R.E.A.C.T. DEFENSE SYSTEMS® INSTRUCTORS

R.E.A.C.T. Defense Systems® takes great pride when selecting their instructor candidates, all of whom are hand selected and certified by Chief Instructor, Jay Ackerman. There are no “weekend warrior” certification and graduates must undergo countless hours, months, and years perfecting their teaching methods with on-going education and training post certification. This guarantees the highest quality of training, the ability to build an aggressive fighting mentality, and never sacrificing student safety. That is why they are the best at what they do.

FOUNDER & CHIEF INSTRUCTOR, JAY ACKERMAN

Chief Instructor Jay Ackerman is a 6th Degree Black Belt and the founder of both R.E.A.C.T. Defense Systems® and Tactical Black®, a comprehensive street self defense system. These two systems place an emphasis on hand-to-hand combat, weapon defenses, weapon retention, firearms safety, and environmental scenario based training, making them one of the most advanced self-defense systems in the world today. Jay was one of the first to become a fully certified Krav Maga instructor in 2000 and 2 years later was the first to go through the FORCE training program (civilian law enforcement) as well as the Advanced FORCE training program. He is recognized as the highest level of FORCE training instructor.

Jay has been a martial arts and fitness entrepreneur for the past 40 years. He holds black belts in several martial arts, in which he started his training in 1977. Jay brought the original Krav Maga system to the valley in 2000 and he keeps quite busy with more than over 130 classes a week between locations.

As an experienced ACE certified Group Fitness and Personal Trainer for the last 20+ years, Jay developed our A.L.E.E.T. 24® (Advanced Level Explosive Endurance Training) program. He is also a nutrition specialist and responsible for the development of the A.L.E.E.T. 24® 90 Day Challenge. 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, along with having the only school to teach the Bas Rutten fight program for 7 years. Jay also received the Humanitarian Award in ‘07, ‘08, ‘09, ‘10, ‘11, ‘12, ‘14, ‘15, and 2016 for his efforts in training law enforcement and raising money for Stop Cancer, an organization for breast cancer research.

In October 2016 Jay developed the “House of Bruise” our 2 story state of the art training facility inside our Phoenix Regional training center. This 1500 sq ft training space allows us to recreate realistic scenarios for our first responders and our civilian students.

In July 2018 Jay will have been teaching for 20 years in the valley and has logged over 50,000 hours of teaching. Jay’s hand to hand, weapons defenses, and street fighting expertise is sought out from around the world from law enforcement, military, corporations and civilians. Throughout his career Jay he has taught thousands of students street self defense with the goal that one day all can “Walk in Peace”.

Jay Ackerman
Jay AckermanFounder, Chief Instructor & Advanced Law Enforcement Instructor

MEET THE TEAM

Joy Ackerman
Joy AckermanHead Instructor & AASDN Nutrition Specialist
Joy is the wife of Jay Ackerman, a mother of three, and grandmother of 5. She is a fully certified Tactical Black®; Krav Maga instructor, ACE personal trainer, membership director, Lifestyle and Fitness Expert and a AASDN Nutrition Specialist certified through AASDN.
Jenna Ackerman
Jenna AckermanInstructor & AASDN Nutrition Specialist
Jenna Ackerman is a AASDN Nutrition Specialist certified through AASDN, with an Associates of Applied Science and Culinary Arts degree. Jenna has been training with her Dad, Jay Ackerman, since she has been 3 years old! She brings her enthusiasm and wonderful personality to the family training center. 🙂

Jenna’s specialty will bring a new level of expertise to the A.L.E.E.T. 24® 90-Day Fitness Challenge.

Jenna is also a certified R.E.A.C.T. Defense Systems® Tactical Black®; Krav Maga Instructor.

Josh Ackerman
Josh AckermanHead Instructor & Advanced Law Enforcement Instructor
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 Phoenix. He is a fully certified Tactical Black®; Krav Maga, Advanced Force training instructor as well as a co-creator of the A.L.E.E.T.®, Tactical Black®;, and R.E.A.C.T.® training programs. Josh is also a NRA, CCW certified firearms instructor, and a nutrition specialist.

In 2009 he was honored to receive from Chief Instructor, Jay Ackerman, a master certification in R.E.A.C.T.® Defense for over 2000 hours of teaching and instruction.

