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Academy of Self Defense
Rating Details »
Categories: Martial Arts, Gyms [Edit]
3475 Woodward AveSanta Clara, CA 95054
(408) 844-8485
Train @ ASD for 2-weeks -- FREE!
Free, No Pressure, 2-week trial membership to all of ASD's programs (Krav Maga, JCF, MMA) Call (408) 844-8485 for more details.
- Hours:
Mon-Thu. 7:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
33 reviews for Academy of Self Defense
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One of the Business' Favorite Reviews What's This?
I've been going to ASD for over a year now and I absolutely love it! It's my home away from home... since I am there for hours at a time. I look forward to coming through ASD's doors every time I come to train.
One of the highlights of the place is Ralph - the front desk guy! He's always smiling and approachable and makes those that are first-timers feel extremely comfortable. He's also really helpful whenever I have questions about anything.
Another great thing about ASD are the coaches - the best around! They will work you and help you achieve your goals. They will push you beyond your limits - limits that you never knew you could reach!
I highly recommend checking this place out. I mean what do you have to lose? If you have any questions just ask Ralph or the many friendly faces there - they will tell you!
Personally, ASD has gotten me in the best shape of my life! Try it out!
ASD is amazing! I was looking for a way to get in shape, and to learn self defense techniques that would help in worst case scenarios. I went to check it out 2.5 months ago, and have been completely hooked. I've lost over 10 pounds (averaging a pound per week since joining), am stronger and feel better than I have in 10 years, and learn something new each day.
Their 2 week free trial is incredible. I had over 10 hours of instruction totally free, no pressure, just great opportunities to learn. I don't know of another school that offers so much as part of the free trial.
The instructors are extremely helpful, focused and skilled. Teaching is absolutely their priority. I'm studying Krav Maga and Eskrima. I particularly enjoy Ev's Wednesday noon Krav Maga grappling and weapons "think for yourself" class, and the Thursday noon Eskrima class with Suro Jason. Those two classes are a great addition to the "standard" Krav Maga curriculum which builds a core foundation of technique, strength and fitness. My confidence is growing, I feel great, and I look forward to my workouts every day.
I'd always been interested in some sort of martial art or self defense, but had never gotten around to it trying it. Once I started at ASD, I realized that all it took was walking through the door. So simple: Just take action! Now I feel the benefits every single day.
Ok if I used my NYC vernacular, I would state this place is off the "____" chain but since this is a family website, I'll switch it up.
I took advantage of the two week free membership (highly recommended) to give ASD a trial run after taking the JCF and Krav Maga classes for a week. After my first week, I was hooked. The management and training staff are all extremely competent and very approachable.
I have since become an Elite member, and I decided to train in all the disciplines they offer I looked around and found if I tried to ala carte -out (pricing exercise) what I get from ASD I couldn't touch what they offer (real talk) . I have also participated in some of the specialty seminars and once again the experience was off the freaking (clean version) chain. I can't say enough about this place.
I highly recommend ASD, come see for yourself.
regards,
NY.
Excellent place to train like a fighter even if you don't fight. Or if you just want to get you mid-section tightened up, its good for that too. You won't find juiced up meat heads here like the ones that hang around the free weights at the gym--just a fun group of people getting in shape.
Try JCF for starters.
I LOVE this place. It's a 5-star place! Why am I giving it 4 stars? Well, there was a little out-of-gym situation with a teacher that left a bad taste in my mouth and made me not want to come back. Well, I think that teacher is no longer there and when I heard this, I decided it was time to return :)
I am coming back from a cruise mid-November and I will start doing some serious training here again (like I used to back in the day) as SOON as I get back. I can't wait to see Ev, Jivoni, Roxy, Stan and Clara n all them again, they ROCK!!!
I have the attention span of an eggplant. And, I hate feeling sore. And, I am not an exerciser.
I had been looking for years for something that would hold my attention and make exercising interesting enough to keep me coming back, even through the pain. I had read about krav and wanted to try. I would have driven an hour for the right place, but lucky for me, this place was just 15 minutes away!
