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Reality-Based Combatives Martial Arts in New Orleans. Train with expert instructors in knife defense, striking, and tactical combat. Specializing in Kali, JKD, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Firearms Instruction, and Women's Self-Defense
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Reviews
Randy Hernandez
Brought the whole family for a series of self defense classes. Wanted something that was practical and immediately applicable. Couldn’t be happier with Alamut! Instruction is clear and thorough with time for explanations and real life scenarios. Teaching style is interactive and fun but extremely professional. If you are looking for self defense for real life situations, Alamut is the place to go.
Guro Scott Hughes at Alamut Combative arts is fantastic at tailoring the training to each individual, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone. Highly recommend.
Friendly Inviting & Structured…
As soon as I walked in, Guro (Instructor) Scott was friendly and inviting, took time to explain the structure of his curriculum & what to expect in tonight‘s class.
Guro also gave brief history of his background, amassing a lifetime of knowledge which he has accumulated since 1991 & how he chose to use the word “Alamut“ for the school & his combat system’s name.
Deliberate & Precise…
Guro (Instructor) Scott‘s focus for the night was the basics of Panantuken, which is a Filipino based martial art sometimes described as “Dirty Boxing“ , as it is a more open form of boxing that does not conform to the rules of the modern sport of Boxing, but has been exemplified by some of the more knowledgeable & unorthodox fighters who complete in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) & Bare Knuckle Boxing (BKB) today.
During the class, he went though the fundamentals, structure & footwork, then went into some basic striking techniques & partner drills before ending the class with striking counters.
Each drill and technique was introduced, explained and demonstrated in a deliberate & precise way. He then gave everyone personal attention to adjust & share coaching points as they were performing each technique, showing his attention to detail, commitment & interest to his student’s progress & development.
No Other Place Like It Locally…
Upon arriving to New Orleans, I was curious to see if there was any presence of the South East Asian Martial Arts, specifically, the Filipino Martial Arts, which are known for it‘s functional application in both peacetime and war.
I was happy to find Alamut Combative Systems, which offered training in Jeet Kune Do (JKD) which happens to be Bruce Lee‘s Martial Art, Pekiti Tirsia System of Kali, a Filipino Martial Art that is utilized by the Filipino Special Forces & Inayan Eskrima, which is a sister art to my own, that is derived from the trinity of systems that I personally hold closest to my heart.
Serrada Escrima, a close range weapon fighting system, Largo Mano, a long range system that was effectively used to take the Filipino Islands back from the Japanese occupation in WWII & Kadena De Mano, an empty hand art that derives it‘s movements from weapon based actions.
Guro Scott‘s philosophy of training is parallel to the psychology of the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), as there is a difference between combat sports & combat systems.
His focus is on the systems and strategies designed to keep you alive to survive, not to accumulate points in a competition, limited by rules that don‘t exist in a real-life, violent situations.
Most schools will tell you that they specialize in so called “self-defense“, not being transparent enough to tell the prospective student, who typically doesn‘t know any better, nor understands violence, that the school‘s training is centered around sport rules that are arbitrarily placed by sports commissions, usually for the spectator‘s visual enjoyment.
As someone who has trained & coached combat athletes for MMA & military war fighters for combat, I can certainly tell you that there is a difference.
For those who want to learn how to properly handle a firearm, Alamut also has a private area to safely learn firearm training & receive your concealed weapons certification via their virtual firing range.
For all the reasons above, Guro Scott‘s Alamut Combat Systems separates himself from the rest. There is no other place in the New Orleans area that offers the expertise & training that Alamut provides.
He runs a safe & disciplined class which is what is required for real life skills.
My husband and I just completed a one-on-one firearms safety and training appointment with Scott. Scott takes the time to get a sense of your background and skill level then tailors a learning experience that fits your needs perfectly. The simulated range and scenarios gives you tactical training but in a safe, controlled environment. I felt at ease with the gun in my hand and already improved from when we started the class by the time it ended. And besides that, my husband and I had a wonderful time together. You might even want to consider it for date night with your significant other. We plan to bring our adult kids for training as well. It would put our minds at ease to know they can handle themselves and a firearm if they should ever face a dangerous situation. Kudos to Scott and Hazel for running such an awesome facility! I recommend you give it a try! Tell them Laurie sent you. Also, I plan to take one of their combat classes in the future.
