Why $49 when I can join a regular gym for less?

Because this isn’t a gym membership — it’s real-world training. At a gym, you pay to rent equipment. Here, you invest in skills that can protect your life and the people you care about. Your $49 Trial includes two hands-on classes and personal coaching from Albany’s top-rated kickboxing and self-defense team.

What if I feel nervous walking into my first class?

Good. That means you care. Every beginner feels that way, and within the first 10 minutes you will realize you are in the right place. Our community is built on support, not ego.

After the trial, what happens next?

If you love the experience (and most people do!) you will have the option to continue as a member. We will go over membership options with you, but there is no pressure. The trial is your chance to experience the training and see if it is right for you.

What is the deal with contracts, fees, fine print?

We don’t do contracts. We don’t do enrollment scams. No down payments. No pressure. Just results.

Personal Safety Training for Real Life

Q: Am I too old or out of shape to start?

Nope. In fact, that’s exactly why this program works. We train busy adults; parents, professionals, people who don’t have hours a day to burn at the gym. You will train at your pace, and every session is designed to build real strength, clarity, and confidence right where you are.

Q: Is this safe? I have to show up for work and family.

Yes. Training is intense but controlled. We focus on smart, safe methods so you can build skills without leaving class banged up. You will train hard, but you will also walk out ready to handle life the next day.

Q: I am already busy. How can I fit this into my schedule?

That is exactly why we designed Fast Track Defense — to give you maximum results in minimal time. Classes are focused and built for adults with careers, families, and responsibilities. You won’t waste hours on treadmills; you will train with purpose, and every session will move you forward.

Fast Track Self-Defense is a structured personal safety program designed for everyday people who want to feel more confident, more aware, and more prepared in real-world situations.

Built for Real People. Ready for Real Life.

No prior experience required. Built for consistent, ongoing training.

A Practical Approach to Personal Safety

Fast Track Self-Defense focuses on practical personal safety skills that apply to everyday life.

This program is not about competition, performance, or becoming a Martial Artist. It is about learning how to move through the world with greater awareness, confidence, and calm.

Training emphasizes:

Awareness and situational understanding
Clear decision-making under stress
Boundary setting and personal space
Practical responses to common real-world situations

Skills are introduced gradually and reinforced through consistent practice, allowing students to continue developing confidence and capability over time.

Why This Matters

Most people don’t want to fight.
They want to feel safe.
They want to feel confident walking to their car.
They want to trust their instincts.
They want to know they can handle unexpected situations without freezing or panicking.
Fast Track Self-Defense is about building that confidence in a realistic, supportive way.
Not through fear.
Not through intimidation.
But through preparation, awareness, and steady practice.

Who Fast Track Self-Defense Is For

Fast Track Self-Defense is a strong fit for people who:

Want practical personal safety skills for everyday life
Are new to self-defense or returning after time away
Prefer a structured, supportive training environment
Value confidence, awareness, and consistency

Many students train in Fast Track for years as part of an ongoing personal safety practice.

This program is designed to fit into real adult lives; careers, families, and responsibilities included.

Don't take our word for it...

I Started Fast Track Self Defense after my second child to lose the baby weight and I’ve been hooked ever since! That was four years ago!

Maria H

Wonderfully Welcoming!

"I recently returned to Empire after a hiatus, and I am so glad to be back! Alan and Cheryl have created a wonderfully welcoming and positive atmosphere where you immediately feel engaged and supported in your efforts. The classes are very well structured, fast paced, and intense! It’s physically challenging, psychologically empowering and great for stress relief, focus, and physical and mental fortitude. Proud to be a part of Team Empire again!"

Barbara

Recommend for self defense instruction

"Responsive for customer questions and concerns, Cheryl is super helpful at finding out the best classes for my needs and a very clean and friendly training atmosphere, would recommend for self defense instruction"

Solomon

Priceless Experience!

"Call them today to level up in life! I have been a student for roughly 6 months. The personalized hospitality of Alan and Cheryl has been consistent since day 1. If you are willing to learn, they will go above and beyond to share their extensive knowledge with you. I have enhanced physically and mentally since enrolling. What you learn in these classes changes your perspective and brings confidence that can be transferred to everything you do. The experience I have had with Alan, Cheryl, Liam, and the other students is truly priceless. I am always excited for class and it keeps getting better each time. You will be surprised with what your body can do!"

Grace

What Training Is Like

Fast Track classes are structured, welcoming, and focused on steady improvement.

Students train in a respectful environment that emphasizes safety, learning, and personal progress. There is no pressure to perform, compete, or “keep up.”

Progress comes through consistency and repetition, allowing students to build confidence and skill at their own pace while training safely over time.

Your First Step

The $19 Empire Introductory Training Session

A structured introduction to how we train.

During this session, you will:

• See how classes are structured
• Experience the training environment
• Understand how real personal safety skills are developed over time

No pressure. No obligation.
Just a clear opportunity to determine if Fast Track Self-Defense is right for you.

👉 Reserve Your $19 Introductory Session
👉 We will contact you directly to schedule

A focused 30-minute introductory session where you experience the Empire Method firsthand.

How We Train...and Why It Works

Realistic Situations, Practiced Clearly

Training focuses on common, real-life situations people actually encounter. Skills are practiced in a clear, controlled way so students understand what to do and why it works…not just how it looks.

Learning to Stay Calm and Focused

Rather than overwhelming students, training helps build confidence through repetition and understanding. Over time, students learn to stay present, make decisions, and respond effectively instead of freezing.

Practical Skills with a Clear Purpose

Every part of training is intentional. If a skill doesn’t support personal safety, awareness, or confidence in everyday life, it doesn’t belong in the program.

FAQ: STRAIGHT TRUTH, NO BS

Am I too old or out of shape to start?

No. Fast Track Self-Defense is designed for adults of all ages and fitness levels. You train at your level and build from there.

Is this safe? I have to show up for work and family.

Yes. Safety and longevity are priorities. Training is structured and supervised, with a focus on learning and confidence…not unnecessary risk.

I am already busy. How can I fit this into my schedule?

That is exactly why we designed Fast Track Defense…to give you maximum results in minimal time. Classes are focused and built for adults with careers; families, and responsibilities. You won’t waste hours on treadmills…you will train with purpose, and every session will move you forward.

What if I feel nervous starting?

That’s completely normal. Many students feel unsure at first and quickly find that the environment is welcoming and supportive.

After the onboarding class, what happens next?

You will know exactly whether this path fits you…with zero pressure to continue.

Are there contracts or long-term commitments?

No contracts. Everything is clear and straightforward.

Start Where You Are

Fast Track Self-Defense is about building confidence and personal safety through consistent training…starting exactly where you are today.

Welcome to Fast Track Defense.
Welcome to the Empire Method.