The instructors actually care about how you're doing and despite the 15-30 people in a class (during the evenings), they still come around and correct your form. This is the ONLY physical activity that has been able to motivate me beyond a month. I LOVE THIS PLACE!
I use to be a student of ASD and there aren't enough words in the English dictionary to explain how great of a place this is. The whole crew there is amazing. Ev is the best! Not only do they teach you great skills to protect yourself, they make you feel like family. The camping trips are great, so if you get a chance to go I recommend it. Phil makes the best Banana salad! THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID!
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
My journey into martial arts began many years ago with traditional Japanese systems. When I moved back to the bay area, my initial thought was to go back to the old dojo to continue training. Then I stumbled upon ASD while playing around on Yelp.
The first person I met at ASD was Ev Pepper. He is the head Krav Maga (KM) instructor, and I wanted to try out KM so it worked out perfectly. I told Ev I wanted to get in shape and fit back into my pants (I was wearing size 33in pants and wanted to get back to 31in). Ev told me I would lose two pant sizes in three months. I'll come back to this later.
You are given a two week unrestricted pass to try any of the classes you want. After the first KM class, I was hooked! I was sore, my muscles hurt, and I wanted to throw-up. I signed up after the first week just because I knew I stumbled upon something special.
If you are looking to learn self defense, you really need to try KM. You will learn defenses here that are considered "high level techniques" in other disciplines. And it won't take you years. Within the first few weeks, I was defending against chocks, knives, and guns! I'm no where close to being competent at any techniques yet, but I'm a lot more confident and wiser now then when I started.
Everyone I've meet here so far is very friendly. In February I started wearing my size 30" pants again! I lost almost 20 lbs and gained a lot of muscle and stamina. All since late November. I made it through all those holidays without setting myself back.
ASD is a great place to train. If I had more time, I would try some of the other classes offered.
Likes:
-Lots of different classes offered
-Friendly staff and instructors
-Friendly students without attitudes
-Clean, odor-free facility
-Fun, informative, practical training
Dislikes:
-Parking could be a problem if you show up late. (there are just so many people that train here, but it's a good thing. That means they are doing something right.)
Couldn't ask for a better intro to Krav Maga! I hadn't trained in any combat technique since high school wrestling and was able to get involved in the class right away. The emphasis is placed on real world scenarios and the instructors have been helpful and invited me to participate in as many classes as I can. A very positive experience for my introduction to martial arts.
great place to get a butt-kicking workout! this is a very healthy, fun, and energetic environment and the instructors are fun and crazy and will push you to your limit. The two-week free trial is so easy to do, and they don't pressure you to do anymore or try to sell you anything. Get up and go!
This place rocks! It's a great, friendly environment where everyone, students and teachers, are there to help you learn to defend yourself and get better. I started taking Krav Maga classes here a few months ago and I'm hooked.
The instructors are excellent, they'll bark at you and push you, but they'll also come along side you and make sure you're doing thing properly. Ev makes it a point to know everyone's name, and his welcoming attitude trickles down to every student and newcomer, so that not only are you learning from the instructors, but the more seasoned students are also just as eager to pass on their knowledge as well as welcome in new students.
Overall, this is a great place to workout, get fit, and learn Krav Maga.
After the first class of my 2 week trial I was hooked. The trial was easy. No one pressured me, tried to sell me anything. They don't have to the classes speaks for themselves. Definitely more exciting than my usual gym routine that I had grown tired of.
Everything here is outstanding! I do all the JCF classes--boxing, 300, cardio kickboxing, etc. Jivoni has developed a system that is fun and challenging but best of all it is rewarding--you get results! He has the unique ability to motivate each of his students to work hard and succeed. I have been training with Jivoni for a few years now and I can honestly say that his classes have gotten me in the best shape of my life.
Yes, his program is intense but it is so well worth the effort. I look forward to training with him for years to come. Thanks Coach Jivoni!