I can’t recommend Alamut Combative Arts enough! Guro Scott is an absolute master of Pekiti Tirsia Kali and an incredible teacher as well as his wife. His knowledge and passion for the art are evident in every class, and he makes sure each student progresses at their own pace. The atmosphere is both challenging and supportive, perfect for anyone serious about martial arts or self-defense.
The coolest part? They even have a firearm simulator in the back, which adds a unique and fun element to the training. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, this place has something for everyone. Highly recommend checking it out!
Scott and Hazel are top notch! I did a firearms safety/training lesson with them. After walking through the basics (parts, proper holding, safety, etc.), we worked on the simulator. Knowing next-to-nothing about firearms, I was nervous, but they were patient and walked through everything with me to help me feel comfortable and confident. 5-stars - highly recommended!
I must say, Alamut Combative Arts is a gem for aspiring martial artists. With careful and strategic instruction, Scott weaves you into the fabric of this self defense system seamlessly.
More than that, it's fun! He and his wife provide quality instruction with the spirit of the arts always at the forefront.
Highly recommended for beginners and advanced practitioners. Plenty of knowledge being shared in a friendly atmosphere. Stop by!
Alamut Combative Arts is a great environment to learn the necessary skills to survive in the real world. Scott is a great instructor and is super knowledgeable about the combative arts world. He’s also calm and patient. Looking forward to working with him and his team! Sign up if you’re even a little interested. You will not be disappointed!
My daughter and I had our first private self-defense class today with Coach Hazel and Coach Scott. This is a nice, clean facility, and the coaches were very informative. We can't wait for our next session!
I took my first private self-defense class today and CANNOT wait to be back. Scott and Hazel are amazing at what they do, and I feel like I've learned so much in just one 1.5 hour session. They do a great job explaining the why for these real-life scenarios. Can't wait for my next session!!!
I have been training with him only 2 weeks now but his way of teaching is amazing! He is relaxed but disciplined enough keep you on the path. He explains everything how we are doing it and why we are doing. his class phases are easy to follow and teach you many things! Other students are nice, respectful and supportive. I have been doing different martial arts for about 8 years I think I found the right place for myself, give it a try you won’t regret it!
My daughters and I just took a private self defense class with Scott this morning! Wow! He’s very informative and the techniques are exactly what we were looking for! We are signing up! Y’all should check them out and take the initial class to see for yourself. We were impressed!
Hazel is an incredible teacher and coach! As a women, martial arts may feel intimidating. Hazel teaches technique in a way that you can immediately apply and pushes you to try your hardest. Learning Muay Thai is empowering and learning self defense is so important as a woman. To anyone wondering if they should try, do it !You'll get to push yourself and your body and strength, and your mind!
Excellent facility, both Scott and Hazel are very knowledgeable. The first day I reached out I got a response in about 30 minutes. Scott was very informative and welcoming, I felt at home and like I was already apart of the Alamut family.
This by far is the best place to study the art of combative’s personalized private sessions that cater to the student 10 out of 10 I do recommend Sabai sabai
I sent Scott an email and shortly got an email and phone call back. we talked about what kind of styles they go over and what scheduling looks like there. He is good at working you into his private schedule for one-on-one classes. in addition to that, those private classes are a lot of fun and informative. I'd recommend giving this school a try as he is more concerned about the quality of a martial artists he works with/develops instead of the quantity of people he receives. Your money is worth the time here.
The most useful training I ever had with pistols.
I had a very short stay in NO, and signed up with a one-on one session with Scott. He offered me a slot just in line with my schedule.
We had an introductory phone call to assess what I may need. This was already a win, since I’m getting a customized solution.
He’s teaching real-world scenarios and combat movements based on experience, and things that you could or would never learn at any kind of shooting range. I was able to train with my own weapon, and later on with a familiar laser pistol, then a laser simulation with a recoiling laser pistol.
The simulation put me to the test, and each evolution was carefully analyzed, then practiced at the next level with excellent input.
This 4 hours I spent here could save my life or freedom, and I even got homework advice to hone and maintain skills and habits.
I recommend his services to my friends and family and my LEO friends.
If you work security of any kind you’ll 100% benefit from spending some time here for the price of some ammo you should be spending at some boring regular range.
I can’t wait to come back for knife-oriented trainings with him.
I have been training now for the past few months.
