TESTIMONIALS

"Kruzada Kali (Eskrima) is a practical system effective in all street encounters and combat situations. This practicality drew me to Kruzada Kali (Eskrima), as I was looking for a combat system to keep myself safe overseas and the soldiers under my command. This system works in permissive, semi-permissive, and hostile environments. It is an honor to be learning under Maestro Rich Acosta and teaching techniques of Kruzada Kali (Eskrima) to members of the US Army, Joint Operations Task Force, and Special Operations community.

Having been a student of Maestro Rich Acosta for the past three years. I can safely say that Rich is among the best regarding personal protection. His attention to detail, knowledge base, and dedication to students has been greatly appreciated."

- Major Timothy Samms
US Army

​"As a lifelong learner of the martial arts, I was in search of a program focused on weapon defenses. I reached out to Maestro Rich Acosta about Kruzada Kali Eskrima. What I found was a complete system.

Kruzada Kali Eskrima is organized into an effective and efficient system that predicates itself on teaching the fundamental components of the art through exacting detail and practice, while developing coordination and reaction versus drill and live practice. Early in the course of study there are prescribed patterns and flows; however, the emphasis is to develop a pattern-free ability to react to an attack and defend oneself. Over the course of study and practice, it has become part of who I am.

While Kruzada Kali Eskrima is efficient and effective, I found that the instruction of Maestro Rich Acosta to be even more valuable. He exhibits all the qualities of a professional and experienced teacher. Maestro is calm and friendly, and was able to push me to my best through patience, high expectations and a commitment to his craft. Through his teaching, Maestro Rich Acosta demonstrates exemplary skill and proficiency in the art. Maestro has poured his time and energy into his teachings, is engaging, and builds a rapport with the student.

I highly recommend Maestro Rich Acosta as an instructor who exemplifies the tradition and formality inherent in the martial arts. These qualities incorporated with his positive energy makes him such an effective teacher."

— Master Alan Stekloff, 7th Dan / Owner - Fighting Edge Martial Arts Academy

​"I can only give the utmost highest praise for master Rich Acosta. I have been doing martial arts as a full time pursuit almost my entire adult life and I was self trained as a kid and teenager. One of my first video sets I purchased was from Remy Presas. I just practiced patterns with a couple of sticks I bought, but never was able to find anyone in my neighborhood willing to do drills. Eventually I found my way into proper martial arts training with a Gracie Jiu Jitsu affiliate, which eventually led to me moving to Brazil to train jiu jitsu there full time for almost three years with pit stops in Holland and Thailand to train Muay Thai. I competed at the highest levels of jiu jitsu up until receiving my blackbelt and transitioning into professional mixed martial arts. While training to be a professional fighter I trained many styles including wrestling, judo, karate, and kickboxing. All of my training was geared towards competitive mma, while very realistic, it is still different than real world self defense. I had been stabbed three times in a gang fight when I was 18, it almost cost me my left leg and my life. Having been in my fair share of street fights growing up, I was always able to discern the difference between a real fight and a competitive one. For sure the skill level of a professional fight is almost always higher, but the rules, the ref, the weight classes, and the agreed upon time and place give it a different feel than a streetfight. Once I stopped fighting I got to work on opening my gym in New York CIty, called Mushin Mixed Martial Arts. I really enjoyed training both striking and grappling and always wanted to do some proper weapons training. After putting it off for far too long I contacted master Acosta and started doing privates with him once per week at my gym. One of my students and instructors at my gym joined me for most of the sessions. I really enjoyed the straight forward and pragmatic approach master Acosta taught me. I felt comfortable with knife, stick and empty hand applications after about 20 lessons with him. Unfortunately covid happened and it changed everything in the city and my gym, eventually causing me to leave the city and move to Miami. If I still lived in New York City, I would definitely continue my training with master Acosta. I highly recommend training with him if you have the opportunity. He is a true master of his craft and an excellent instructor. I wish I could still train with him, as I really do miss his instruction."

- Erik Owings, 5th Dan Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Former Professional Mixed Martial Artist


​"Maestro Rich Acosta is a superb martial arts instructor with rich technical experience and professional insight into his craft. His martial arts system is efficient and effective. Moreover, this system’s techniques are easy and relatively quick to learn.

Maestro Acosta represents the ideal martial arts instructor’s excellence, spirit, and dedication. Finally, he is highly deserving of recognition as an outstanding martial artist and instructor."
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​— Lieutenant Colonel Tyrone J. Morrison, USAF (Retired)



"Maestro Rich Acosta demonstrates a dedication to both the art itself and his students, as evidenced by his enthusiasm and patience in sharing his knowledge. Old school martial artists set a standard for honorable and dignified behavior, and Maestro follows this model. I look forward to continuing to train with him and the Kuntaw Kali Kruzada family."

- David N. Lipton, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
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"I have been training with Kuntaw Kali Kruzada for over 5 years. Originally my intention of studying Kali was a cultural exploration and a means to get closer to my Filipino roots, but as I continued my training I quickly realized how practical this martial arts system is as self defense with its no nonsense approach to dealing with physical threats. On top of the knowledge of self defense, I learned (improved) my footwork, coordination and problem solving by learning tactics in dealing with multiple threats. For those reasons I also feel that this system is great for those who are looking to cross train in different arts. All the instructors are patient, and generous with their knowledge. What's more, there is a real sense of community within the school where many of the senior students truly look out for the juniors, assisting them when need be."

- Boo J.

"I've trained at a number of other martial arts schools and I can honestly say that the friendships I've made and the quality of instruction that I've received at Kuntaw Kali Kruzada are second to none."

- Matt Z.