Apex Defense Burlington

"I cannot speak highly enough of Miss Araujo and Apex Defense Academy. My 17yo son and I (let's say 50) both take the adult class and it is the highlight of our week (we go 2x/week). Miss Araujo's personality is enthusiastic, energetic, and positive. Not only have we started to become proficient in krav basics, but our stamina has increased exponentially, so great investment."

"For the past four years, Apex Defense Academy (previously America’s Best Defense in Waltham) has demonstrated over and over again that community is far more important than the dues they collect monthly. During the pandemic, accounts were all left open but automatic dues collection ceased. And while remote and outdoor classes were offered, dues were collected on a voluntary basis. The organization instead chose to appeal to the students to help keep the lights on. That so many students came through and continued to pay dues is a testament to the community Apex has built. Going through a career change to become a school teacher required that I attend night classes that conflicted with Apex’s class offerings. This on top of new financial hardship made attending class a challenge. Despite having signed a contractual agreement to pay dues for another year, Apex released me from that obligation, wished me the best of luck, and reminded me that I would be welcome back as soon as my schedule would allow. Since coming back to continue my black belt training, twice I’ve injured myself outside of the studio (lifting weights at the gym and a stupid basketball injury) and in both instances, Apex has suspended my dues while I rehabbed my injury. Beyond putting their students’ wellness before collecting dues, Apex has established a culture that puts safety and community above all else. Other Krav studios I visited did the same training and taught the same need for deliberate focused aggression to neutralize a threat as Apex does, but elsewhere, there was a common, pervasive culture of physically one-upping others in the class at the expense of creating a safe learning environment for newer students. Apex proved to be a refreshing departure from that culture. Developing skills to protect myself effectively and efficiently in any situation has been great, but at the end of the day, feeling part of a community that genuinely cares about my growth and well-being is why I’ve remained with Apex."

"Love this place! Such a convenient location and great environment. I get bored too easily at a gym and needed to find a great workout to motivate me and this place is perfect! Takes my love of boxing and adds self defense, lowers my stress levels, I look forward to going twice a week and it has put me in the best shape of my life, and that's saying something in my 40's. Instructors are great teachers, they know what they are talking about, and are always supportive while helping you push your limits. Highly recommend!"

"I've been going here for almost a year and I absolutely love it here! I recommend it to everyone interested in Krav or self defense. The instructors are excellent and I've progressed a lot!"

"MAJOR RED FLAGS! The company billed us for 2 registration fees and 4 months when we only were there for 1 month. The owner started blowing up my phone when I asked to be refunded. They refused to respond to emails saying they would only do business over the phone or in person. When I explained I had lost my voice and they kicked my children out of their class! This is especially horrible because it is an ADA request. There is only 1 child left at the Burlington location. Buyer beware and don’t go there. We had to notify our credit card company of all of the fraudulent charges. They wouldn’t even give us a copy of the contracts they make you sign via docusign!!!"