Scott is an amazing instructor and teacher. He is well read, well rounded, and is a true master of the martial arts that he teaches. Over the last few months, I have immensely enjoyed learning new skills, also incorporating lessons He has taught me in my daily life and work. I highly recommend Alamut combative arts.
Amazing training. I have been studying and training different martial arts for over 30 years and have been looking to try something more defense oriented. Guro Scott is an amazing teacher and has created an open learning environment geared towards all levels. He is energetic, extremely skilled and knowledgeable and teaches a variety of styles that blend well. Come and try it out!
I happened upon Alamut Combative Arts completely by chance. My fiance gets her nails done next to Alamut and I would always see students training and looking focused, but having a great time as well. I had always wanted to take self-defense lessons (even more so now with everything going on) and thought of this as a sign to finally act on my intentions.
From my phone conversation to the introductory private lesson, Guro Scott went into detail regarding the various arts incorporated into the training and their history, as well as his experience, and began training me in basic footwork in that very first lesson. Even if I had not continued having training with Guro Scott, I would've left the introductory lesson more knowledgeable and confident than when I came in.
Fortunately, I decided to continue my training under Guro Scott. I was nervous going to the first lesson as the "new guy", however, all of the nerves dispelled when the lesson began and how patient both Guro Scott and Hazel were as well as all of the other students. The lessons are approachable and paced very well. Every class I leave more knowledgeable and confident than before. And the level of detail and attentiveness Guro Scott shows to all his students is truly remarkable. I look forward to continuing my training at Alamut Combative Arts and highly recommend anyone interested in self-defense, or just wanting to better yourself in general, to consider giving Alamut a try! Not only will you learn to defend yourself and loved ones and be hard to kill, you'll learn valuable life lessons in the process and be a part of a truly great community of people!
This year I found myself with some extra time and money to pursue my personal goal of learning self-defense and started the tedious searching process. I found Alamut quickly because it was close to my home, and decided to reach out to Scott and pay him a visit. My first impression could not have been better. The place is extremely clean and well stocked with all sorts of tools that you may need. There, you’ll feel like you entered a serious training ground that doubles as a meditation place, very conducive to being focused on your development as a fighter, a very aware fighter.
Scott and his wife Hazel go out of their way to make sure you’re learning actual useful techniques, you can tell they’re passionate about the arts and teaching. This place will not only train you to respond to threats faster, it will also develop your character and improve your life overall.
Group classes are great, and each student is always looking out for each other for proper form and we all are encouraged to continuously do better while our improvements are noted. Everyone here is very friendly and we also have lots of fun along the way! You’ll always be treated with respect no matter how much you know about self-defense. I started with literally zero experience and after only 4 months I’m very happy with my progress.
Lastly, private classes are also available as an option.
Please come to this place for some serious learning and you won’t regret it 👍🏻.
This is an excellent facility. Scott is a very knowledgeable instructor that ensures nobody is left behind during class. Every fellow student I have met so far has been equally friendly and interested in each other's success. The classes stimulate the mind and body, making it a worthwhile experience for everyone. They are serious classes, but also fun. If you are curious enough to read this far down the reviews, then you should be curious enough to try a class, it's well worth it.
Today was my introductory one on one class with Scott and Hazel, and they were WONDERFUL teachers! Very informative and calm, and not pushy or aggressive. I can’t wait till next week to start my new class! So grateful for a place that teaches what they do-it’s EXACTLY what I was looking for.
This is a training faci beyond its time ,it has everything you need tailored down to what you need. Also there extremely family oriented. Your missing out if you don't try it out.
I’ve been going to Alamut Combative Arts for about a month now and have loved every minute of it! Scott teaches reality based self defense in a safe and supportive training environment. The students in group class are very helpful as well. I highly recommend Alamut to anyone who is seeking self defense that works, an encouraging and fun community, or a challenging workout!
Alamut has been great. Scott is an awesome coach. He always knows what we've been working on and what's next. Somewhere during each session he breaks out the John Wick and shows me how everything applies and where else we might be headed. Super cool. Lots of fun, and lots of learning!
My son has been training for the past couple of months in Muay Thai with Scott Hughes at Alamut Combative Arts. During our initial meeting Scott’s knowledge, passion and skills were evident. He is an outstanding teacher who provides above and beyond any previous training my son has experienced to date. We look forward to his future training with Scott at Alamut. We are grateful.
