This is the best Krav Maga school in the city! The head instructor Rhon Mizrachi is recognized as one of the best Krav Maga practitioners globally. I have been training there since 2009, and it has transformed my life. I'll never be afraid to ride the subway, or venture out late at night. I have acquired a set of skills that gives me the confidence to protect myself and those I care about. read more

I tried other Krav Maga schools and this is by far the best. Grand Master Rhon Mizrachi's approach to the art and how he teaches it are second to none. You will understand not just the art, but the situational awareness on how to use it effectively. I have been going for years and I can't recommend it enough. The community is great as well and you feel a real sense of family. If you're looking for a martial arts class and journey, this is the place to be. read more

This is the purest and Best Krav Maga you will find in the U.S. !!! As a NYC Correction officer, I understand the need for a reality based fighting system. Hard core and not easy ...but AWESOME !!! read more

My daughter takes classes here and it's great. Serious instruction and learning while still not being too intense for kids to learn. Highly recommend. read more

This place is the real deal. The best workout in NYC, and you get to learn how to defend yourself in a no-nonsense, practical and immediately applicable way. Excellent instructors, nice facility, and reasonably priced. Don't make any excuses: this is the place to start learning Krav Maga. read more

Krav Maga Federation - Martial Arts Near Me - New York, New York

On February 12, 2013, I walked into the Krav Maga Federation only knowing that I wanted to learn to protect myself. I never even imagined the way that place would change my life. I could probably go on forever with everything it means to me, but I know that those of you who have never tried it could not begin to understand my passion and those of you have tried it are probably still there, and know exactly what I am talking about. I can say that after the day I started I spent every possible minute on the mat or just hanging around the school. I will tell you that Rhon Mizrachi is without a doubt the best instructor I have ever had the honor to meet. Training under Rhon and those who he taught so well to teach others, I have gained a strength and confidence in myself that I have never realized possible. Rhon, David, Erik and Kel all gave me a safe place to train, a place where I loved to be. They were (almost always, but I can be difficult) extremely patient with me, they did not let me settle for being mediocre, and they are the kind of teachers that makes me want to be the absolute best I can be. Unfortunately, life happens and after 4 years of training at KMF, I had to move. I tried a couple of Krav Maga schools in my new area and quickly realized I will have to take up another art because after training under Rhon, nobody else will suffice. read more

Not a big reviewer but this place deserves a few minutes of my time to write one. I've trained Martial Arts for 5 years before joining KMF. In that time I had two disciplines. The first was an amazing experience the second was KM studio and after 5-6 months it became apparent that all I was getting was a glorified cardio workout. I found Rhon Mizrachi's Krav Maga (KMF) after becoming more and more frustrated by the training I was receiving. I took my free trail class and it became apparent fairly quickly that this place was different. This place is the TRUTH! I joined the same day. In one month of training I've learned more about Krav than in 6 months at the other place. All the instructors are knowledgeable , confident and have a swagger that I like. Rhon teaches lots of the classes and is, to say the least, very hands on. You will get as much from Rhon and the other instructors as you are willing to go get. If your serious about this sh#t then KMF is the place for you. To me it feels like a family and I'm grateful for KMF. read more