I have been going to ASD for over a year now and let me tell you, it still kicks my a$$ everytime! Jivoni's Combo Fit class is intense, non-stop, and tough! (I actually threw up my very first class - I don't feel TOO bad for admitting that because I know I'm not the only one that has done so.. LOL!) If you want to get in shape, this is where you need to be.
The workouts are always different and far from boring! I've been sore in places I didn't know I could be sore! I cannot say enough great things about JCF and the Academy as a whole. They are like family and you ALWAYS feel welcomed!
I have made many friends here and have established genuine friendships, so that just goes to show you what kind of people you meet at this gym.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! - As we say (our mantras) "FIT DON'T QUIT" and "GO HARD or GO HOME"!
I'm a female Jewelry Store Owner and I appreciate the professionalism
and the techniques taught at ASD. The workouts are intense and I will
absolutely be going back. I recommend them to all my friends,
especially all women. Giovanna Ehrhardt
This place is my addiction. There is nothing else in this world that will get me on the road by 6:20AM to get to my 7AM combat fit class with Jivoni. I sometimes dream about him shouting, "Don't touch my tape!" (part of the '300' boot camp class...you'll see)
I started a year ago to kick the crap out of anything after my boyfriend broke up with me, and although it's been a long time since I've imagined his face on the bags, it's still the most motivating workout EVER.
Not to mention I've lost 4% body fat, gained pounds of muscle, stronger bones, etc.
BTW, the women who take these classes ROCK...you'll consistently see more women heading in for the pain than the men. This includes punch combos, kicks, weights, pushups, pullups, obstacle courses..you name it. Nothing will bug you for the rest of the day..seriously. I finally built up the nerve to take Krav Maga after a year of the combat fit, so I'll write back and let you know.
And if you do show up for class after reading this, ask for 'Jersey'...that's what Jivoni calls me.
I've been attending Academy of Self Defense for nearly three years now, and I'm hopelessly addicted. No, really, I am. When I took a job that prevented me from attending for several months, I became grouchy and started gaining weight.
The primary focus of the Academy is teaching Krav Maga, the combat system of the Isreali Defense Forces. Note that this is not a martial art: you do not wear fancy pajamas with a colorful belt, you don't learn how to catch flies with chopsticks, but there is a little (half) Japanese man with a great sense of humor and occasionally-eccentric teaching methodologies that are counterintuitive but work.
The staff is enthusiastic, and gets to know you by name quickly. There are many extracurricular activities outside the Academy, and class camaraderie is high. Everyone is expected to respect each other in class, no matter who you are facing. Students in the classes I attend range from Jr. High School students all the way up to a few guys who look like they could be grandparents, but will quickly correct any notions that they might be over the hill.
If you have any interest in learning to defend yourself, get back in shape, and make new friends, come in for the two-week trial they offer. You will not be disappointed, and if you are, you've lost nothing. In the highly-likely event that you become addicted, you'll have found one of the best addictions around.
I started at ASD since the first day it opened. To this day, I am forever loyal to Instructors Everest Pepper, Kirian Fitzgibbons, and Jivoni Jordan. As a law enforcement officer, I learned some of the best officer safety tactics during the morning Krav Maga classes. Kirian is the most technically skilled instructor, with a passion second to none. I also am in the best cardio shape of my life, thanks to Jivoni Jordan's, Combat Fit classes.
With the combination of these classes, I have been street tested, and can say, without ASD, I might not be alive today.
I highly recommend this class to beginners, as well as, seasoned fighters.
There are no egos, no attitudes, and everyone there is absolutely friendly.
Best workout in your life, for the best price out there.
I used to train with Jivoni at my old job, but as soon as I left that company I knew I had to go to ASD so I could still get training from him. His classes at ASD are even better than the small classes at work!
I went to some Krav Maga classes during my free trial (2weeks, people!!! What gym or school do you know of that gives you 2 free classes, let alone 2 free WEEKS?!?!). The Krav classes are taught by some of the best instructors I have ever come across and in a very short time period I've already learned self defense techniques that I could use today if necessary.
