Close Quarters Combat New York was an amazing addition to the RIT community for our Self Defense Program! When we came up with the idea of teaching residents self defense through a program, never did I think would it be as great and successful as it was. I honestly credit that to Ryan and Mike for doing such a great job at engaging our residents and teaching them “real-life” logical tactics. It made a lot of sense especially for the beginner as Ryan kept saying, you don’t need to know Kung fu/martial arts in order to protect yourself which I thought was great. I had such a great time and learned so much in just the short time we had the program and I would invite them back any time and even consider taking a class with them in the future. (Plus, Ryan was really patient with all of the things we threw at him, haha.) Again, it was amazing and I thank them very much!!!

Baylee Richards, Senior Resident Advisor - Rochester Institute of Technology

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The Self Defense program was by far one of the best programs that the RIT campus has had so far this. The PowerPoint at the beginning was an informative overview as to what we'd be learning during the class, but it was presented in such an interesting, fun way that you simply could not be bored. The instructors made sure to go around and give everyone individual attention to assure they were performing each move correctly. Not only were self defense moves taught to us, but also tips as to what to do and how to carry yourself to prevent becoming a victim were taught. I learned so much in the two hours we had and such a great time.

Sarah Piejko, Resident Advisor - Rochester Institute of Technology

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Close Quarters Combat New York teaches the most effective fighting techniques from many different styles of martial arts. These techniques work in real life situations and can save your life! This fighting system is not taught in Karate Schools, Army or even Gunsite, Blackwater and Executive Security International! Ryan’s enthusiasm is contagious! He genuinely cares about his students and wants to see them do their best. Every class is strategically planned around what you have learned and your skill set. This system is effective, efficient and works!

Chris Bernhard

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My husband and I were planning a long weekend trip in Rochester, However, friends had warned us to be cautious because of the rising crime rate in the city. With that in mind, I contacted Ryan at Close Quarters Combat New York and he created a private class for us. We have had no previous self defense training but now feel certain that we could use our knowledge and skills to protect ourselves.

Ryan's instruction gave us a better understanding of the psychological aspect of an aggressive encounter from both the defensive and offensive perspective. The physical drills were more than impressive and the techniques taught are practical and extremely effective. We have come away from this experience more confident and empowered.

We're looking forward to our next visit.

AJ and Jolene Lomnes

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Having taken MMA classes before I assumed you'd be teaching things that I've already learned. But everything at the Combative Mindset Seminar was completely new to me. I was shocked at how much I learned in just a few hours. I feel much more confident in my abilities now. I was also surprised at the emotions the class was able to bring out of me. I'm usually an insanely calm person; almost no one I know has seen me get angry. But this class brought out aggression I don't remember feeling before. What makes it even more crazy--I think that's the word I kept using--is that I'm usually unbearably shy, so letting those kinds of emotions out in front of a couple people I had never met before was really absurd for me. So aside from feeling more confident in a self-protection sense, I feel more confident about myself in general. I'm not saying I'm not shy anymore, but it helped me get over it a bit.

Anyway, after the class I felt like a pretty big burden was lifted from my shoulders because I allowed myself to let my bottled up aggression out. Overall it was a great experience for me in a few different ways. It was worth much more than the money I paid to take the class. Can't wait to start the one-on-one classes!

Zak Battaglia

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Thanks Ryan for the specialized training just for me. I am a disabled person with very poor balance but with Ryan's help he devised a training method just for me and I could not be happier. Even with just a few weeks of training I feel much safer and confident with myself. I can't imagine how I'm going to feel in a couple of more months of training.

Stuart Harris

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Ryan, just writing to thank you for the great classes. Being an NRA firearms and personal protection instructor myself, I attended your class with very high expectations. You met and surpassed them. I feel that I learned a lot, especially in the psychological aspect of self defense. Your combative mindset seminar was phenomenal. Very organized, informative and real life. As we discussed I will encourage my son to take this class from you and hopefully soon he and I can train with you and learn some of your additional techniques. Your teachings are real life and very much in line with what I believe people truly wishing to learn to defend themselves should be learning. Thanks again

Lewis DiPietro

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I have no martial arts background and have never been in a fight. So basically I had no idea what I was capable of in a confrontation or how to conduct myself in such a situation….that is until I took my first class with Close Quarters Combat New York. Just after one class, the "Combative Mindset Seminar", my confidence and knowledge of how to control myself and how to control the situation increased dramatically.

Through discussions/lectures and drills, I was able to tap into this mindset which is key to winning any fight….and it felt good! It felt good to be in control, to feel like that not matter what you could take anyone down. I am by no means an expert after one 3 hour class, but these skills are something that I want to master. You can be sure to see me in the group lessons and I will probably take the private lessons as well. Definitely worth the money, no question there. Even if you are not interested in becoming a full time student, anyone and everyone can benefit from this seminar.

This seminar was freakin awesome and I am pumped up to continue training! Thank you Ryan for what you are doing!