First, a note on the business details: the full name of the school is "Krava Maga Federation", not just "Krav Maga". They have 10 branches, mostly in the NY/NJ area, and the one on 25th St is their headquarter. Judging from how frequently I see the founder (Rhon Mizrachi) on site, I believe that he teaches here most of the time, which is a big incentive to take classes at this branch rather than others, especially if you are at an advanced level. I haven't tried taking classes at the other branches but I believe that once you get a membership at one branch, you can take classes at any other branch interchangeably. This might be convenient for commuters. I'm not a gym person: I tend to get easily bored using machines or doing repetitive workout. I prefer either open-air long distance activities, or activities where there is some degree of inherent danger. I used to have a membership at a traditional gym, but I have always struggled to be regular. Krav Maga Federation is so different that it has changed my habits. I went for a sample try-and-see-if-you-like-it class on a Saturday, and I ended up joining for a 3-mo membership and later for a 1-year one. I have become very regular, I show up even 5-6 times a week, and I look forward to go back every time. This is the most regular I have ever been with any gym activity. Classes all last 1 hour, where the first quarter is dedicated to body conditioning (quite a demanding set of sit-ups, push-ups, squats, jumping jacks, etc... that are directly supervised). Then the remaining 3/4 are devoted to the material that composes the syllabus for your level (i.e., your belt), which keeps rotating every day. The instructors' supervision is scrupolous and demanding. This is not light activity. At the end of the hour you'll be tired and will probably have some sore muscles in the next few days depending on your fitness level. The beginners don't get any "discount". As you join, you'll be thrown in the same class as everybody else at the first level (white belt, aka no belt), i.e., frequently people who have already been training for 2-3 months, and you'll be expected to perform and deliver at the same standards. It will obviously take you more time to get the movements right, but you'll also get more of the instructors' attention. The instructors are very professional and learning-oriented. As you get to know better your students, you'll appreciate the environment of camaraderie, motivation and respect. Unlike most martial arts, Krav Maga has no "rules", and its objective is the immediate neutralization of your attacker in the least possible time and with the minimal effort, which makes it practically effective for personal defense. Other martial arts put a lot of emphasis on aesthetics, or include rules (i.e., no blows under the belt) to allow competitions and tournaments. Krav Maga is nothing like that. All the emphasis is on disabling the enemy in one blow or a few blow. As you progress, the material also includes defense from attackers with knives and guns. There seems to be a lot of emphasis on content, material and form. Remember, this is not a generalist gym that has just decided to throw in an improvised Krav Maga course, just because it's cool. This is a specialist school: they only do Krav Maga and they have been doing it for many many years, and they seem to be very serious about it. I heard from students who are Israeli nationals and have received Krav Maga instruction while in the army, that the Krav Maga instruction given here is thorougher and more demanding than in the army. The syllabus for each level (belt) lists clearly the skills you are supposed to have to pass that level. Examinations are administered by instructors others than the ones who trained you, to ensure that high standards are maintained. It does not come cheap, but it is very effective, high-quality training. read more

I found out about the Krav Maga Federation on 25th Street, through a friends constant Facebook postings about how great it was but for the past year I have been doing a pretty intense workout 6 days a week that had made me stronger than I have ever felt and while it sounded cool it did not seem necessary. The place I workout involves 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 cant scream for help. That day I asked my friend to take me with him to his next Krav Maga class. Two days later I was early, sitting on the blue mat and wondering what I got myself into and throughout the hour class I continued to wonder the same thing. Afterwards I was not completely convinced and while economically it would have made more sense to sign up for a 3 month unlimited package, I decided to sign up for the month and see how it went. Two classes later I asked if I could please upgrade to the 3 month unlimited and for the past 5 weeks I have attended every single class I possibly could. While going through moves I am constantly amazed at how much I have been taught in that short period of time. 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. read more

I attended my first class here last night (July, 09), a beginner's class. The warm up was a great routine that probably hit around 300-350 kCal. That was followed by some basic instruction in techniques. The instructors are (so far) very friendly and welcoming off the mats. They are serious on the mats, but not sadistic or even (intentionally) intimidating. They seem genuinely interested in helping people learn. It's definitely an OK place to be a complete neophyte to the sport. I'm looking forward to more classes. Update (08/09/09): I am really loving the classes here. They are intense, being some of the best hour-long exercise sessions I've encountered. Physically, I'm not the most coordinated man (Though, I am in good shape from running, weight lifting, pullups, and pushups.), and it's taking me time to memorize techniques and execute them in anything but an awkward manner. However, the instructors are usually right there to help with execution. As I wrote before, they are serious, but always helpful. read more

The teachers here know their stuff (I train mostly with Rhon and David). They drive you hard, but the physical intensity is balanced with a good deal of emphasis on movement dynamics, proper alignment, and injury prevention. Being a movement professional/nerd, I love that Rhon and David always push us to figure out how and why we execute a particular movement, in addition to seriously kicking our butts. This school is no joke. Highly recommend. read more

This is the real deal. The senseis are ACTUALLY teaching the children in the kids class. There are usually 2-3 instructors per kids class of 10-15 kids. One on one help. My children became more confident and Rhon teaches the children real life scenarios and actions to take. I am was not looking for a competitive sport but real life self defense on the streets for my kids. This place is the place to go. My kids are no longer in the class due to schedule conflicts but will enroll them as soon as scheduling become more open. I sometimes wish perhaps I should take the class too.... read more