I haven't heard a single complaint from any students at ASD regarding their experience here. Not only do they welcome all people from all walks of life [fit/unfit, beginner/advanced, etc.] but even after going there for months and years, you are still challenged by their classes.
I'm happy to be a part of the ASD family and I highly recommend taking advantage of the 2 week free trial - what have you got to lose?!?!?!
Just had my first training session and I'm very excited. I liked the informal setting, the dynamic instructors, and the no-frills signup (which means complete privacy - they never check your ID or anything like that).
I was a bit late but Ev (the krav maga instructor) got me right in, and I learned how to defend against a knife attack to the head during the first session (one hour). The initial warm-up was very intense - great to get you in shape, and I was very impressed by the rapid start-up. With krav maga, you get right in, without the fancy preparations of more philosophical martial arts.
All instructors are friendly, funny but not over the top or insulting your intelligence, respectful and answer any questions. All in all, Academy of Self Defense is a great venue to combine endorphin release with social interaction, and I'll be seen back there often.
I am addicted to this place. If you find yourself bored with working out in a traditional gym setting like I did, then this is the place for you. Here you workout in a class setting. They offer a variety of classes and you get 2 weeks free to try any of them before deciding what you would like to take. I remember my first Krav class. 15 minutes into the class I thought I was going to pass out and vomit. Ev Pepper and Danielle the instructors were so great. They took me outside to sit down and get some fresh air. They kept checking on me and didn't make me feel embarrassed at all. That is something I really appreciate is that all the instructors at this place are here to motivate you but not to push you over the edge. Krav not only gives you a great workout but you learn how to defend yourself against chokes, knives and guns. The conditioning gives you the endurance to stand up and fight and the techniques you learn give you the knowledge.
The classes that you will usually find me in are the JCF classes. I mostly go to the 7 am classes which are smaller than the evening classes. Jivoni, the instructor, varies the classes everyday so you are always working different muscles. These classes are a combination of cardio and muscle toning. You learn how to punch and do different kinds of kicks. Sometimes you use weights or kettle bells and other times you do exercises where you use your own weight as resistance. Woody, another instructor who helps with the 300 classes is always coming up with something new to add to the variety. These workouts are intense but you feel great when you are done. As I said before, they are very addictive. They keep you wanting to come back and get some more.
Not only will you get a great workout here but you will make so many friends. Everyone is friendly and supportive. The instructors here will help you meet your goals. I lost 15 lbs and 5% body fat in the first 6 months. Try it out. You won't be sorry.
i have trained alot of places in alot of styles, this was not the best or the worst
ASD is an awesome school. This a fight school and people are very serious about developing there craft. With that said - the people at the school are the nicest in any gym I have ever been to. There are no ego. The floor plan is great with adequate rest room and storage areas. The classes are well run and disciplined. There is great concern for the safety of the students and we have fun fighting.
The following classes are offered here: Boxing, Muay Thai, Jui Jitsu, and Krav Maga. Each class features conditioning to get you in shape and very good repetitive practice to get your skill at a high level and sparring at the end of every class to learn and stay sharp. The instructors are phenomenal and each are experts in there own field. Whether you are a beginner or extremely advanced this a great school. The hours are very flexible and the gym is open every day.... not excuse not to get fit... the fit don't quit....
Go hard or go home!