Did the introduction private class today and was so amazingly impressed I signed up for the classes.
Snowflake whiney wannabes do not even sign up!
This is real life combat arts with emphasis on stick, knife and gun self defense and not a paper tiger McDojo class.
Scott Hughes is definitely the real deal and not for the timid or anyone wanting to train with kid gloves.
Looking forward to training with this amazing instructor.
Definitely recommend if you are serious about about getting trained! I was a bit unsure of what to expect being my first of such classes, but I found Scott to be very welcoming. The facility was quite impressive and I am able to get a well rounded training in one place with the different offerings. Its exactly what I was in search of, and I think I've found the right place!
Easily one of the best *actual* martial arts schools out there. The training focus is on effective self defense in real world scenarios. You'll learn a plethora of ways to react to any given situation and multiple responses to any method of attack. There are a lot of "McDojos" out there that will teach you fancy looking moves that won't do you any good in a fight. This is not one of those. You will learn true and effective combat that will both toughen you up and save your life. Scott is an incredible teacher that cares for his students and will do whatever it takes to make them successful. Between group classes and private instruction, you'll make rapid and notable progress in your confidence, skills, and especially fitness. If you've ever had any interest at all in trying any kind of martial art style, you won't find a better place than this.
I first started going to see Scott for Reiki. I didn’t have any experience with it, but Scott made me feel right at home! His energy is endless and he’s an absolute joy to be around. He has years of experience under his belt and is super knowledgeable. I’ve been going to him for reiki once a week for a few months now, and I will continue to keep going to see him! I look forward to my weekly sessions and moving that energy around. It truly is life changing and I recommend giving it a try!
Shortly after I started going to Scott for reiki I began taking his group class. I had no experience with combative arts or any sort of fighting background, but being a single woman in this crazy world I figured I would give it a try. I absolutely love it! Scott makes you feel comfortable and tailors to all his students, no matter the skill level. He makes every class fun while still being serious and informative. I already feel much more comfortable and ready for anything. He teaches you every day situations that could happen to anybody and how to protect yourself and get out of it!
10/10 recommend Scott and Alamut!
I recently joined Alamut after an initial private lesson with Scott. I have a boxing background but was looking for combat training for real world, everyday situations. The training started first with some history into the martial arts Scott teaches at the school as well as some of the underlying principles of each, which are taught in training but are intended for much broader application in our everyday lives. I'd tried classes at a few other places, but none of them placed much (if any) emphasis on training as a way of improving not just physically but also as a person (mentally, emotionally, and spiritually). In my opinion, that sets Alamut apart in itself and certainly makes you feel as if you've become a part of something much larger. On top of that, the combat training is top notch, covering everything from knives to firearms and anything else you might encounter on the street. I'm very happy I found this place, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for training in real life combat situations
I took my first lesson with Scott in muay thai and I was immediately hooked! He teaches proper muay thai with the proper equipment that you won't find anywhere in the New Orleans area. He is tough and disciplined with you but patient. After my first session, I immediately scheduled more private classes. I'm looking forward to training and developing under Scott!
I went in expecting something different but I was not disappointed! I alway viewed myself as a passivist not a fighter, Scott managed to prove me wrong, I finished my first class asking when will my next class be! Yes, it was that great, Scott is patient and committed, he is also firm and has clear expectations which I appreciated. No rushing to learn a skill, he moves with your pace which is great for me as a beginner without prior experience in any combative arts. I highly recommend his center!
I can’t rave enough about this place and Scott! I wish I would have found him sooner. The level of teaching is amazing, his knowledge in PKT martial arts has allowed him to able to teach PKT in a manner that is simple yet effective. I would recommend him to anyone that is serious about learning real self defense and not generic marital arts. He takes the time to learn his students to able to teach them while having fun. I can see myself training here for years to come!
From the start, my experience with Scott has been top-notch. I am a beginner in combative techniques, but Scott is very perceptive and skillfully tailors each lesson to my current skill level, building upon what I've learned, and pushing me to develop further at a healthy pace. He is respectful, focused, and very knowledgeable. He trains for real-life scenarios, which I find very practical, and also making for a highly efficient use of precious time. I am learning a lot, and I look forward to continuing my training with him. Highly recommended for all ages and levels.
