Best training you can get anywhere, hands down. When I was in the Marine Corps, I would attend any combatives program I could, thirsting for more knowledge, sifting through things that were too complicated and didn't work and always looking for the perfect program. I also dabbled around in various martial arts again not wanting anything that you could not learn fast and that would not work under stress. I began taking Krav Maga over a year ago at a school that was closer to my house and I really enjoyed it, exactly what I had been looking for, for years. The school decided to stop its Krav program several months ago and so I checked out REACT Defense on a friends recommendation. As soon as I walked in and saw the techniques this school was teaching, it blew away what we were learning at the other place. I then learned this was the only official certified Krav Maga school in the state of AZ and it showed. This school is 45 minutes from my house and I find a way to get there 4 times a week its so good. The best way to describe Krav Maga is its a reality based self defense program. You train against real world threats and you train from a standpoint of being tired, exhausted (which they ensure you are in class), out numbered, weaker and smaller than your opponent and you train to win. You do not match strength for strength in Krav. You also train against an opponent who has a knife, handgun, long gun, on the ground, pinned against a wall,in a dark room etc. I like to train with stronger guys and really test out the techniques and I can say they work, sometimes I am amazed at how the system was developed using natural, simple body movements and how it pits leverage against strength and how simple the techniques are to master. Don't get me wrong, you learn to bring maximum violence to bear and eliminate the threat quickly. Krav doesn't play by the rules as there are none! What REACT has done is perfect their training into a science, I wont spoil the fun for those who are going to attend but let me say you will learn simplistic techniques and then put them to the test while you are tired and exhausted and you will see how natural they come to you under stress. No martial art does this. Everyone there is very helpful and when I say the instructors are top notch, that is not even close to giving them enough credit. Without a doubt, the best group of instructors I have encountered in any training program I have ever been a part of. Chief Instructor Jay Ackerman who owns REACT is where it all filters down from and he has done an amazing job ensuring every instructor teaches his program the way he wants it done. He is the most passionate person I have ever met when it comes to making sure his students are well trained and have the knowledge to make a difference should the need arise. Individually each instructor is humble and eager to share their knowledge with you. I dont know how many times I have stayed after class and they have gone over my 'what ifs' I am so good at coming to them with. Tony, Glendale's head instructor is just the perfect instructor combining humor, tons of combatives experience and always there to encourage you and show you a tip or adjustment to perfect what you are doing. Bottom line, if you join REACT you will become a better you, they will fill the gap in between what you THINK you know and what you NEED to know. No matter your experience, you will be better than when you walked in. I've seen people come in thinking they know XYZ and leave realizing they really didn't. I would not take any other sort of martial arts or combat training, they have everything you need here including upper level combatives classes you can work into. The workouts are amazing, if not flat out exhausting. Thank you REACT, Im in better shape in my 40's than I was in my 20's while in the Marine Corps and have found that system I was searching for all those years! read more

For a long time I had wanted to get back into martial arts as I enjoyed it my youth. I started out by training in Jiu Jitsu for 6 months, it was challenging and fun for a while but the pace for me was just way too slow. I also thought to myself during training that if I'm ever in a situation and have multiple attackers being on the ground just isn't going to work. The injury rate also seems relatively high and that's just not something I'm interested in. So , the search continued and what I found was REACT Defense Systems. If you're looking for something that is diverse, that's fun, dynamic and deals with real life situations that happen in the streets well then stop look because you've found it! Everyone who teaches here has a true passion for arming you with the knowledge to protect yourself and your loved ones. You have lots of options to choose from here. They have Krav Maga training, fight, bag and fitness classes. The great thing about the fitness classes is you can go at your own pace but if you like to push yourself these classes will help you accomplish that as well. This place is for everyone. Your age and fitness ability do not matter since you're allowed to go at your own pace and take breaks when needed. The community within the school is very inviting and everyone who attends is encouraging and wants to help others grow. You don't need to worry about the class bully or or hot head because they don't exist here. Knowing that if a situation presents itself, you have the tools and ability to make the best decisions possible is very empowering. The false sense of hope that some people have that they can fight without training or minimal experience is just that false hope. If you're interested in learning more do yourself a favor and check out a free class. I'm glad I did because I have found a home that I can grow and develop my skills for real life combat. My hope is that I'll never have to use them. But I'm confident that if I ever have to I'll be well prepared to just that! read more