William Batiste

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I have completed my first 4 weeks of training at CQCNY. I started taking the classes at CQCNY not because I was afraid of being attacked or paranoid about what the world had in store for me when I walked out of my door. I took them simply because I wanted to add to my physical skill set and challenge myself learning something new. I had some experience in martial arts, but as with most who take Ryan’s classes, I wanted training in something a bit more realistic. Until I started looking around at unarmed combat/self defense classes I didn’t even know something like this existed. After the first 2 classes I found myself in a situation late on a Friday night that had the potential to turn ugly. Without even thinking, I began using the pre-fight techniques I had learned in class. It was only as I was walking away (having avoided a confrontation…the best outcome) that I realized what I had done. With that I was absolutely certain of the effectiveness of Ryan’s training method.

Ryan is one of the better instructors I have trained under. I am not restricting the term “instructor” to martial arts or any other specialized training. I’m grouping him with anyone who has endeavored to teach me anything in a structured manner (teachers, professors, job training). His takes the time to be certain his student understands and has internalized what he is teaching. He has never made me feel foolish for having a question or not picking up a technique right away. This is not to say he does not challenge his students. The first 2 classes there was so much to learn that my head hurt a little on my drive home. If you do what Ryan asks you to and focus during class, you will have no other option but to learn the skills you need to increase your chances of surviving an attack.

The initial focus of this training is not the actual hitting, slapping, grabbing, kneeing, attachments, etc. These things come secondary to the psychological and emotional aspects of an attack. Ryan not only points out what is likely going through an attackers head, but he gives ideas how to interrupt their thought process and exercise some level of control over it. He shows you how to get inside of your attackers decision making process. Sometimes the aforementioned physical techniques are used, but the most desirable option would, of course, be verbal and use of body language. He also teaches how to recognize the emotional responses in yourself during an attack and how to deal with those responses and use them to help you to take control of the situation. Keep in mind, all of this was covered in only the first 4 weeks.

My first month is over and I am extremely happy with the progress I have made and the skills I have developed. I find myself telling I everyone I know about this class. Sometimes I have to show off a little of what I’ve learned. I am planning on spending 8 more hours with Ryan next month. I have absolutely no idea what I will be capable of by then.

If you are even considering taking a self defense class, you should really stop in and talk with Ryan. What he can teach you in a month no one will ever be able to take away. And at the risk of sounding a bit over the top, it may actually save your life.

Thanks for everything thus far Ryan. I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can of what you have to offer.

John Bugajski

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Great Instruction so far! Thanks so much for offering these classes. I have only been taking your classes for a month now and I can already say how great your material is. I have never even thought about some of what you are teaching me. You have really opened my eyes to reality and what is going to work if I am attacked. I really look forward to learning much more. You have a new student for life!

Andy V.

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I have been looking for the perfect form of self defense for many years with no luck. I found CQCNY with more searching and wow, I must say that afer my first 5 min I was hooked. This is the coolest thing I have ever done in my life and I have accomplished alot. The teaching and training are top notch and Ryan is a great instructor. Whether you want to augment your art or start brand new I can't tell you how awesome it is...I feel good, Progress is what you put into it and well, lets just say that you will be hooked, I promise..Thx Ryan I look forward to the future.

Mike Osborne

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I wanted to say thank you to Ryan at C.Q.C.N.Y. I am a 35 year old male who has wanted to take martial arts my whole life. I never did because I was looking for something that I felt would help me in a realistic setting. C.Q.C.N.Y promotes (reality based self defence) and its members come from all backgrounds. I especially want to say thank you to Ryan for the amount of personal attention he shows to me as a student to make sure that I understand what I am learning and making sure I enjoy myself during every session. I had a million questions before I got started, and he took the time to answer each and everyone of them and explained them to me with out "looking down on me" I would definitely reccomend C.Q.C.N.Y. to anybody that a has a remote interest in self defence.

Chris Tartaglia

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I enjoyed the recent seminar about combative mindset. I think this is a very helpful thing for myself to learn because of what I want to do with my life and just to be a regular person in this world today. The techniques I picked up and the simple but effective drills I can apply to my every day life, as well as in my martial arts training. The main reason why I wanted to start training here was to help my current skills and so that I could have new defenses when testing for my second-degree black belt this year. Also, I want to become a police officer and the extra amount of skill will help on the streets. The whole mindset thing was a very good tool in controlling your emotions and thoughts. I know this is an area that I need work in so the techniques will help me out in the future.
I wish I had more time to train in this discipline because I feel the self-defense techniques are more applicable than the ones we learn for requirements in karate. Just being in this world today we all need to know how to defend ourselves properly. I felt that learning another area and style I could just add that on to what I know already and feel like I’m more prepared to handle anything that may possibly come my way.

