Testimonials

Close Quarters Combat Academy aims to serve the community. Empowering members of our community through Self-Defense training is why we are in business. Here are some of the great things members of the community said about us.

  • Taqqee is an amazing instructor! He makes the class fun and enjoyable and you really learn a lot from him. If you’re thinking about signing up for a class, you definitely should - you won’t regret it!

    Yumna Haque Avatar Yumna Haque
    October 27, 2023

    I was looking for a challenging workout with practical applications. This experience was beyond my expectations. Taqqee is a fun, thoughtful, and observant teacher. I look forward to many more years of honing my skills with him.

    Yee Lu Avatar Yee Lu
    September 3, 2023

    Been doing boxing for 2 month really enjoying the learning process and having a great coach will refer to anybody looking for a great fighting instructor

    Travis Alexander Avatar Travis Alexander
    September 3, 2023

    Taqqee is a very patient teacher with a good sense of humor. He's experienced in a variety of techniques and disciplines, and has a natural instinct for finding a student's comfort/competence level. Classes are a mix of experienced and new people, and he's smart with how he pairs people up so everyone gets something out of it.

    Alexander Andro Avatar Alexander Andro
    September 3, 2023

    My graduate program at Univ. of Michigan brought on Taqqee and his team for a self-defense workshop in response to the recent and ongoing violence against minority communities. It was a huge success with over 50 participants, and it was truly a pleasure working with CQC. Taqqee was very professional, highly skilled in martial arts, and responsive/attentive to our vision of the programming and made sure to incorporate elements that we desired to see. He brought a team of 6 other instructors and students, and each of them were incredibly knowledgeable and helped each small group practice their moves and give them helpful tips. Overall, we had a positive experience and felt that the knowledge shared, moves learned, and pace/preparation of everything really exceeded our expectations. We would totally work with CQC again and we hope to make this programming recurring as it serves such an important purpose/need in our communities! THANK YOU again!!

    Stella Han Avatar Stella Han
    April 23, 2022

    Outstanding instructor. I studied multiple martial arts (judo, jujitsu, karate, wing chun, Army ranger H2H) when younger. Despite being in my mid-40s now, Taqqee has me moving in ways I never did before. I feel much more in touch with my body and good about the progress we make. His teaching style is flexible and has led to my spouse training with us now. Would definitely recommend if you want a system that will help you move better and provide a good basis for self defense.

    Jeff Raymond Avatar Jeff Raymond
    March 24, 2022

    He is an awesome trainer💯

    Delecate 79 Avatar Delecate 79
    November 3, 2021

    Taqqee is an excellent instructor for people of all ages and ability. My family thoroughly enjoyed his lessons and learned so much. We are looking forward to our next session!

    Kim Hytinen Avatar Kim Hytinen
    June 24, 2021

    The best self defense teacher out there!!!

    Kate Mulka Avatar Kate Mulka
    April 24, 2021

    Taqqee is an amazing instructor! When it comes to self defense, he takes the time to explain the process while demonstrating moves. He creates situations and teaches you how to react to them. He is kind and patient and you will definitely walk away feeling empowered!

    Sharon van der Walde Avatar Sharon van der Walde
    April 24, 2021

    Incredibly talented and phenomenal teacher. Every student is given the chance to go at their own pace and learn effectively. I have taken private lessons and public classes and it is one of the most positive and encouraging environments you could be in while learning martial arts. CQC not only helped me build skills that I will use for life, but helped build confidence in myself as well. Highly recommend!

    Jenna Kopp Avatar Jenna Kopp
    April 24, 2021

    He is an awesome trainer💯

    Shawan Thompson Avatar Shawan Thompson
    April 24, 2021
  • Taqqee is an excellent instructor. I’ve taken martial arts for most of my life and I wish Taqqee was teaching me. He has an excellent way of teaching that makes it stick in your muscle memory. Really great. I just hope he never moves.

    Paul Kopp Avatar Paul Kopp
    April 24, 2021

    CQC is a fantastic place to train. Taqqee is a excellent teacher, he takes the time to explain what is being taught and knows a lot of the history of the art. All are welcome at his training. You will not find a better Salat gym or teacher in the area.

    Alison fried Avatar Alison fried
    December 6, 2019

    Whether you're a complete beginner or a season pro at training in traditional martial arts, taqqee at CQC meets you where you're at and makes you feel welcomed. Wealth of knowledge with a strong foundation in the Filipino martial arts

    Dan Pratt Avatar Dan Pratt
    December 5, 2019

    Taqqee is an extremely skilled instructor and makes students from all backgrounds and experience levels feel welcome. He can adapt the instruction according to the needs of each student. Taqqee facilitates a positive, accepting environment within the class. It really feels like a team, where everyone wants you to learn and grow. In addition, CQC occasionally hosts guest seminars taught by other martial arts experts to expand the scope of the class. I HIGHLY recommend this place!!

    Madeleine Brancaccio Avatar Madeleine Brancaccio
    November 3, 2019

    Very welcoming community of people, varying ages, and diversity. There are about equal numbers of men and women and sometimes the class is a majority of women. I like that everything that is taught can be changed so that it works for me.

    T K Avatar T K
    November 3, 2019

    I sent my daughter here to learn self defense. Taqqee is a great teacher and very nice, making my daughter feel very comfortable too. Highly recommended, esp for girls 🙂

    Eric He Avatar Eric He
    August 6, 2019

    Taqqee was beyond AMAZING! We had a private class with a few of my coworkers. He made us feel comfortable right away. We learned a ton of great moves/information. Considering taking another class!

    Sara Adams Avatar Sara Adams
    June 15, 2019

    Close Quarters Combat was my first introduction to self defense and martial arts and it was love at first sight. Taqqee, the instructor, is knowledgeable, fun, and invests a lot of energy into each student. The group of people who train here became some of my really good friends, even after I moved away. One of the unique things about this school is how much emphasis is put on developing the mindset behind self defense. The actual physical movement and techniques can be effective, but ultimately useless if one doesn't know how or when to apply the. If you're looking for practical knowledge, healthy physical activity, or even a deep dive into certain realms of the martial arts world, this is the school for you.

    Katie Hammond Avatar Katie Hammond
    December 21, 2018

    Great environment for everyone from beginners to advanced. Classes are unique, fun to participate in, and techniques all have real world applications. If you are looking for a school where you can learn, laugh, and come back to feeling good, look no further. Sign up today!

    Laurie Calcaterra Avatar Laurie Calcaterra
    December 20, 2018

    Taqqee was great! We learned so much and had so much fun in just two short hours. Would definitely recommend if you are looking to learn self-defense!

    Gabriella Perozo Avatar Gabriella Perozo
    November 3, 2018

    Highly recommend! Taqqee is such a friendly instructor who really cares about his students and their mastery of the material. He's always very patient with answering all my questions and being thrown countless times to help me practice.

    Anna Liang Avatar Anna Liang
    November 3, 2018

    Taqqee is a highly skilled instructor who definitely knows his stuff. But he makes the movements and the material feel natural and smooth. This is a class that works with your body and range of motion. It’s not just standing in a line and throwing the same punches. It’s about moving around to find what fits you and what can you can use to defend yourself. Taqqee is incredibly welcoming and kind. His passion and excitement about what he teaches is very apparent and is contagious. I highly recommend CQC to anyone and everyone.

    Rachel Bullen Avatar Rachel Bullen
    November 3, 2018