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“Alon and Raz teach and emphasize the importance of group work in combatting an Active Shooter. The class works and fights together and everyone comes to each other’s aid if necessary. Skills like dragging a fellow co-worker out of danger are taught as is protecting a loved one from a threat by fighting an aggressor, and when the perpetrator is neutralized grabbing your loved one to take them to safety. Their instructions were very clear, precise and empowering. Neither instructor hesitated at any point or give the impression of not being completely sure of what they were doing. Every action they wanted the class to perform was done with confidence that the participants could do it. They exuded confidence and in turn, the KME practitioners responded in kind.”

- Anonymous

“Raz, you have given my son confidence. You introduced him to physical fitness and have given him the skills to approach uncomfortable situations. You also created a space for he and I to bond. You are special. I enjoy all of our time together. Every class is a new adventure."

— Ron

“The world of self-defense and martial arts generally is littered with charlatans…but Raz Chen is the real deal in every way! First, he possesses a breadth and depth of genuine expertise—grounded in real-life first-hand experience—that few others can rival. But despite his vast skill and knowledge base, Raz still maintains a humility that is downright awe-inspiring. Ever the student, Raz’s unique style of training blends relevant teaching across multiple disciplines (stand-up and striking arts, groundgame/grappling, takedowns/wrestling), but does not neglect the critical dimension of situational awareness and victim-aggressor psychology. What’s more, he is able to apply his expertise at a highly-customized level to personally tailor a training program that fits each of his students, regardless of prior experience, fitness, age, body type, etc. The lessons you take away are immediately relevant in your day-to-day life, whether walking down a dark alley (which you shouldn’t be doing in the first place!) or learning how to break a fall without breaking your back! And last but not least, Raz continues to inspire you long after you’ve stepped off the mats, motivating you to aspire for (and attain!) ever-higher goals. Thank you Raz!!”

— Yevgeny

“I have been training with Raz for the past 8 months. In my work in a correctional institution, you are at constant risk of being assaulted. Through my training with Raz, I was able to defend myself against a violent patient who became unpredictably assaultive. Were it not for my Krav Maga training, I would have likely been in the hospital recovering from injuries instead of writing this review. Thank God for Raz and Krav Maga training.”

— Jon

“I have been training in Krav Maga under Raz for over two years now, and his influence has been twofold: he is an instructor, and a mentor. He is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable instructors I have ever had - as his experience in the IDF, along with training soldiers and civilians, has provided him with an invaluable 360 vision on how to efficiently train beginners and build warriors. Not only does Raz train us to effectively protect ourselves physically, but he also provides us with an environment to mentally challenge ourselves to be stronger and wiser than we were yesterday. He is patient but tough, and every training day with him is a day we become stronger.”

— Anonymous

“In my first Krav Maga class, I was very nervous, older than the entire rest of the group. I was ready to turn around and leave. Then Raz came over to me and introduced himself, making me feel welcomed before he started the class. I watched, not just how he was with me, but with all of the students. It was so impressive to see how he patiently helped each person. Raz so clearly cares about how everyone feels, and strives to make sure they are successful. I am so impressed at his maturity and calm demeanor. He shows a warmth to everyone and takes the time to check in on their needs. He works with everyone, never losing his patience, always recognizing each person’s abilities and encouraging them to strive for their best. In doing so, he has built a supportive and loyal community of students and instructors through his classes.

I have continued as Raz’s client for these 5 years in the group sessions and during this past year in private sessions. In our private sessions, I have been able to get to know Raz even more as a person, and he is a delight. He is a joy to work with and knows how to ease tension with humor.”

— Joan

"Before I began training with Raz, my body felt tired, heavy and tight. I thought I would need surgery before 35. A few months after I began working with Raz, I felt faster, stronger and younger. My agility, speed, balance, breathing and overall performance has improved drastically. I feel like I'm in my mid - twenties again. It truly feels like my body has learned to heal itself, like I can do anything. This is how I want to feel as I age."

- Gia

“With New York City becoming increasingly dangerous, I felt it was more important than ever to learn how to protect myself in any scenario. With little to no knowledge of any forms of martial arts or self defense, I began training with Raz a few months ago in Riverside Park. What started with basics like simple footwork, straight punches, and light cardio quickly progressed to learning advanced strike combinations to target weak points, evaluating the appropriate response for different situations, and engaging in high intensity interval training that leaves me feeling both exhilarated and beat to a pulp after every session. Despite the unusual circumstances of training outdoors during the COVID pandemic, Raz, always resourceful, made it feel like a unique advantage. With clever use of outdoor terrain and natural obstacles, my sessions have featured pull-ups on tree branches, vertical leaps onto boulders, and walking forwards and backwards on guard rails. Raz truly excels at motivating you to push beyond your limits and rapidly reach goals you thought might be years away. He is the ideal personal trainer.”

— Joe

“Raz is an incredibly passionate teacher with an ability to both challenge and empower his students on and off the mat. It is a whole body strengthening experience to learn from him. A city such as New York is very fortunate to have his teaching available as a resource to its citizens. For the skills taught equip students with both a mental readiness and physical ability to engage if necessary in any form of injustice or trauma. I highly recommend taking advantage of the opportunity he provides to grow as an individual and fighter!”

— Callie