ASD is the only Northern California gym affiliated with Miletich Mixed Martial Arts. For those who are unfamiliar with the mixed martial arts (MMA) community, this program is modeled after the training methods of Pat Miletich who is a former UFC champion and world class trainer of many champions and top contenders. This training is an eclectic blend of techniques from boxing, muay thai kickbxing, Brazilian jiu jitsu, and wrestling. MMA at first appears to be archaic and lacking in any actual technique. It sometimes looks like to guys trying to beat each other up...well, it is. However, there is a method to the madness and this training shows you the way. In fact (because so many styles are involved), things can get pretty complicated as far strategic application. The MMA coach at ASD is Kirian Fitzgibbons (another former kickboxing champion). The fitness level of the mixed martial artist is incredibly demanding because of the various fighting arts involved. A student will work muscles that he or she never knew existed. The mass of students include competitors and non competitors. There are sparring classes (not mandatory) in which the students put on safety gear and attempt to execute the techniques against resisting opponents. The sparring classes are closely supervised by the coaches to ensure that the student's safety and as well as proper learning are emphasized.
The Muay thai program teaches the student the famous kickboxing techniques of Thailand. This class focuses first on technique development of punch, kick, knee, and elbow strikes. Then it focuses on creative combinations that have been proven to gain a sure advantage in the ring. A lot of the work is done on pads or heavy bags and it is good for aerobic conditioning as well. This program also has sparring which is also conducted in the same manner as the MMA sparring. The coach is Kirian Fitzgibbons; and he even plays traditional Thai music to enhance the experience.
Triune Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is where it all started for me. It is a grappling/wrestling martial art that can be done with or without a gi/kimono (like Judo) on. The emphasis is not on striking but on controlling an opponent. The students learn effective techniques of levearage to perform throws and joint locks/submissions. Majority of the training takes place on the ground since a large percentage of fights end up on the ground. The techniques are very effective and can give the smaller layer the advantage over a more athletic but inexperienced player. Stan Kendrick is the coach. He is a retired corrections officer and Champion of several national and international tournaments in Jiu jitsu. He believes deeply in the art's effectiveness since he has had to use it in real life many times. Jiu jitsu is a challenging martial art that takes time to understand; it's perfect for the critical thinker. It will also develop your physical strength and endurance in a way that kickboxing does not. The roots of this art are in self defense, but there are plenty of arenas for competition. It is definitely an art that anyone young or old can enjoy.
ASD is an awesome gym with plenty of friendly people, unlike other gyms. So if you're a competitor or not, if you come to ASD you will witness the strong camaraderie forged through the hardship of training; also you'll find that there is definitely a whole lot of character building going on here.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/13/2008
I've been here for over a year. This is part one of the review. ASD offers plenty of interesting… Read more »
I went to my first Krav Maga class on a Saturday morning, not really knowing what to expect, and it was the hardest workout I ever had in my life. I went back to a Tuesday evening class, and I got a tough warm-up again, but it was followed by a really interesting class on how to defend against someone with a gun. I decided then that I definitely wanted to keep going. I've been a student at ASD for 2 years now, and I've loved it the whole time. I definitely recommend Krav Maga for anyone, women and men both, who want to learn more about how to defend themselves against any sort of street attack, gain confidence, and get in better shape. ASD has to be one of the best Krav Maga schools in the country.
I've been going to ASD for about 10 months now and in short.....this place has world class instructors who will get you in shape and will teach you a variety of disciplines. I personally like the Boxing and Muay Thai classes there. If you just want to get in shape in general, the JCF class is for you. This class is not your typical cardio kickboxing class. It will kick your butt every time you take it. You'll find that the majority of the people there are friendly and not so egotistic. The only small gripe I have is the parking. Come at least 10 min before your class or you'll find yourself walking a long ways. Come try it out. You have a 2 weeks free trial with no obligation at all to sign up. You can try any and all classes they offer.
My wife and I enjoyed taking some Krav Maga here. The classes are such that even the total beginner can learn things very quickly. We liked how the knowledgeable, dynamic instructors answered any question we had, no matter how basic. They were happy to give us personal attention to go over skills or techniques if we didn't get something the first time. We also liked how the other students openly welcomed a couple of newbies and happily helped out with their own tips if the instructor was working with someone else. Highly recommended.
