Business Q&A: Keysi Fighting Method Academy

Not only does Keysi Fighting Method teach civilians new street fighting techniques, it also caters to the stars. The art form, based in Spanish origins, has been featured in such films as Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and Mission Impossible 3: Ghost Protocol.

Lynbrook residents can learn this up and coming fighting style by signing up for classes at the KFM Academy on Sunrise Highway. John Leabo, the Chief Instructor at KFM Lynbrook and one of only two KFM black belts in the country, talks about the benefits of joining KFM.       

 What is KFM?

Keysi Fighting Method is a reality based martial art. We teach adults how to protect themselves on the street and get in fantastic shape at the same time.

What type of classes do you offer?

We offer classes for beginner students that consist of reality-based street self-defense. We (also) offer classes for sport self-defense, which is geared towards MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) style sports fighting and weapons-based classes, based on standard weapons, such as knives and guns, and improvised weapons that a person would find themselves needing to use on the street.

Many of your clientele are military veterans. How do they find out about you?

KFM is a world organization. It originates from Spain. It’s very popular over there. It came to the U.S in 2007 and they have a big website. Most of the people that come to us are very familiar with the Batman and Mission Impossible movies that we’ve done. We have another movie called One Shot with Tom Cruise coming out. It’s basically word of mouth out of that.          

Why do you think your location has been so successful?

It’s close to JFK airport. We have people that fly in and train with us. What we do is very unique and we’re actually the only full time academy in the United States. It’s also accessible from Manhattan through the Long Island Railroad, which is right across the street. It’s centrally located for all people in New York. It’s an ideal location. We love Lynbrook and we love .

What are the benefits to KFM for people who do not have military or law enforcement background?

The majority of our clients are regular moms and dads and people who are looking for realistic self-defense. The one beautiful thing about our training is that the by-product is functional fitness. You’re going to get in fantastic shape. I always tell people when they come to class that it’s not like a gym. They’re just selling you fitness. We’re giving you a skill that we hope you never have to use, but if you do, you have it. At the same time we’re giving you that skill, we are also putting you in fantastic physical condition that you can use in your everyday life. It’s a two for one. It blows away the treadmill and weights at the gym.    

Visit KFM on the web at keysinewyork.com