James Sherman Krav Maga, New York

Martial-arts virtuoso and instructor James Sherman earned an official certification from the revered Israeli Krav Maga Association after completing more than 500 hours of close-quarters combat training in Israel. Sherman, who has received attention from Time Out New York, leads groups and individuals—including executives and celebrities such as magician David Blaine, singer-songwriter John Mayer, and BBC America president Herb Scannell—through the rigorous self-defense regimen, which includes potent kicks, punches, strikes, and chokeholds designed to ward off bullies, violent attackers, and amorous ivy vines. His team of distinguished instructors include Lalo Roberti, a SEAL Team 10 operative in operation Red Wings—the Marcus Lattrell Lone Survivor story—and Paul Zukowski, a world heavyweight champion in Barknuckle MMA. In addition, Sherman illustrates how Krav maga's cardiovascular intensity can bolster students' strength, speed, and flexibility.

Classes include a Combat Athlete class designed for any fitness level. This class has an introduction to Navy SEAL history, philosophy, and mental toughness; an introduction to Krav Maga and hand-to-hand combat, history, and philosophy. The instructors go over operation Red Wing in four parts, followed by q&a sessions; the fundamentals of Basic Underwater Demolition training and preparation, and training for baseline Navy SEALs physical fitness and readiness test in two parts. The team teaches SEALs leadership and team building physical training, all accompanied by before pictures to track an individuals progress.