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Steve Merckel, Martial Arts Instructor

Martial Arts and Self Defense in Saint Louis

Steve Merckel

Steve Merckel first became involved with martial arts at the age of 10. He was initially pushed by his parents, who wanted their son to be able to defend himself. And he has since been grateful to them for that initial push. His earlier background has primarily been with traditional karate, and spent several years competing nationally and training alongside international teams. He has also trained in other disciplines, such as kickboxing and wrestling with Nick Reeder.

In January 2014, Steve was encouraged by a former competitive team member (and current XKM instructor, Patti London) to try out an Xtreme Krav Maga class, and he was instantly hooked. He enjoyed the physical conditioning combined with effective and modern self-defense scenarios. One year later, he was invited to become a certified instructor.

Steve enjoys leading people to improve through hard work and focus. One of his favorite sayings is, “It’s not the hours you put in your work that counts, it’s the work you put in the hours.”

Outside of XKM, Steve works as a software developer and builds products for a company that licenses and distributes Hollywood movies. Steve resides in Fenton, Missouri, with his fiancé and their two dogs.

Classes Taught:

  • Krav Maga, Fitness Bootcamp
  • Krav Maga Worldwide Phase B Certified

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Martial Arts and Self Defense in Saint Louis

Tim D.

Tim got involved with Krav Maga because on October 1st, 2012, his birthday, he made a promise to himself to change his lifestyle from the sedentary, fast-food laden, pack of cigarettes a day rut he was in to a more healthy and active lifestyle.

 

A little after a month into running and lifting, he found himself becoming bored with it like many others that have switch to XKM. Tim was still motivated, but a lack of variety was frustrating. A quick google search brought up Xtreme Krav Maga & Fitness St. Louis and the rest is history. He was accepted into XKM’s Apprentice Instructor program in February 2014 and was Phase A certified in May 2014 and he hasn’t looked back.

 

“Becoming an instructor has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done, and I love knowing that I’m helping people achieve their fitness and self-defense goals.”

Martial Arts and Self Defense in Saint Louis

Rachel A.

“I joined the 6 Week Fitness Challenge February of 2016, in hopes of getting in better shape for my November wedding. I was very apprehensive to invest since I had been a member at another gym for about 15 years. Even though I have played sports and worked out for the majority of my life, I was scared to be the "new" person. I cannot express enough how happy I am to have committed to the 6 week challenge. It was motivating, informative and fun. Being someone who has always worked out, this program mixed up my whole outlook to fitness and nutrition. I saw results that I haven't seen in years!

 

I think the most attractive aspect of the challenge (and the gym in general) is all of the one-on-one attentionyou receive. You're taught how to properly exercise, as well as, make modifications to prevent injuries. Since the challenge is designed to teach the basics of Krav Maga, it gives working out a "purpose". Needless to say, since I loved the challenge so much, I became a member of the gym, tested and received my yellow belt. 
Overall it's been a great experience I've learned a lot, got in the best shape I've been in ( down 16 lbs and 10 inches) and made some pretty cool friends :)”            
Martial Arts and Self Defense in Saint Louis

Shana B.

Results are in!! I completed 6 Week Fitness Challenge.  I’m down 13lbs and 11.5 inches.  I loved the instructors, they are so dedicated to all of us meeting our goals.  I was so excited to sign up after it was over to keep improving and get in better shape.  

 

The paleo meal plan was a life changer, it helped me learn and understand eating clean. It was a challenge for me to step outside of my comfort zone, but so glad I did because the intimidation was gone right away.  I train regularly now and have more confidence in myself than ever before.            - Shana B.

 

Current Progress: Down 13 lbs and 11.5 Inches

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Martial Arts and Self Defense in Saint Louis