Pamela Gillette
First Degree Black Belt - Chidokwan Karate

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Hi Ryan,

Sorry I have not been in touch. Life always get's in the way somehow. I just wanted to say hello and also comment about my experience with your Combative Mindset Seminar. I was unsure as to what the seminar would contain but to my suprise it was one of the best training sessions of my martial arts carreer. I wasn't aware that I could bring myself to such a level of agression and have complete control of myself. Of all the years training in martial arts I have never had such and intense workout as I did during your seminar. The drills were so real and make you push yourself to the farthest limits and then some. The realism and psychological aspects of the training make you much more aware of how your body will react during an attack and also how the criminal will behave. I remember during one of the visual drills we did I was twitching and everything seemed so real like I was right there in the heat of the moment.

I highly suggest that you start advertising more about this seminar. I know many others can get so much from this and for the cost why wouldn't they. I also apreciate the extra time you spent with me during my private lessons. It was very nice of you to go above and beyond to make sure I was undertsanding all the techniques I was learning. I can't wait to come back out and train some more with you.

Well, duty calls. I hear the little one screaming for me LOL. Thank you very much for everything. I will be intouch when I am back in town.

Sincerely,
Richard

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I would like to say to Cloase Quarters Combat New York, you guys are GREAT! In this industry there is to much BACK BITING!!! There are only a HAND FULL of Instructors that teach RBSD that I feel can teach and are qualified. C.Q.C.N.Y. is one of them. You guys with your humble approach and openess to learn, adapt and evolve is extrmely refeshing! Any one in the New York area, this would be the place to go! WHY?
NO RULES, NO POINTS, NO REFEE, NO TAPPING OUT, JUST YOUR ASS ON THE LINE AND WINNING.
Much respect to C.Q.C.N.Y. I look foreward in doing a seminar togethor SOON!!!

Malvin Traylor
Co-President and Founder of the N.F.O.C.A. - NATIONAL FEDERATION OF COMBATIVE ARTS
Owner/Founder Dark Gift Combat - http://www.darkgiftcombat.com

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Hi!
Thanks for the training in Womens Self Defense.

I wanted to comment on my experience taking several lessons at CQCNY. You may want to share this with women or men, who visit your site and inquire about training with you.

I have taken several self defense courses, and talked extensively with Mr. Fredericks regarding his approach in training women/men in close quarters combat. I am a Health professional that have worked with many victims of violence and abuse for many years.

Mr. Fredericks has a very good understanding of the psychology behind womens issues and victims of violence. Knowing that is Key, to engaging a client in learning how to protect themselves in a life threatening situation. The training was informative, and REALITY BASED! Real scenarios are not the norm in most self defense instruction that is offered elsewhere. At the end of the first session, you will feel more confident, and IN CONTROL OF YOURSELF! Not, someone controlling you.

You do not need to be a victim of abuse or violence to train in Close Quarters Combat. The goal is for you NOT to become a victim of violence or abuse. Anyone, can and should invest in their own self protection. CQCNY is able to provide you with the necessary skills to protect yourself.

I am professionally endorsing the training offered at CQCNY. It's educational, and reality based.

Sincerely,
Jeanine E. Ruggeri, B.S., M.P.A.

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Hi Ryan,
I would like to say how much of a learning experience this has been for me. As you already know, I have a well fitted background in the arts and fighting in general, and your knowledge of the street and hand to hand combatives is plentiful and truthful. I like the fact that there is a no bullshit thought process and how you throw away the traditional and general thought processes, which is the level where most people think at. Your style and methods of instruction are very easy to understand and make learning the core skills that much faster. I know I have only taken 5 classes, but I already feel MUCH more confident in my abilities and those drills you have me do at home are so much fun! I freaked out my wife the other night when she was watching me. LOL I just wanted to show my appreciation and maybe you could use another testimonial for your website. I am really looking forward to coming back home for the holidays and training with you more. Thanks for everything you do.

Sincerely,
Chris Roberts

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Mr. Fredericks,

Thank you for an incredible first class!

I have never written a testimonial, but I feel so strongly about CQCNY and your instruction that I wanted to share my experience.

I had only my first class this week and I immediately feel more positive, strong, aware and in control. I don’t consider myself to be afraid in life, but what I’ve already learned about awareness, attitude and the action needed is like a wake-up call. Mr. Fredericks expertly conveyed the mindset and physicality of the attacker and the intelligent reaction and psychology needed to not be harmed. The scenarios he described and the physical response, defensive mind and quick reaction needed were techniques that I wouldn’t have known about otherwise, yet made perfect common sense. A great side benefit to the training is your body is stronger.

In today’s world, the threat of any man or woman being harmed anywhere is a harsh reality and Mr. Frederick’s class is certainly reality-based and one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. It’s clear that Mr. Fredericks has a keen knowledge of people and gears his instruction individually to suit each person so he or she has a thorough understanding of what is needed to stay safe. I was completely engaged in the class from beginning to end because the instruction has you so involved physically and mentally and if I had to choose one word to describe how I felt at the end of class it would be empowered.

If you have the slightest interest in learning more about this class, contact Mr. Fredericks and take his class. I guarantee it will be one of the best things you can do for yourself.

Thank you,

L. Ward

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