Law Enforcement & Military
About Krav Maga
Krav Maga (“contact combat”) is the official self defense and fighting system of the Israeli Defense Forces and numerous U.S. law enforcement and military agencies. Krav Maga emphasizes easy to learn techniques that have been battle tested in real, life threatening confrontations. The System relies on simple, instinctive moves that can be learned in a relatively short period of instruction.
This street oriented self defense program is favored by law enforcement agencies across the United States. While experienced fighters and law enforcement officers have consistently praised its highly practical applications, the System also appeals to beginners because of its simple, no-nonsense approach to personal safety. In fact, Krav Maga is the ideal self defense system for men, women, and children of all ages and physical abilities. The techniques that have been extensively taught to police and military, techniques they have used to save their own lives are the same skills we’ll teach you.
Our instructional staff is certified and includes expert, internationally recognized military and police force trainers.
“. . . so one may walk in peace.”
About the Founder & chief instructor of
Unified Krav Maga
Joseph Gleed
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Mr. Gleed opened the first Krav Maga school in Utah over 20 years ago and is dedicated to helping everyone regardless of ability, identity or background, learn real-world self-defense to keep themselves and their communities safe. He is an expert instructor (3rd Degree Black Belt received in Israel) that has been certified out of the Wingate Institute in Netanya, Israel and specializes as a force-on-force trainer for military and law enforcement, undercover operators, and trainer of trainers. He also works closely with Operation Underground Railroad and the Child Liberation Fund. Mr. Gleed also holds the title/rank of Kru in Muay Thai, Brown belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Bas Rutten MMA instructor, CrossFit certified instructor, as well as Black Belts in other arts. He holds a BS in Psychology and a CSW with an emphasis on violent trauma and mental health.
Accomplishments
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Krav Maga Expert (3rd Degree Black Belt Received in Israel)
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Wingate Institute Certified Krav Maga Instructor (Israel)
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Krav Maga Force Trainer (Military & Police)
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Muay Thai Kru (advanced) Instructor Under Grandmaster Toddy
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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt (Master Pedro Sauer)
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Utah Tactical Officers Association Partner or the year
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Bas Rutten MMA Instructor
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CrossFit Level 1 (CF-L1) Trainer
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CSW with Clinical Mental Health emphasis
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Multiple Black Belts in other systems
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Four 7 Ju-Jitsu Blue Belt (Jason Mertlich)
iNSTRUCTORS
UKM prides itself in having dedicated, well-trained, quality instructors. All UKM instructors undergo extensive and ongoing training to ensure that we are providing the highest level of instruction for our students. Instructors are continually training to improve their physical technique instruction but also the psychology of self-defense and fighting, trauma-informed instruction, and more.
Matthew Smith
LEAD INSTRUCTOR
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Matthew began his self-defense journey in 2012 after he and his family were confronted by a man wielding a knife in SLC. After an exhaustive search of local self-defense options, he visited Unified Krav Maga and was inspired by the mentality, discipline, and technical expertise demonstrated by the school’s founder and head instructor, Joseph Gleed.
He has spent countless hours learning the physical, technical, and mental aspects associated with the Israeli Defense System (Krav Maga), and earned his 2nd Degree Black Belt under Joseph Gleed in November of 2019.
When he is not training, Matthew enjoys spending quality time with the two most amazing girls in his life (Azalea, and Kailanni), riding his motorcycles, and writing music
Matthew Smith
roger graves
LEAD INSTRUCTOR
Roger started with Unified Krav Maga in August 2012 as a way to get "off the couch." Once he joined, he fell in love with Krav Maga and the people at UKM and has been here ever since! ​Roger is one of the most dedicated people around and earned his 1st Degree Black Belt in April of 2018 under Joseph Gleed.
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As one of our lead instructors, Roger is dedicated to helping our students excel and get to a high level quickly. His advice? "Like anything new that you try, you need to practice. Everyone feels frustrated when learning new skills. Like Dory said, "Just keep swimming". You will pick it up."
Outside of the gym Roger has always been an IT person, an avid photographer, and a television junkie. His latest interest? Legos!
roger graves
jessica barley
LEAD INSTRUCTOR
Jessica joined UKM in 2014 as a way to be active and learn how to defend herself in a way that someone with her body type could. Now a blue belt, she loves teaching and sharing her passion with others. Helping others build the tools to defend themselves and gain confidence is something she strives for.
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Her advice to new students? "Starting Krav Maga can be very intimidating, but the hardest part is showing up. Once you're there you are quickly welcomed, and get to have fun learning, growing, and making friends. Plus, it's nice to get out pent up angst by hitting the bag."
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Jessica loves UKM because it's an ego free gym and everyone is so kind and helpful. Plus, it offers top notch instruction. "There is no pandering to defenses that don't work. Unified will help you know what to expect physically and mentally in any self defense situation."
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Outside of the gym she is a BIG movie buff. (stay tuned for Krav Maga Cinema nights!). On a kid free night, you can find her watching a movie while crocheting, doing a puzzle, or working on some other craft project she's started.
jessica barley
Grant thomas
Grant Thomas
INSTRUCTOR
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Coming Soon
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matt downes
INSTRUCTOR
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coming soon
Darin Peterson
Darin Peterson
INSTRUCTOR
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coming soon
Hannah Blood
Tony Sumbot
Tony Sumbot
LEAD INSTRUCTOR
Tony found UKM in 2016 after an Intro Class with his brother and hasn't left since! As a kid, he always had an interest in martial arts and learning to fight with idols Muhammad Ali and Bruce Lee as his all-time favorites. He loves being able to teach others how to protect themselves, grow as a fighter, and walk this world with confidence.
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His advice to students? "It's uncomfortable but worth it, this is how we grow. I still get uncomfortable learning new things in the gym."
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His daughter Sammi also trains and this Dad/Daughter Fighting Duo teach together and he couldn't be happier to have this experience with her.
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Outside of the gym, he loves spending time with his family, playing softball, the gym, camping, fishing, bowling and anything with wheels!
Brittany Gleed
Earl Potter
earl potter
INSTRUCTOR
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Coming Soon
Samantha Sumbot
Brittany Gleed
INSTRUCTOR
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Brittany has been training since 2016 and received her blue belt in 2020. She was hooked immediately after recognizing just how much more confident and empowering it felt in knowing how to fight and defend yourself and doing so among the best people you can find.
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Overseeing programs that support victims and survivors of interpersonal violence as well, she has seen the strength and resiliency that can be rebuilt through this type of training and it's something that she feels passionate about.
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Her advice to new students? "You are stronger than you think you are - there will be days that you just want to quit or give up, but don't! You will build that inner fighter, one step at a time."
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Outside of they gym, she enjoys the outdoors, travel, and spending time with her family.
Darin Peterson
Brittany G.
Certified Instructor - Brown Belt
Mitch T.
Certified Instructor
BC Interviewer
Description
Grant T.
Certified Instructor
Matt S.
Certified Instructor - Black Belt, 2nd Dan
Tony S.
Certified Instructor - Blue Belt - Lead Krav Kids Instructor
Joseph
Chief Instructor/Owner
Wade P.
Certified Instructor, Brown Belt
Jessica B.
Certified Instructor - Brown Belt - New Member Specialist
Staff Instructor
Description
Earl P.
Certified Instructor - Blue Belt
Kati S.
Certified Instructor, Office Manager
Roger
Certified Instructor, Black Belt
matt downes
INSTRUCTOR
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coming soon
Samantha Sumbot
JUNIOR INSTRUCTOR