In 2011, Josh received a Founders certificate from Chief Instructor, Jay Ackerman, for his contribution to the development of Tactical Black®. Josh has mastered the principles while successfully teaching our military, law enforcement and civilian community for the past 10 years.

In 2016, Josh was honored with his 5th Degree Black Belt certification from R.E.A.C.T. Defense Systems® Tactical Black®; and has acquired over 15,000 hours of teaching time and instruction. He remains heavily involved with the development of the Tactical Black®; system and has dedicated the last 21 years to the safety and training of our military, law enforcement, civilians, and to our annual charity event, Rock for the Cure.

Michael Bolles
Michael BollesHead Instructor & AASDN Nutrition Specialist
Seeking to enhance his capability to protect his family, Michael Bolles began training with Chief Instructor, Jay Ackerman, in 2006.

With his wife Lisa, Michael owns and is the Head Instructor of the Chandler training center, and a licensee of Tactical Black®. He is a certified R.E.A.C.T. Defense Systems® Tactical Black®; Krav Maga Instructor. He is an NRA certified firearms instructor and range safety officer, as well as a CCW firearms instructor. Michael is also a nutrition specialist certified through AASDN.

For more than 20 years, Michael worked in the business sectors of international logistics and corporate banking. Specializing in complex IT solution design and implementation, he led multinational teams on initiatives for Fortune 100 and 500 companies.

Michael takes the safety of his students personally, continually striving to give them the highest level of capability to protect themselves and their families.

Michael holds a master’s degree in international business. He is a veteran of the United States Navy, specializing in secure communications and cryptologic technologies. Michael grew up working in his family’s industrial construction/mechanical business.

In July of 2016, Michael was honored with R.E.A.C.T. Defense Systems®; Tactical Black®; 4th Degree Black Belt certification. For the past 10 years, Michael has worked to master the principles of R.E.A.C.T. Defense Systems® Tactical Black®; program, earning more than 10,000 hours of teaching time and instruction. Michael is also an active participant in community service and our annual charity event, Rock for the Cure.

Lara Garwood
Lara GarwoodHead Instructor
Lara is a Head Instructor of Phoenix and is a certified R.E.A.C.T. Defense Systems® Tactical Black®; Krav Maga Instructor. She has been training under Chief Instructor Jay Ackerman since 2005 and holds a BFA in Communication Art and Design along with her fitness certifications.

While Lara maintains a lighthearted spirit on the mats, do not be hoodwinked by this tiny package! Her current titles include “The Nutcracker,” “Drill Sergeant” and “deceptively fierce” has been whispered among many.

Lara received her Tactical Black®; certification in 2011 and her Lifestyle and Fitness Expert certification in 2013.

In July of 2016, Lara was honored with R.E.A.C.T. Defense Systems® Tactical Black®; 4th Degree Black Belt certification. For the past 10 years, Lara has worked to master the principles of R.E.A.C.T. Defense Systems® Tactical Black®; program, earning more than 10,000 hours of teaching time and instruction. Lara is also an active participant in community service and our annual charity event, Rock for the Cure.

Tony Sprague
Tony SpragueHead Instructor/Owner of Glendale
Tony is the owner/Licensee and Head Instructor of Tactical Black® Glendale and is a certified R.E.A.C.T. Defense Systems® Tactical Black®; Krav Maga Instructor. He has been training since 2006 under Chief Instructor Jay Ackerman.

Tony received his Tactical Black®; certification in 2011 and his Lifestyle and Nutrition Expert certification in 2013.

In July of 2016, Tony was honored with R.E.A.C.T. Defense Systems® Tactical Black®; 4th Degree Black Belt certification. For the past 15 years, Tony has worked to master the principles of R.E.A.C.T. Defense Systems® Tactical Black®; program, earning more than 10,000 hours of teaching time and instruction. Tony is also an active participant in community service and our annual charity event, Rock for the Cure.

Wes Shreve
Wes ShreveInstructor
Certified and trained by Chief Instructor Jay Ackerman, Wes is a certified R.E.A.C.T. Defense Systems® Tactical Black® Krav Maga Instructor.

Wes received his Tactical Black®; certification in 2011 and his Lifestyle and Fitness Expert certification in 2013. In December of 2016, Wes was awarded his Second Degree Black belt in Tactical Black®; for 5000 hours of instruction and training. In 2019, Wes received his Tactical Black® 3rd Degree Black Belt teaching certificate.

