David's an excellent instructor, reasonably priced, excellent to work with. Would highly recommend

Let me first state the reviews before mine are from a previous owner who apparently was quite unscrupulous. This is not the same group or the same management. I've talked extensively with the current owner David Walker as well as trained with him for the last few months. My children have also trained with him for the same amount of time. Two coworkers I've known for almost a decade have trained with David as well. His training is tier one as the classes are a good mix of intensity, technique as well as background information as to why you do what you do. I leave each class as if I have learned something new I can apply as well as improved my skills on previously learned material. So, the training is A plus and better than any other martial arts groups I have trained with in the past. David is excellent with my kids who look forward to class each week as well as excitedly show me what they have learned as well as beg me to show them what was done in my class. It is a great time for them to work on discipline, confidence and mindset as well as balance, flexibility and strength. This is the best extracurricular investment I've made for them. Lastly, I want to say David is a man of integrity and encouragement. He has kept his word and made sure I've maximized my learning opportunities. The folks in the class are terrific and some of the more experienced students have been extremely helpful in keeping an eye on me and correcting things when David is with another student. I wish I had found this group earlier and started sooner, but as David says "We're starting now." Join us. read more

Before you SIGN anything READ it first! I thought I was just signing a form to get payments taken out of my account. When my son had issues with the class because of his age, I did not think it would be a big deal, as I was told numerous times that the classes could be put on hold. Now I am receiving collection notices from a collection company, because the form I filled out was supposedly a contract. (but I have never received a copy of this form / contract, even though I have requested it) If I could go back in time, I would never step foot in this class. WORST decision I've ever made regarding my son. The owner is a fast talking sales man. Don't sign anything he gives you - read more

My husband, son and myself all take martial arts classes at EDS. We have been a part of this school for three years now and it truly is a second home for us. The instruction is top notch and the workout doesn't compare to a traditional gym. This is so much better. Amazing work out and self defense skills that could save your life. Previous reviewers who have had an issue with a contract or billing obviously didn't read what they were signing. We highly recommend Elite Defense Systems (EDS). read more

This is by far the best Self defense class my kids have ever attended!! Mr. Walker is wonderful with all of his students! Mr.Walker is VERY dedicated to all of his students. Mr. Walker is the BEST!! read more

I'm a 59 year old guy, decently fit but not a jock. David's Krav classes kicked my butt in the best way, leaving me spent after 45 minutes. I love how he finishes classes with a slower paced period of technique training, such as gun disarms and choke escapes...actually useful stuff! David is the new owner and he will go out of his way to make certain you love the classes and have no issues with billing. He's honest and sincere. The billing issues others have mentioned are history. read more

I opine "Do no business with Elite Defense Systems". Other than the prior three EDS webpage comments of May 10 and May 24, 2016, read all other prior comments regarding the financial malfeasance of Elite Defense Systems; because, there seems to still be apparent, ongoing fraud; and, I confirmed it with the claimed owner of EDS, David Walker. After learning more from Mr. Walker, I suspect his direct involvement, or, at a minimum his turning a blind eye to Matt's crimes, and letting many others like me be victimized. Moreover, Mr. Walker claims he's known about Matt Numrich's' fraudulent behavior for what he states "at least a year since he (David) allegedly bought the business"; and, he also stated "I don't know how many calls I've received from people regarding unauthorized credit card billings from Elite Defense Systems". David Walker, having received very many calls from people having unauthorized charges on their credit card from Elite Defense Systems, if he were a good citizen, might have been prompted as the rest of us would to reasonably warn others about the danger. However, not one time in the last year or ever, apparently, did David report it to the authorities, or, warn others on his webpage, other social media or anywhere about the ongoing fraud of Elite Defense Systems. He must be motivated to not do this based on what I suspect as his own self-interest. Elite Defense Systems and Matt Numrich's web page is at http://elitejkd.com. Dave Walker's photo and statement are right under Matt Numrich's photo and statement. These guys must be very close. For David Walker: how about a little help in letting the world know about Matt Numrich's fraud? I mean, if it won't hurt you and if you care about others, please? Also, David Walker, please apologize to all of those persons hurt by Matt Numrich's fraud subsequent to your knowledge of same, for your DOING NOTHING to warn or prevent it from occurring. read more

EDS has great relevant training and the instructor is top notch! Well worth the 45+ minute commute my wife and I make to train there! Don't Hesitate :-) read more

Dave is hands down the best instructor around. My son looks forward to every evening of training. Being a former instructor myself, I searched everywhere within about a 50 mile radius after i moved, before I found this place. Seems it was under different management before, but it is hands down the best place to go if you want to improve your current defensive skill set, or simply get a good workout. My son is a Blackbelt in Taekwondo and he learns new things everyday. I cannot say enough positive things about EDS Rockford. read more

STAY AWAY, and do not fill out any papers. He will try to get account numbers and then not provide copies to customers. The owner Matt Numrich said there was a three day cancelation period. We sent a certified letter to cancel within the three days and still recieved a bill for a years worth of classes. Now the Better Business Bureau is going to give him an F rating because he refused to respond to an opened case. There will also be a Federal Trade Commission investigation on EDS. If you have had issues with EDS yourself, go to the Rockford BBB and FTC and file with them, because they already have cases against him. read more

My review is similar to others. Unlike the others I do not live in Illinois. I came in contact with EDS Online where they offered a Krav Maga DVD for $7.95. I purchased the DVD with my visa card. I received the DVD and was satisfied. However, 2 weeks later I got my Visa bill and there was an Additional charge of $19.95. As far as I was concerned this was an unauthorized charge. Tried to contact them by phone to no avail. Finally got contacted by the owners assistant who stated the charge was legit and sent me a copy of the page I ordered the DVD from. I reviewed the page and saw nothing about $19.95 or membership. Usually when I purchase anything online I receive a confirmation e-mail of my purchase. Not so in this case. Ist time I became aware of this charge was on my Visa statement. At first they cited I could not get a refund because it was beyond the 3 day grace period. I told them I would have canceled then if I had known but didn`t know until my visa statement 2 weeks later. EDS then agreed to refund my money but only to my paypal account. Told them I did not have a paypal account and they told me:, "Sorry, we only refund to paypal". I told them they had no problem taking my money from Visa so they should be able to refund it. No response. The charge is currently being disputed with my credit card company. I feel defrauded by this company and would encourage anyone thinking of doing business with them to be extra vigilant. read more

I can't say enough good things about EDS. Their youth program changes young lives! It gives kids confidence and know how to stand up for themselves most appropriately. Their adult Krav Maga classes are fun, empowering, and a great way to get into shape fast! The programs are extensive, the staff is well educated, and there's no pressure. Even the students make you feel welcome, comfortable, and capable. Highly recommended!! read more

I dont think Sifu Matt is a very trusting person. I went in a few years ago trying to take a few classes. I thought I was signing up for a class and it turns out I signed a contract. He never explained the contract terms to me at all. I gave him a check for my first payment and went for a about a month. His teaching techniques are ok, but I dont think he should have tricked me into signing the contract. The worse part is that he used my check numbers from the first transaction to then take money out of my account! I had to close down my bank account because of this. Overall I do not recommend I should have read the thing before signing it so just be careful!!!! read more