I've been training at React Krav Maga Glendale for 7-months. After practicing many different styles of martial arts in the last 10-years (Kung Fu, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Western Boxing), I can say without a doubt that the Glendale instructors have taught me more about practical self-defense in the first 3-months of training over anything I have learned in the past 10-years combined. Even in a group class situation, the instructors are great at providing individualized feedback and working with students one on one. This level of personalized training has really helped me improve my technique. I've enjoyed working with all of the instructor's at Glendale and want to thank all of you; Tony, Wes, Charlie, Jordan and Drea for guiding me and spending extra time helping me improve. What is also great about React Glendale is the variety of classes that are offered. Not only can you attend Krav Maga classes but there are heavy bag classes, strength training classes, cardio classes and fight basics classes. Martial arts has been my way of staying fit and at the same time doing something fun that I love. At React, I am learning a vital skill, having so much fun doing it and in addition there are a variety of classes available to me to round out my overall fitness. I'll wrap up my review by saying in today's world, knowing self-defense and learning how to respond to various critical situations is extremely important. For everyone, men, women, children...any age; young or old. I'm not paranoid but it cannot go unmentioned that you see and hear more about terrible situations, mass shootings and other horrific events and React can teach you how to be your own First Responder. read more

The instructors are so skilled, masters at their art but also masters at breaking it down and teaching it. Each class is unique and it's never boring! I absolutely love the mindset teaching, verbal and physical boundary setting, and confidence building. Tony and Ericka welcome you into their self-defense family warmly and with a sense of humor for such an intense subject. As a small business owner myself, I appreciate the encouragement from the instructors and especially Tony and Ericka, the owners. The community of students here mirrors the attitudes of the owners as they are just as encouraging and supportive. I appreciate the flexibility the instructors have shown when I needed to reschedule private lessons.  And I appreciate that the instructors are aware of and work around any physical limitations while training, but never let me use it as an excuse not to train harder, as a good coach should. I love that they encourage me to do more, knowing I have more "fight" in me. My oldest son trained here for almost 3 years. I've been training for two years and completely intend to continue to train and hone my skills for years to come. It's a great and practical way to stay in shape as well as learn more advanced skills. Soon, my younger son will be training here, and when my daughter is old enough she will train here too. I tell everyone I know about the life-changing skills learned here, in a supportive, encouraging, and empowering environment. Yes, training is a commitment, but it's a commitment to yourself and your loved ones. Don't hesitate to do one of their free classes, meet the instructors, and join the community. read more

REACT Defense is a life altering experience. Go and experience it. What started out as an alternative way to get more exercise has become my passion. I have been able to achieve my goals for weight loss, increased strength, body composition, confidence, and personal drive to keep pushing it! This training is world class. I would rather hit on pads to de-stress than old vices. REACT has become my weekly escape. It's a welcoming haven to let loose and get relief from our everyday challenges. I'm a better mom, wife, and overall person after classes. I've gone to class with a packed schedule. I've gone tired, stressed, angry, sad, and sore. These schools are organized, family oriented, and designed for anyone, any age, any fitness level. The trainers are extremely knowledgeable about their craft, approachable, and genuinely care about the well-being and safety of us all. Training in Tactical Black at REACT Defense is the greatest gift you can give yourself, or anyone you care about. You learn the skills needed to walk in peace throughout life in an unpredictable world. Just go. You won't regret it. read more

My 13 year old daughter and I have been going to REACT Defense System GLENDALE location for a year now. As a mother, I am so grateful for the skills that we both have learned. I have the peace of mind knowing that when I send my daughter out into the world, she'll have no problem defending herself if she ever needs to. The skills you learn here are invaluable! The awesome instructors at the GLENDALE location have been wonderful to work with. Each bring their own unique teaching style, but all are very knowledgeable of their craft, patient, and motivating. Everyone (students and instructors alike) are very welcoming and you never feel like you have to be an expert on day one, day 30, or even day 365 for that matter. It's been an amazing experience and I would highly recommend REACT Defense System to everyone. You are never too old or too young to learn something that can save your life! read more