I've been going for a couple weeks now and I'm addicted to it! I'm very glad that my girlfriend introduced me to this class. Jivoni's Combo Fit (JCF) is the most intensive working out I've ever experience. He works you out until you hate him, but at the end you love him because he wants what is best for your body. This reminds me of boot camp, not that I've ever been to one and the classes at 24 Hour are no comparison. There's no slacking off because you will pay for it....in a good way. It's very satisfying after the class is over because you feel more energetic.
If you're into trying something different in your workout routines, I recommend Jivoni's Combo Fit (JCF) cardio kick boxing class. This offers you a great way to release stress and it's fun.
In short:
This is an excellent martial arts gym.
Very good facility, superb instruction, and good people. Highly recommended for anyone from beginner to advanced.
There is also an excellent cardio fitness program for people who are looking to get in shape.
More details:
Classes - This gym has classes in Krav Maga, Police Combatives, Muay Thai, MMA, BJJ, and Cardio Fitness.
Instructors - I can not stress highly enough the quality of instruction here. The instructors are clearly knowledgeable and capable at every level, and in addition, they are good teachers (a subtle, but important distinction).
Facility - Very nice, new training facility. 2 large main training rooms, 1 carpeted with large mirrors and a remarkable overhead heavy bag system (holds ~25 bags, maybe more), 2nd main room has mats down with a quarter cage in one corner. There is also a nice side area with a number of standing bags. 2 gender-separated changing rooms, 2 bathrooms, and bleachers for observing round it out.
And to top it off: there's a 2-week free introduction period.
All in all this is a top of the line training facility, hope to see you there.
I started here 1st week of January and have been enjoying my experience ever since. I am taking Jivoni's Combat Fit and Escrima whenever I can get out of work. Combat Fit is intense and will definitely get you sweaty. It's been a few weeks and it's as enjoyable as the first time. Escrima is definitely cool, just have to watch those fingers from getting hit, it stings. All in all, I've signed up for a one year contract and will end up re-newing in 2008. Go to the website to check it out and at least take advantage of the two week free trial.
I trained here for a few months when I was living in the South Bay and I hope to return soon after I finish law school up in Berkeley. I'm a grappler and so about 90% of my training here consisted of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Stan Kendrick.
Stan is an excellent coach, which in an area as BJJ-heavy as here is almost expected. But what I really appreciated about training under Stan is that he's also a great guy. Sometimes those two qualities go together but, unfortunately, that's not always the case. Stan is patient, encouraging, and doesn't just focus on the students who show the most promise. I had already been training for a while when I started here, but I frequently saw Stan taking the time to work with beginners and help them develop and, if necessary, calling out those who deserved it. Another great thing about Stan is that he really advocates a balanced approach to the sport. Since he worked as a corrections officer for many years, Stan understands the difficulties (and the necessity) of balancing family, work, and martial arts. He is not an instructor who expects students to be on the mat 24/7 at the expense of everything else in their life before he will share his expertise. If you're going into martial arts for the right reasons, it'll be because you want to become a better person and not just a better fighter. I really felt that I was able to achieve that training at Triune. From a technical standpoint, the training is also excellent. There's lots of live rolling, but also "flow" training and basic drills that everyone needs to stay sharp. Two days a week are dedicated to no-gi and two days (one gi, one no-gi) are devoted to takedowns, which most BJJ schools don't emphasize. I am convinced that the work we did on takedowns helped me to win my semi-final match at the American Cup last year.
The last thing I'll say is that ASD as a whole is very well-run and ethical business. A lot of martial arts schools rely on semi-shady billing and collection agencies to squeeze more money out of their own students. ASD does not do that. Not only do they charge a reasonable price, but they are very up-front about everything regarding payments and billing. The only unfortunate thing is that they are the exception rather than the rule.
Ok, I do not do reviews allot.However, I pretty much mimic what others have stated about this place, when they say it is a great gym. I practice jiu jitsu at another place and came to check out the MMA class. Talk about strength and conditioning! This place does not mess around. And surprisingly, everyone seems down to earth. I may switch over to this gym completely, as going to one and the other will put a hurting on my pocket book. Bottom line, this place is good.
