Empire Defense & Fitness Inc

UPDATE:A little over 1 year ago I joined Empire, and today I have a second family and a home away from home.I don't want to delete my original review but give you a little update :)Since joining Empire I have improved my Krav skills dramatically. I have passed my level 1 test, and am looking forward to level 2. I am learning to improve with every since class.Also, I've since joined the F.I.T and Bootcamp classes, which I go to everyday, as well as 2 days of Krav. I have become stronger than I had ever thought possible. With F.I.T, Krav, and boot camp my cardio had improved and I can really kick some butt now (and lift relatively heavy objects)!Then I got Alan's guidance with my nutrition plan (which, let's be honest is the hardest part when it comes to being healthy) I have lost about 15 lbs in the last month or so.This is a great outlet. You quickly feel MUCH more confident about yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. You learn how to defend yourself. No matter what is going on in yourself, this is where you let it out, and feel better and happier.If you're like me, you'll write an update in a year too because you just can't leave!! I love meeting all of the new people come to Krav, Muay Thai and/or Jits! Guys and girls! So come in to try and introductory class and see for yourself :)----------------I absolutely love this place!I have been doing Krav Maga for about 7 months in Florida, then moved to Albany about 3 months ago and immediately looked for a place to train. Between Empire Martial Arts and one more place I tried, it was an OBVIOUS and very simple choice to make! I signed up immediately after my intro class with Alan, where he showed me the pace of a regular class.Even though I've done Krav Maga before, I had a little break before I started back up again in Albany, and I could feel it... So in class, even though it's very structured and meant to teach you how to push yourself, if you need a breather- take it! I remember I needed to take a minute during the first class, and now (1.5-2 months later) I can't wait to go to class and I wish I could go to two in a row! My cardio has greatly improved, and I've never felt healthier.No one is going to push you over the edge, but Alan will teach you to stop doubting yourself, and your "limit"!There are daily morning, evening classes, and also Saturday classes, so you don't have to worry you will miss a class!Great confidence booster (for women and men!),Awesome weight loss programs (dropped a pant size since I started just keeping up with Krav!!),You feel stronger (Empire Strong!),And you are welcomed so nicely into the Empire Family!I recommend Empire 100%. Call Alan and Cheryl today!!!

2016 was a challenging year for me personally and professionally. I experienced a lot of change and several losses in addition to the many other challenges that life presents. In the past, I've paid for gym memberships and have worked out independently but never felt satisfied. I was looking for something to engage me and pull me out of the negative place I was in. I saw an advertisement for a $19 trial with Empire Martial Arts and Krav Maga did it! I’ve now entered my second year and I’ve knocked down the stress in my life – it was the best $19 I’ve ever spent! Alan, Cheryl, Kevin, and Dan are devoted, dedicated, professionals who enjoy their craft. The classes are challenging, the routine ever changing and developing, always working new muscles and leaving no room to become stagnant. The inspirational quotes Alan shares puts things into perspective. Empire Martial Arts offers a fantastic workout, builds self confidence, and provides a skill set that you'll wish you had should you ever need it.As Alan says, “No more excuses. This is your year. Get some!”

I have been going to Empire Martial Arts for 3 year now. I am in the Krav Maga program. It's a great place. I really enjoy going there as the instructors are experts in their discipline and evaluation of your skills. They know how to ensure that you grow with the program and reach your personal goals. Most of all they promote a friendly environment. I would recommend anyone who is interested in Martial Arts to join Team Empire!

Empire is fantastic!! I have been taking Krav Maga classes at Empire for over two years and I've recently added FIT classes. Never in my life have I felt so strong and physically confident. Alan and Kevin always keep me motivated and focused. I look forward to going and feel great when I'm done!

