Modernize My Fight - Agoura Hills, California

Chelsea Tinkham

I can’t say enough good things about this self-defense gym! The atmosphere is welcoming, empowering, and focused on growth. Instructors Dale and Ari are simply amazing—they’re not only incredibly skilled but also patient, motivating, and genuinely invested in helping everyone improve. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, they tailor their teaching to meet you where you are while pushing you to be your best. Every class is a mix of valuable techniques and an intense, fun workout. If you’re looking for a place to build confidence, learn effective self-defense, and get in great shape, this is it!

Emilio Renteria

This is an excellent place to learn and develop not only as a martial artist, but also give a chance to be part of an amazing community. Ari and Dale are such master of their crafts that you are guaranteed to improve no matter the experience level or age. I have a lot of love for this place and community and look forward to continuing my training there!

Paula Q

I LOVE this place!! I am NEVER sorry that I do the strength training class, especially when I can take my gains from there into the self defense class. But physical strength isn’t the only thing I have gained; I have more confidence, I feel great and I have a much better sense of awareness. There is such a sense of family here and I know that I have developed real friendships. Ari is the best coach and everyone is so supportive and encouraging. I HIGHLY recommend Modernize My Fight to everyone!

Vanessa Gomez

Ari is hands down the best self-defense instructor! His storytelling skills are incredible! He keeps everyone engaged and attentive. You can genuinely feel his care for everyone's safety. Thank you, Ari, for hosting the best self-defense class for our brokerage! We truly appreciate your expertise and dedication.

John Fulcher

I highly recommend Modernize My Fight for anyone regardless of your skill level.

I have been bringing my 14 year old daughter to combative classes with Coach Ari for a couple months now. She was very timid at first as she has never had any martial arts training nor been in any situation where she had to defend herself.

Coach Ari brought the training down to her level and slowly worked her confidence level up. She currently has made major progress in her confidence, strength, mental agility and overall physical health. She has improved her grades in school and opened up to making new friends due to her improved confidence.

This training is not basic patterns you learn, this is real life self defense and offense techniques you learn by actuality training in the scenario of attacks using protective pads and gear.

You train against classmates and coaches at your level plus a little more to grow. My daughter thoroughly enjoys each and every class and has her favorite techniques and is working to improve new ones.

If you prefer, they do offer private one on one lessons.

I watch each class and I’m impressed by the knowledge and professionalism of Coach Ari to engage everyone at their level and advance them to the next level while always making me as as a parent feel welcome and given peace of mind my daughter is in great hands.

I encouraged you to give it a try, first 2 classes are free.

Jay Rankin

I have a black belt with 40 years' experience. I found my new home at Modernize My Fight. The atmosphere is so inviting, everyone feels like family. Everyone is welcome. I come from a Kempo Karate background and have my 2nd Dan in American Muay Thai. The emphasis of this gym/dojo is Combative/Self Defense, but it is so much more. Coach Ari uses a combination of Modern Combatives, Hapkido, Boxing, and Muay Thai to get students "street/bully safe" as quickly as possible. I must say the students respond: they learn quickly. It is a pleasure to see their confidence and self-esteem grow. There is much laughter and hard work but through it all they learn to handle real problems in the real world. Coach Ari has little patience for punching in the air or doing endless repetition. Real world self-defense is his only goal.

Judy Kaufman

I am so grateful to modernize my fight! The program that my son partakes in bi-weekly has helped develop his inner-core confidence through strength building teamwork and self-defense.

Watching my son flourish into his sure-footedness and agility has been incredibly satisfying.

He is building skills on and off the mat that will grow with him as he grows.

Tara Brickey

Modernize my Fight is super fun for kids and families. I feel empowered now that I am learning how to protect myself. Coach Ari teaches my kids strategies how to defend and attack in a fight. Skills every kid and adult should learn.