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.

  • This is my trainer from now on. He is knowledgeable, consistent, and very good at explaining his techniques. I recommend him to any beginner or even an advanced level fighter.

    Javon Dawson Avatar Javon Dawson
    May 14, 2025

    Taqqee is the best trainer. He pushes you to be the best without pushing you beyond your limits!

    Nicole Weber Avatar Nicole Weber
    May 13, 2025

    Taqqee is an incredibly gifted teacher! He customizes each individuals curriculum to their strengths and needs. He’s very patient and knowledgeable. We hit it off right away. I’m so grateful to be learning these skills!! Check him out, you won’t be disappointed 😎

    Keith Thompson Avatar Keith Thompson
    April 20, 2025

    This was an awesome class, I learned so much and I strongly recommend this combat academy. I am definitely signing up. Thank you so much for coming to Michigan First Credit Union please come back asap 😃

    Teetee W. Avatar Teetee W.
    December 20, 2024

    This was a great introductory session. Well organized and everyone had a chance to work with an instructor. It was fun and a lot of great skills were taught!

    mary Avatar mary
    December 20, 2024

    It was a fun session and I learned a lot. I would definitely consider taking self-defense classes here.

    Shavonne Holmes Avatar Shavonne Holmes
    December 20, 2024

    What a great class! Skills anyone can use when they find themselves in a sticky situation.

    Shannon L. Avatar Shannon L.
    December 20, 2024

    Very fun and informative, I'll definitely look into learning more.

    Sheridan Coleman Avatar Sheridan Coleman
    December 20, 2024

    Truly enjoyed it

    Melody Johnson Avatar Melody Johnson
    December 20, 2024

    I have had the chance to take two group private self-defense lessons with Taqqee and have had a great experience both times! He has gone out of his way to accommodate our needs and was so willing to be flexible. Taqqee really helps make everyone feel comfortable and motivated to learn, and all the ladies left the lesson eager for more!

    Hannah Moore Avatar Hannah Moore
    August 20, 2024

    Taqqee hosted an event for the women in our office, teaching self-defense topics we were interested in learning about. He was AMAZING! Very knowledgeable and ensured we were comfortable the entire time. We had a blast and learned so much. I would be more than happy to have him back for more events in the future! Cannot thank you enough!!

    Marissa Bollinger Avatar Marissa Bollinger
    August 20, 2024

    I had one private self defense lesson with Taqqee back in January. He was very professional and I think, he has some good techniques. I want to go back and keep training with him.

    Anns Tsentsiper Avatar Anns Tsentsiper
    July 20, 2024
  • 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 Avatar Alexander
    May 20, 2024

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    He is an awesome trainer💯

    Shawan Thompson Avatar Shawan Thompson
    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