Sue Garstki

Sue Garstki, is a certified Expert Level Kravmaga Worldwide Instructor. She has been trained by the best Krav Maga instructors in the world. She is presently the highest level female Krav Maga Instructor in the midwest. Enjoying and believing so much in the simplicity and ferocity of the Israeli Reality Self Defense systems, she has traveled all over the world to train with top level Instructors in their field. Sue has been certified as an instructor in the Haganah/F.I.G.H.T. program, as well as Commando Krav Maga. She has had the honor to work with the Chicago Guardian Angels, and is a Level 4 instructor in the Raven Method Close Quarter Defensive Tactics System. A nomination as Female Reality Self Defense Instructor of the Year by the Global Network of Reality Based Self Defense Systems, as well as Civilian Close Quarter Combat Instructor of the Year are among her many awards and accomplishments. Sue works with the Chicago Police Department, schools and other organizations spreading awareness in Self Defense, Women’s Self Defense and Domestic Violence issues. In June, 2013, Sue was inducted into the U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame, and again in 2015, 2017, and 2022, where she was named Krav Maga Expert of the Year.

Sue has over 40 years of teaching experience, is an Official USA Boxing Coach, and a 2nd degree black belt in Shorei Goju Karate. She was also certified under NDEITA to be a personal trainer and was one of the first instructors to be certified to teach the National Associations of Professional Martial Artists (NAPMA) Kardio Karate program. She is the founder of the Women’s Martial Arts Alliance, and Owner, President and Head Instructor of Krav Maga Illinois in Chicago. A self defense training facility for adults in children focusing on awareness and empowerment. Sue believes that self defense training is about more than technique. It is life changing. Violence isn't going away any time soon, we all need access to self defense training.