OUR INSTRUCTORS

Jay has been a martial arts and fitness entrepreneur for the past 30 years. He holds black belts in several martial arts, in which he started his training in 1977. He is the founder and Chief Instructor of Krav Maga and Fitness of Phoenix, Chandler, Glendale and Gilbert. As a fully certified Krav Maga civilian, Advanced FORCE Training (law enforcement) instructor, CCW and NRA Certified Instructor, Jay keeps quite busy with more than over 130 classes a week between locations.

Chief instructor Jay Ackerman is the founder of both R.E.A.C.T. (Reality Environmental Adrenal Conditioning Training) Defense and Tactical Black. These two systems place an emphasis on hand to hand combat, weapon on weapon, weapon retention, firearms tactical training, firearms safety, and environmental scenario based training, making them one of the most advanced self-defense systems in the world today.

Jay also created our A.L.E.E.T. (Advanced Level Explosive Endurance Training) program. This trademarked system of sports specific- training is used to train professional athletes, law enforcement, military, and the average person who wants to lose weight and get into incredible shape.

Jay has spent many years training and teaching full-contact fighting. Under Jays’ instruction and direction, the school was named Krav Maga Worldwide School of the Year in 2005 and again in 2007. He also has received the Humanitarian Award in 2008 and 2009 for his efforts in training law enforcement and raising money for the STOP Cancer / Marni Levine Fund.

Head Instructor, Josh Ackerman has been training in martial arts since he was 6 years old. Josh is recognized as one of the most skilled martial artist's and MMA fighter/instructor in the U.S. today. He is an accomplished boxer, kick boxer and state wrestler. In 2004, he was certified in Bas Rutten MMA System. Josh has also spent time training privately with Bas Rutten.

Josh is Head Instructor and co-owner of all locations. He is a fully certified Krav Maga, Advanced Force training instructor as well as a co creator of our ALEET, Tactical Black, and REACT training programs. Josh is also a NRA and CCW certified firearms instructor.

Josh is an exceptional young man with great character and the great gift of humor.

In 2009 he was honored to receive from Chief Instructor Jay Ackerman a master certification in REACT Defense for over 2000 hours of teaching and instruction.

Mike Fobes began his training with Chief instructor Jay Ackerman in 2001.Michael was recognized for his talented martial arts abilities and special personality and was asked to join the instructor program. 


Mike is the Head Instructor and Manager for the Glendale training center. He is a fully certified Krav Maga, ALEET, and REACT instructor as well as a co-founder of our Tactical Black program. Michael is also a NRA and CCW certified firearms instructor.

Michael is passionate about teaching people to save their lives and helping them get into great shape while having a blast doing it! He is a positive thinker and enthusiastic instructor who is dedicated to building your confidence and making you better. 

In 2009 he was honored to receive from Chief Instructor Jay Ackerman a master certification in REACT Defense for over 2000 hours of teaching and instruction.