I’ve been training in different martial arts since the 90s and experienced quite a range of gyms, instructors, etc., and the Empire team is as dedicated as you can get. This team operates on a foundation of integrity, an interest for your well-being and overall health, and a strong sense of community. It’s the kind of place you look forward to going at the end of the day, the kind of challenging & compelling experience that you just prioritize and make time for in your schedule - no joke, I’ve gone without sleep on work deadlines and still showed up for my training here. You can leave your job stress or whatever else at the door and trust the instructors and your teammates to bring their incredible attitudes, experience, and knowledge every day. Part of the beauty of this is that you can and do take your training with you back to work and into your personal growth, which enables you to manage stresses and solve problems better & more quickly.Speaking personally, I’m currently enrolled in the Boot Camp program as well as training Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu. After a few months of initial training, I was out of commission from surgery and couldn’t walk for awhile; I worried things might never be normal again, but the Empire instructors safely and rapidly guided me to recovery and beyond, to a level of performance I would not have believed possible. You never get the sense that there's somewhere else they'd rather be, which I have gotten from other trainers/instructors in the past - they're totally present, which I really appreciate and is part of what kept me coming back and fighting through the pain of recovery. My strength, agility, and precision (physical & mental) have improved significantly. I’ve lost 30+lbs, received quite a lot of very nice compliments, and finally - and I know for a lot of ladies this is the most important point - I feel much more confident in knowing that I can protect myself in a bad situation.I highly recommend the Empire team, have had a wonderful experience here since I joined last summer, and encourage you to give it a try, because the benefits you will reap absolutely extend to every part of your life.

I have been training now for 4 years at Empire. I enjoy the challenges that are given to me in the fitness classes. You just never realize how strong you can be but Alan knows your abilities and will push you accordingly so you can be your best and strongest ever. I see many of my team mates making great progress as well. Everyone is always encouraging each other so even on those days you are not feeling your strongest, you will have someone giving you that little motivation. Highly recommend trying it out.I have been training at Empire for the past 3 years in Muay Thai and Boot Camp Fitness. I am amazed at how strong I have become and I am definitely doing things I never thought I was capable of. If you are thinking of trying Martial Arts or to get in shape, this is the place. The great thing is that you work at your own pace while you develop your skills and fitness level. It is a non-judgmental environment. The people I've met here are almost like family and are always encouraging me. I can't say enough about Alan and Kevin as instructors. Alan is a Master at writing and teaching the training programs. Kevin has the technical skills 100% and really takes his time to show you how to do it right. I wish I had known about this place years ago. There is no better feeling after a long work day than an awesome workout and smashing some pads. Give this place a try, you may like it so much that you will want to do more than one program

Krav Maga training at Empire has absolutely changed my life for the better. I joined in August, 2010 knowing nothing about defending myself or really caring much about my physical health. I was in my 30s, totally out of shape, and slowly becoming overweight. Needless to say, because of Alan's expertise and energy, that changed very quickly. Pounds flew off, I felt better and had more confidence. It's a team spirit at empire, we help and push each other to fight on. 5 years later I'm still there learning, sharpening and keeping in top physical shape. My whole family is now active at Empire and they see why I've kept coming back. Give it a try

Alan is a quality experienced instructor. You will get real world application for any type of scenario. As an experienced Krav Maga student, I received several new tools and ideas in only one class! This gym is first class and has a focus on equipping its students with everything they need to survive a fight in the real world. As a female, I felt very comfortable training here. Its a friendly, professional, environment. I will definitely return next time I am in town.

Empire Martial Arts is an amazing school that instills the drive and determination to win. I highly recommend Alan and his staff because they care about your success and continually create challenges that motivate me and my family. I started in Krav Maga and stripped off 40 lbs, my wife took Krav Maga and lost 20 lbs and still loosing, We t\are now adding lean muscle in the Boot Camp class. The School offers classes in Muay Thai, Krav Maga, Jiu Jitsu, a Fitness strength training Boot Camp and Mixed Martial Arts for all skill levels and ages. Me and My whole family take classes and it is a great place for families who want to train and get in shape.

I've been enrolled in evening Krav Maga classes here for just over a year now and have only positive things to say about Empire; the gym, the training, and the instructors. The gym is clean, and never smells despite the 100+ people a night sweating through the different courses. The classes are hands on with a focus on real world scenarios, and the instructors are knowledgeable, friendly, know everyone by name and are equal parts brusque and encouraging as the situation warrants.If you're interested primarily in self-defense, or in a enjoyable and interesting way to get back in shape, this is the place you want to be.