Josh White
Josh WhiteInstructor
Certified and trained by Chief Instructor Jay Ackerman, Josh is a certified R.E.A.C.T. Defense Systems® Tactical Black®; Krav Maga Instructor.

In 2019, Josh received his Tactical Black® 2nd Degree Black Belt teaching certificate.

Andrea (Drea) Quigley
Andrea (Drea) QuigleyInstructor
Certified and trained by Chief Instructor Jay Ackerman, Drea is a certified R.E.A.C.T. Defense Systems® Tactical Black®; Krav Maga Instructor.

In 2019, Drea received her Tactical Black® 1st Degree teaching black belt certificate.

Jordan Herbert
Jordan HerbertInstructor
Certified and trained by Chief Instructor Jay Ackerman, Jordan is a certified R.E.A.C.T. Defense Systems® Tactical Black®; Krav Maga Instructor.

In 2019, Jordan received his Tactical Black® 1st Degree teaching black belt certificate.

William Spears
William SpearsInstructor
Certified and trained by Chief Instructor Jay Ackerman, William is a R.E.A.C.T. Defense Systems® Tactical Black®; Blue Level Instructor.
Jerram LaBorde
Jerram LaBordeInstructor
Certified and trained by Chief Instructor Jay Ackerman, Jerram is an R.E.A.C.T. Defense Systems®; Tactical Black® Blue Level Instructor.
Astrid McKinnon
Astrid McKinnonInstructor
Certified and trained by Chief Instructor Jay Ackerman, Astrid is an R.E.A.C.T. Defense Systems®; Tactical Black®; Blue Level Instructor.
Michael Gonzales
Michael GonzalesInstructor
Certified and trained by Chief Instructor Jay Ackerman, Michael is an R.E.A.C.T. Defense Systems®; Tactical Black®; Blue Level Instructor.
Christina Tice
Christina TiceInstructor
Certified and trained by Chief Instructor Jay Ackerman, Christina is an R.E.A.C.T. Defense Systems®; Tactical Black®; Blue Level Instructor.
Erica Sprague
Erica SpragueInstructor & Co-owner of Glendale
Certified and trained by Chief Instructor Jay Ackerman, Erica is an R.E.A.C.T. Defense Systems®; Tactical Black®; Blue Level Instructor.
Eddie Rodriguez
Eddie Rodriguez
Eddie began his law enforcement career with the City of Phoenix Police Department in 1984 with a Patrol assignment in the South Mountain Precinct. While assigned to the precinct Eddie served as an Officer on the Night Walking Beat Detail and the Tactical Response Unit. In 1978 Eddie accepted and assignment as a Detective in the Community Relations Bureau working with underprivileged youth in the inner city neighborhoods. While assigned to this Bureau’s Police Activities League he had the opportunity to mentor several youngsters who would later choose a career with the Phoenix Police Department. He later transferred to the Organized Crime Bureau where he served as an investigator in the newly formed Night Gang Enforcement Unit. This Unit was formed in response to, at the time, the City’s growing problem with criminal gang activity. He was later assigned to the General Investigations Bureau where he worked complicated, high profile investigations in the Domestic Violence Unit and the Sex Crimes Unit.

In 1994, Eddie was promoted to Police Sergeant with a Patrol assignment in the Mountain View Precinct where he served as a Field Training Supervisor, training new recruits out of the Police Academy. In 1998, Eddie returned to the Organized Crime Bureau as a Night Gang Enforcement Unit Sergeant where he supervised crime suppression operations, warrant service and myriad of investigations including homicides, aggravated assaults, robberies and home invasions. He continued to serve in the Unit during its transfer to the Tactical Support Bureau and Violent Crimes Bureau.

In 2003 Eddie began training at R.E.A.C.T. Defense Systems® recognizing the exceptional value of this system as it rates to law enforcement. Several members of the Phoenix Police Department’s Gang Enforcement Unit participated in training presented by Chief Instructor Jay Ackerman and his staff. Officers participated in drills enhancing their hand to hand combat skills against multiple attackers, weapon retention skills, weapon defenses and numerous life saving skills.

In March 2016, Eddie retired from active duty with the Phoenix Police Department after 32 years of service. He is currently assigned as a reserve officer in the Reserve Division of the Department. He continues to regularly train in the R.E.A.C.T. Defense Systems®. Ed received his black belt in Tactical Black®; in 2014.