motivating. CrossPit + Coach Ralph = Results
CrossPit is intense and addicting… you’ve been warned :)
The gym is super clean. Equipment galore… kettle bells, free weights, Thai pads, rowing machines, big cross fit boxes, jump ropes and most importantly punching bags! I’m sure there’s more equipment I didn’t see. Bathrooms are conveniently located.
It’s incredibly spacious and well designed.
Another cool feature, NO key cards. Your phone # is your access code… punch in for your class at the front desk! It’s that easy.
ASD is a premier, world class gym. All fitness levels welcome here!

I just started here about two weeks ago on a free trial and love it so far. Everyone I’ve encountered here, staff and students alike, have all been incredibly friendly, helpful and welcoming.
There are tons of different classes you can take here, whether your focus is self defense, fitness, or somewhere in between. Krav maga, muay thai, MMA (which right now is really no-​gi BJJ though), hapkido, and various types and levels of fitness classes.
I have taken a couple of krav classes and they are as others say — first 20 – 25 minutes is fitness/​conditioning with the rest on defense techniques. I have been to more of the MMA classes with Kennedy — these are not going to give you as much of a workout, but if you enjoy grappling you’ll get all you can handle. Kennedy is an energetic, enthusiastic, encouraging and helpful teacher — couldn’t ask for better.
Will likely continue on with MMA classes for the foreseeable future. Thanks ASD — you’re my new obsession!

I’m definitely loving the boot camp! It’s pretty guaranteed that you’ll get a good workout here. There’s always a new workout everyday so it’s not repetitive.
The front desk staff is very friendly. I was surprised when one of the staff remembered my name when it was only my second day there.