I'm a nurse working in an environment where patients can get verbally and physically aggressive and I travel internationally either alone or with other women, so there are plenty of times I have felt out of my depth or vulnerable. Mostly I felt as if my head always had to be on a swivel. Then I started training at REACT Defense Systems. The classes are well organized and well led. The instructors are kind, very knowledgeable and take the time to make sure everyone is both safe and successful. I walked out of my first class feeling 10 feet tall and eager to learn more. I've now been attending for almost 2 years and continue to be challenged while feeling much calmer and better equipped when moving through my job and public spaces. Would recommend this to anyone interested in defense of self or others. It also happens to be an amazing workout. read more

The level of professionalism at REACT Defense Systems is unmatched. The instructors are very knowledgeable, professional, and able to accommodate all levels of training. The skills covered are strategically developed and taught in a practical manner, and I have fun and get a good workout during every class. The seminars are also amazing and packed with information. Above all, the environment is welcoming of people of all ages, genders, and experience levels, and everyone has the opportunity to learn and grow, no matter what their prior experience may be. I have learned so much in just a few short years, and the skills and overall experience have been valuable beyond measure. read more

I would urge you to try this place out for yourself. I have been involved in martial arts almost all of my life. Tony and the other instructors are very courteous and professional. I have been working out here for several years and have never had a bad experience. This is a great place to get in shape and at the same time learn how to defend yourself if you should ever be in a bad situation. What they teach here is FAR different from traditional karate. This is real street self-defense. H2H, knife, stick, gun. Do yourself a favor and check this place out and decide for yourself. Don't listen to the sour grapes of a few others. read more

These gyms are great! We want more bag classes (Sunday classes would be awesome too!). Would be nice if they nagged people about showing up late to classes more. Just like any cardio/endurance type of gym, you get out of it what you put into it, if you're not sweating in their classes you're not trying hard enough! Friendly, knowledgeable staff, dynamic workouts that are adaptable to most levels of fitness and injury, non-intimidating but they are serious and that is appreciated to the serious students. Not a zoomba gym. read more

These guys run one of the most welcoming and thorough self defense gyms I have ever seen. They test all of their techniques extensively and their instructors can teach them in a low pressure setting until you get it and are confident with the technique. Then they gradually ramp up the intensity through the levels until you find yourself sparing with your training partner in some pretty challenging (and fun) scenarios. I've been with them for 8 years and I'm looking forward to another 20 or so...maybe longer! read more

I was given a REACT gift certificate by my brother for Christmas. It is, hands down, one of the best experiences I have had! The staff is EXTREMELY supportive and patient, the students are equally as kind and encouraging and everyone takes safety seriously. I recommend this organization for any man, woman or child who desire to be more aware and prepared to the unexpected. read more

After a couple of months of looking at various training centers, I chose RDS Glendale. A lot of things led me to my decision to go here, and I'm so glad I did. Not only were the instructors well-trained and knowledgeable on their practice, they were fun, personable, and ver charismatic. It was a great first experience, and I will absolutely be back! read more

They pay people to try and give them good reviews to hide the other reviews. Don't give in to the 5 star reviews. The truth is that they are sales people who try to sell you on an overpriced package and keep you in and don't let you breach the contract for medical emergencies. read more

I got injured during the class and they just offered a piece of cold steak to treat me. They don't care about you or your health. Everyone says who goes here that they just care about money they make and not their clients read more

Overall bad experience over the years. I finally got out of my contract with them. It is so hard to get out of the contract and they kept charging. I promise you they care more about money they make then teaching. read more

I had high hopes for this place until I talked to the management. They were so rude and unwelcoming and made me want to quit. They had no encouragement and always whiffed you off if you asked a question read more

Awesome training if you're looking to learn self defense, weapons defense, as well as build strength and endurance with the fitness classes. The people are really cool and fun to work with. read more

super RUDE management!! They were very rude and unwelcoming and I saw them send home somebody because they were struggling and holding back the class. What kind of thing is that?? read more