My son has been taking lessons from Mr. Hughes for the past couple months and I can't say enough good things about this experience. He runs a very professional well-organized training studio and is a great instructor. He keeps lessons fresh introducing new content each week and tailors the pace to my son's level and progression. My son is very motivated about class every week and he actually puts down the iPad during the week to practice, fully attributable to the environment Mr. Hughes creates and how he motivates students. Fully worth every penny!
I've been looking for an opportunity to develop in a Martial arts style that I can use without years of training. Today I found it in the " Alamut Combative Arts LLC studio, just awesome training people!!! Brother Vincent
Scott was very professional during our first lesson. The facilities are nice and clean and he was very accommodating being this is my first time at this. He is good at tailoring the curriculum towards beginners. I will definitely be back for more 1 on 1 sessions.
Guru Hughes is a very talented and experienced martial artist but overall is a exceptional teacher .
The training approach is very simple that is to cultivate only functional and useful skills that really works in a real life self defense situation.
The system includes
Grappling, trapping, boxing, kicks and weapons training. Good training for the absolute beginner or the martial artist with years of experience.
I’m a young female with a history of abuse, and I was very eager but incredibly concerned about starting self-defense classes because of my background. When I called Scott to ask about classes, he not only reassured me about my anxiety over taking class, but he also offered me a goldmine of advice that I could immediately apply to the situation I was in. He also offered to have his wife present for our intro session to make me more comfortable. During the first lesson, him and his wife were nothing but kind and accommodating.
After that first lesson, I immediately purchased my training gear and signed up for my first month. I am very excited to see what they can teach me and how much progress I can make under his instruction. I hope more women (and men) sign up for his classes.
I have been attending classes for the past few months and they are great. What I look for in an instructor is respect for the student, knowledge of the art, the passion for the art and most important, the ability to transfer that knowledge to the student. Scott Hughes meets all of these points. He is an excellent instructor. He has a genuine passion for the art of Kali and respect for its history, which he teaches along with the techniques and reason for using such techniques in the REAL WORLD.
I had an introduction meeting and training class 1 on 1 with Scott. I was able to learn a lot during our time together and I will definitely be back. It’s real life situations that will help you throughout your life. I learned more in that 1 session with him than I have in going to other places 2-3 times a week!!
I had an introduction with Scott to see if this was something that would be beneficial to Me. I was blown out the water to see how this style of Combat is efficient and conventional to this day and age. Real useful skills I look forward to my journey training with Master Scott, and developing a sense of keen awareness for my everyday line of work. I recommend any this Form of Art to anybody, even those with previous experience in martial arts as myself.
Scott Hughes has an arsenal of versatile training techniques that he customizes to develop your skills in self defense. It is a great way to learn self defense techniques that can be applied in unavoidable dangerous situations whether your armed, unarmed, or limited to a hand weapon. (flashlight, keychain, etc.)
I really enjoy the high intensity Muay Thai training session that burns 800-1000 calories while developing and understanding striking and defense techniques of this art!
Scott is on point teaching for real world situations. His training techniques coupled with real world scenarios reinforce the lesson and their value outside of the class. Train here to gain the skills that will keep you prepared and alive. This is without a doubt a step above other systems.
His knowledge comes straight from the grandmasters in the Phillipines, practiced the way it was in ancient times. More than just moves and combinations, he teaches philosophy and tactics. The coordination & conditioning training make it a great workout.
Scott Hughes is one of the most elite instructors in the southeast. Whether it is your first day training or your 5th year Scott always knows how to keep you on your toes and is constantly bringing something new to the table.
I highly recommend him to anyone looking to train!
I wasn’t sure what we were going to cover in this class – I probably have seen to many movies. Scott spends a lot of time finding out what your goals are for the class and tailors the lessons to fit your needs, skills and fitness level. For example, I was going to Europe and we discussed techniques, and objects (such as an umbrella) that I could use to defend myself. We also practiced how to spot and avoid problems – especially in “gun free” Europe where a club or knife are more commonly used in attacks. I find the classes very entertaining, and I have never left without learning something new.
My experience with Alamut was short lived. I was excited to start my combative arts journey with Scott. I took the first private “meet and greet” class for $80 at the end of August. I told him I was leaving town in September so I wanted to start group classes in October. He steamrolled me and convinced me to get “private classes,” which is very expensive. After taking my second private class, I asked if i could use the money I paid for private classes and put towards group sessions. He said no and then kicked me out of the program. He offered a partial refund and then never kept his word.
