About Us

Real Life. Real Training.

We are not preaching from the sidelines. We are living this…every day.

For over 20 years, we have been walking the tightrope just like you…

Running a business. Raising two boys (now 21 and 19). Showing up even when life got loud.

Working side-by-side with my wife Cheryl, building something real together.

Health, balance, energy…it’s not a theory for us. It’s survival. And we have made it our mission.

To empower, educate and motivate anyone who is ready to stop drifting and start owning their strength…physically and mentally.

That’s the EMPIRE WAY!

And when clients say they can’t wait for class…That’s the part that gets us every time.

Hey…I’m Alan.
I have been training in Martial Arts for over 5 Decades.
Not because I had to. Because I needed to.

It started after getting bullied. I didn’t want revenge…I wanted confidence.

And once I found it, everything changed.

That mindset carried me from commission-based hustle… to corporate leadership…to building EMPIRE.

Not with shortcuts. With discipline.

I have earned multiple Black Belts, sure. But that first one…That one saved my life.

And I have used what I have learned…in the dojo, in boardrooms and in real moments when things got real.

These days, my goals are simple:
Longevity. Vitality. Leading from the front.

I don’t ask students to do what I won’t do myself. I train with them. Right beside them.

Because this isn’t about looking good.
It’s about living strong.

And if you feel that itch, that voice that says you are meant for more…

Then let’s get to work.

Cheryl and I are here to serve you…ready to help you reclaim your power and live stronger every day.

Family Martial Arts
self defense near me

Empire Defense and Fitness provides classes to Albany, Colonie, Latham, Guilderland, Delmar, Troy, Clifton Park & Niskayuna communities.

Get In Touch

8 Corporate Circle
Albany, NY 12203

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FREE Self Defense Guide

Free self Defense guide

A Real-World Guide to Staying Safe and Sharp

For adults who have had enough of feeling exposed, unprepared or powerless.
This isn’t theory. It’s not sport.
It’s a no-fluff, real-world system to help you take control of your safety, your environment and your mindset.

Because in the real world…
No one’s coming. You are the First Response.