This is a not a bad Krav Maga school but it is not great. I read these reviews before joining but they do not in my view give an accurate picture of a typical experience there and just don't feel genuine. This is simply meant to be a helpful and objective review to anyone considering this school that is not a longstanding student there. - Rhon is a good instructor, he is a charismatic and no nonsense instructor with a lot of experience but extremely arrogant. This is not a supportive learning environment and do not expect him to be very nice. - In a class with about 50 people, injuries were fairly common and it felt a bit like a factory sometimes, students appear and never re-appear. Not the friendliest place as a result. - At $250 dollars a month, this place is clearly over priced. - Expect a good 30 minute work out, push ups, military style fitness and about 30 minutes of leaning a technique. - Eve, the manager, is very charming, persuasive and was helpful before I joined but disappeared after I paid. She was extremely critical about another Krav Maga school on 26th street called Academy even over email and the phone which put me off. I can see why Rhon has such a loyal following but this school is definitely overrated and expensive. There are better places than this in NYC. read more

It's hard to believe that it's been more than 5 years since I first stepped on the mat at the Krav Maga Federation's old location 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. read more

Been going here for 2 weeks now and I already feel safer on the streets. Instructors are super chill and knowledgeable.

Been going for 4 months now. I'm hooked. We learned everything from chokes to bear hugs and grabbing. That, plus MMA techniques so it covers everything I need to know. The instructors adjust your posture, your punches and are very personal with your progress and with you. It became home right at the start. LOVE IT. read more

I would definitely recommend this school. I just attended my first class, and was not disappointed. The instructors are very good at breaking down attacks and defense moves. Even in my first class I was throwing guys on the floor! read more

Coming up on my 10 years with Rhon Mizrachi NYC School. Tried other Krav Maga schools before and they were terrible. Rhon is Amazingly and extremely detailed in our training as well as teaching you intensity as you get into higher Belts . 10 years later I'm still learning how to refine and understand the ART. Thank you Rhon and all the KMF instructors for a great journey and running the best school in town. read more

By far the best martial art school out there. You will get your confidence . and Will be able to defend yourself

I have been training at the KMF flagship for about 11 years on and off as I'm not from NYC originally and during my school years I have been able to train Krav Maga in different places (Paris , Mexico City , Miami, San Francisco), there is NO schools and NO instructors as good as the KMF in NYC in my opinion. Every time I left NYC for school or for work purposes I was getting frustrated knowing that I would have to train in a different school without the same skilled instructors. Rhon Mizrachi has dedicated his entire life to this art and therefore conveyed his passion and skills to the instructors who work under his supervision (they're all friendly and ready to help). Don't expect to be treated like someone special because you have previous martial art or street fight experiences here. Everybody is treated the same whether you have no belt or carry a brown belt simply because this school is all about DISCIPLINE, HARD WORK, DEDICATION and RESPECT. If these values aren't yours you won't be able to carry on training and get to enjoy people you train with, your ego stays behind the mat once you bow and step in the room. I've learned a lot about Krav Maga as a teenager in France but once I started training with Rhon and the other instructors of the school , I paid more attention to every single detail that makes the techniques and strikes efficient and I understood that the goal is not only to defend yourself but to cause damages and survive in a potential stressful environment. read more

This place is no nonsense martial arts. Each class is very intense, with a fast-paced calisthenics warm-up followed by a mix of self-defense techniques and martial arts skills (different types of kicks, punches, knees etc.). All the instructors are highly respectful but also are not afraid to tell you when you're doing something wrong (the emphasis is on perfection of technique and paying attention to "detail"). There are a range of students in the beginner and other classes, ranging from young people with backgrounds in other martial arts to college-age women who just want to learn self-defense to older people looking to get a good work-out. There are people of all sizes, body types, and fitness levels. You will become much more fit by attending class 2-3 days a week for a few months--I did. One issue: I don't think think Krav Maga is for you if you want to compete in sport martial arts. Most of the beginner Krav techniques involve striking the groin, eyes, nose, etc--things you're not going to be able to do in the ring. As you go along in the art, you learn more sparring techniques and sparring becomes part of the training. But, overall, the emphasis in Krav is how to "neutralize a threat" on the street, not in a sporting context--so while some of the stuff we do in class will probably make you a more aggressive, confident fighter in the ring, the emphasis at Krav is on self-defense on the street against someone who's bigger and stronger (or more numerous or armed) than you are. read more

This place is no joke. Be prepared to sweat and work hard as they prepare to pick on you to perfect your technique. It's tough love and I love it. I'm still a beginner and there are A LOT of times I feel lost but they're very helpful in helping you work on your technique. Don't expect to be given a special treatment just because you're a girl. It's street fighting, not baby-sitting. Am addicted! read more

I trained at Rhon's school for a couple years until I stopped working in the city. They are very serious about teaching the art properly. You can't test for a belt until instructors determine you're ready. Rhon has a toughness that doesn't let you make excuses for yourself for anything. You also get a great workout. One of my favorite moments was when a dwarf was training with a group of beginners. When someone looks different, you might have a tendency to treat them differently. Rhon yelled at him to fix his technique like he does to all the students and said, "What makes you special?" It may sound harsh, but Rhon was breaking down a barrier, & everyone got it. Another moment that stood out was when someone asked what he should call Rhon, expecting "sensei" or something. The response was, "My name is Rhon." Instructors' respect is earned. Kel, David, Erik, & the others are all good & teach to Rhon's standards. read more

I tried a class here. There is no free first class so expect to pay. I will say that the spot is serious, the instructor is no BS - he'll correct you and if you keep making the same mistake, he'll embarrass you - all good though, no nonsense style. Work out was good, instruction was good - and if i ever plan to switch gyms, i'd probably try out this spot for a longer period. Good thing is they are flexible and you can pop in and pay for the class, go month to month with no contract or signup for 6 months/1 year and get a discounted rate. read more

Three years from my last review. My whole life has changed. I moved to DC. I still train with Rhon. He has supported me in opening a KMF school in DC. I am so happy to share his teachings. I would not be teaching without his visiting and testing my students to ensure they are up to par. Looking forward to the KMF Israel trip this summer. read more

Free trial 1 hour class from Vimbly.com We've spent a great time with 2 friends of mine - the class wasn't crowded (around 20 persons) The warming-up exercises were complete. The instructor is excellent, takes care of you and the safety. He gives you smart directives. I recommend this school. Try the class to have fun and learn some real smart, and practical self defense Technics read more

I began training at this school roughly two years ago. The first and most importanT aspect of this school that I would like to point out are the instructors. They are professional, courteous,tough, and caring. You will come to learn and understand what Krav Maga really is, and you will slowly start to see a transformation in yourself, if you are dedicated. The school provides you with as much flexibility as one would need. Class times are very convenient across all belt levels, facilities are more than adequate, and you really get the attention you need to learn the art. I came to this school with an injured shoulder, and walked out rehabilitated, simply because they taught me not to think like a wounded person. For the price you pay, it is definitely worth it and I can't wait until I return to the US to resume my training!! read more

Truly a life changing experience. The money is worth it, you're working with the best of the best. Cant get enough of it! Also, don't pay attention to that Matthew H. 2* star review, I have no idea how telling someone to execute the exercises seriously and not lightly = bigotry. Ridiculous. read more

I'm so happy I took this type of fighting system. I love it great teachers.

KMF is superior to all other Krav Maga academies. The training and instruction under Rhon Mizrachi is the best I have ever experienced. The ownership and management of the KMF operation is extremely high caliber...Eve is a pleasure to deal with. Amazing facility...likeminded people on the mats. Joining the KMF family is a great way to not only learn self defense but a stellar way of elevating oneself overall as well. read more

I walked through the doors at 25th street 3 years ago to try out a lunch class and see what Krav Maga was all about and got so much more than I could have ever hoped for. The Krav Maga Federation became a life source for me almost religion like. This school is no joke and no nonsense. You will walk out of each class with a "high" and feeling rewarded, having had a great work out and learning practical self-defense techniques that you will be itching to practice the moment you get home. It does not get more authentic than learning under Rohn Mizrachi and his team of instructors; who are all simply the best. They will teach you, correct you and make you the best you can be. read more

I walked in and didn't feel like I was being sold a million class packages for thousands of dollars by a salesperson "health club" style, which was great. I was told I could watch a class and see what the place is about. I did and it was awesome. Teachers are super knowledgable and the environment was one of learning martial arts, not a jazzercise class with kicks and punches. After a month I love everything about it. It's rigorous and intense, and the kind of place you leave really learning to protect yourself. When you are through messing around, come here to learn real self defense. read more

Krav Maga Federation has a unique approach to KM -- it's much more focused on martial arts and combat skills. Other KM schools may focus more on the fitness aspect, or they may teach you specific techniques to get out of specific situations. However, KMF will spend a long time teaching you fundamental martial arts technique: kicking, striking, punching, blocking, maneuvering, etc. I love this approach because I feel that the classes are cumulative and that you are really training to be better at defending yourself in any given situation. The warm-ups are about 15 minutes and then you'll spend the remainder of class (45 minutes) working on different techniques. read more

Realistic, well-taught, and utterly intense workouts with a variety of clientele. Krav is designed to be used by anyone, of any age group and fitness level, to deal with a real-world threat to your safety. When I went, the class was really friendly and helpful, and when I left I was soaked in sweat. I'd highly recommend checking it out. read more

Let me start off by saying that this is not a class for people who are easily offended, want to wear skimpy clothes or like to giggle and talk a lot when you're supposed to be choking someone or kicking them in the balls. With that said this place is AMAZING!!!! I've brought two 3-month memberships from them and love the place. When you first start off you will be sore and tired because unless you are already in shape before you go in, you're going to be winded with the warm-ups alone. All the instructors are great and their main focus regarding you as a student is to ensure that you are able to properly execute a move so that if you're ever in a situation where you need to defend yourself, you will actually be able to do it without hurting yourself as much as you would if you didn't know shit. Also don't complain if the instructor singles you out for performing a move wrong and correcting you, this is what you're paying for. read more

Super fun trial class! I took karate for about a year and a half but stopped coz I didn't feel like it was teaching me practical life skills. Rhon Mizrachi himself taught our class and he was very straightforward, extra patient with the first-timers, tough, and spent time chatting with me after. There was no pressure at all to sign up and everyone there seemed very welcoming. Won't be signing up because it's pretty expensive for me but I would recommend it to people who can afford it and would have the time to be a dedicated student. read more

Never having been to a gym or done any sort of group exercise, I was a bit nervous the first time I walked through the doors of KMF. I soon realized there was no need to worry. All of the instructors are super nice, very talented, and extremely helpful. You get thrown head first into the whole thing, but it's easy enough to figure out if you just watch the other students who have clearly been there longer. There are a lot of classes offered, and you can almost always train on the "small mat" in a side room. It's extremely effective exercise; after training for a little over a year I'm in the best shape of my life. Not only is it great exercise but there's a point to it. Unlike something like yoga, or even kick-boxing, here you learn real life self-defense. I would recommend this studio to anyone interested in getting fit, learning some self-defense, or both. On a side note, I'm a girl and although there are many more men in the classes than women, everyone is treated with respect and it's not intimidating. read more

Came in for a free trial class. I was told to wear a t-shirt and sweatpants. As a strength coach, I have plenty of both in my closet! I excitedly called ahead to advise I would be coming in with a friend for a trial class. When I showed up I was greeted by a not so friendly red headed instructor. No introduction, just an urge to hurry up and sign the first class release form...(side eye) ... OK. I should mention I'm a black girl and a proud member of #TeamNatural (woot,woot). I had a Nike hat on as my hair was being prepped for "wash day" underneath. I come to the mat as the group is warming up and the instructor yells, "You can't have a hat on!" I say, "Well I can't take it off." He says, "What do you have... a special condition under there?" Very insensitive comment to make in general, let alone to a stranger in front of a group of strangers. While my "condition" is easily summed up as being a black girl on wash day, the instructor's tone + lack of sensitivity was enough for me to bow out. I had the intention of signing up for the year as Krav Maga has been on my goal list for some time! Clearly this is not the school for me. I'd recommend anyone with self respect to avoid this place unless of course you enjoy being berated by a hot head with a low EQ. read more

I have attended four classes here now and can't say enough good things about it. The instructors break down the moves for self defense. I have no background in martial arts and as a beginner, I am learning a lot. I feel comfortable at this school. The instructors make sure students are using proper techniques. It will cost you $150 per month but it is worth every penny! read more

i am not a martial artist, in fairly good shape. i had heard of these classes and knew that the organization had recently moved to a new location. The experience was what I had hoped for and more. The space is accommodating and well organized. Rhon and the other instructors were patient and thorough. For authentic Krav Maga this is the place! read more