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The best Krav Maga schools in America

How we rank: Google rating weighted by review volume (48,106 reviews across the directory), minimum 20 reviews to qualify, real Krav Maga schools only, and one location per chain so the list isn't fifteen branches of the same brand. Nobody pays to be here — no gym can buy a spot or a rank.

#1 Stoneridge Tactical Academy

4.9 ★★★★★ 838 reviews · Central Point, OR

Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Level 1–5 LE & military Affiliated expert, real-world instructionwelcoming to beginnerssupportive, no-ego gym

“I took the Women’s Free Self Defense class last weekend, it was so great!! I had not previously taken any self defense classes so I wasn’t so sure how I’d like it but I’ve come to …” — Lacey

#2 Dragun Defense

5 ★★★★★ 726 reviews · Harrisburg, NC

LE & military expert, real-world instructionsupportive, no-ego gympractical, effective technique

“Hasan Harnett of Dragun Defense is a true professional. I am so blessed to have him teach me an 8+ hr course for my CWP. He has a wealth of knowledge that was well-rounded- a truly…” — Michael

#3 Triangle Self-Defense & Tactical Training

5 ★★★★★ 565 reviews · Durham, NC

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Level 1–5 LE & military expert, real-world instructionwelcoming to beginnerspractical, effective technique

“This was a great experience. The class is one full day. The written exam was easy IF you pay attention and take notes. The instructor, Stewart, is knowledgeable, experienced, helpf…” — Roslyn

#4 Pooler Karate, Krav Maga, & Jiu-Jitsu

5 ★★★★★ 559 reviews · Pooler, GA

Free trial Kids & teens Private lessons welcoming to beginnerssupportive, no-ego gymbuilds confidence & awareness

“My son has been attending Pooler Karate firc3 years, and the growth I've seen in him—both on and off the mat—has been incredible. The instructors are not only skilled martial artis…” — Cloleisha

#5 Silverback Self Defense

5 ★★★★★ 467 reviews · Cypress, TX

Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons LE & military Affiliated expert, real-world instructionsupportive, no-ego gympractical, effective technique

“Took this training through my employer. It turned out to be a great experience. The trainer, Robert, is a very friendly, knowledgeable, and approachable. This will be a great oppor…” — Nelson

#6 Sanchez Tactical

5 ★★★★★ 459 reviews · Española, NM

Kids & teens LE & military Affiliated expert, real-world instructionpractical, effective techniquebuilds confidence & awareness

“Marcos is such a great instructor. He is very knowledgable, skilled, adaptable to students needs, engaging, and he really showed his passion for the job. He really helped me figure…” — Bernadette

#7 Tactical Fitness Austin

5 ★★★★★ 428 reviews · Georgetown, TX

Beginners welcome Private lessons LE & military expert, real-world instructionwelcoming to beginnerspractical, effective technique

“Unreal experience from start to finish. I did a 2 day package while on holiday from Australia, and it exceeded all expectations. On my first day, Karl ran an outstanding 4 hour ses…” — Ben

#8 Octagon MMA & Krav Maga

5 ★★★★★ 364 reviews · Greensboro, NC

Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Level 1–5 expert, real-world instructionwelcoming to beginnerssupportive, no-ego gym

“I LOVE going to my sessions with Mr David. I have been taking self defense lessons with him for 8 months and I have learned so much! He is so knowledgeable and really knows all of …” — Brody

#9 EVKM Self Defense & Fitness | Krav Maga

4.9 ★★★★★ 407 reviews · Tempe, AZ

Beginners welcome Kids & teens Level 1–5 LE & military Affiliated expert, real-world instructionwelcoming to beginnerssupportive, no-ego gym

“I was so impressed with the knowledge and quality instruction that was presented from the instructors, over all, the atmosphere was amazing. Keith is honest and I didn't feel press…” — Luis

#10 OIS Emeth Krav Maga USA

5 ★★★★★ 341 reviews · North Miami, FL

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons LE & military Affiliated expert, real-world instructionwelcoming to beginnerssupportive, no-ego gym

“I took several private training sessions and Philip is a great teacher/instructor/Expert/Coach, very flexible, he customizes the Private training completely on the students needs.” — Isabelle

#11 Rocky Mountain Self Defense & Fitness

4.9 ★★★★★ 297 reviews · Castle Rock, CO

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Level 1–5 LE & military expert, real-world instructionwelcoming to beginnerssupportive, no-ego gym

“My son and I both take lessons here. The instructors are top notch - welcoming, caring and knowledgeable. For my 7 y.o. son, it's not only fun, but he also gets his wiggles out and…” — Jim

#12 Xtreme Tactical Defense - St. Louis

5 ★★★★★ 265 reviews · Fenton, MO

Beginners welcome Private lessons Level 1–5 LE & military expert, real-world instructionclean, well-kept facility

“This was my fourth time taking a CCW class. I've relocated several times which required having to take the class in the state I moved to. I have to say, having classes in several s…” — Jason

#13 STW Krav Maga Self Defense & Fitness

4.3 ★★★★☆ 651 reviews · San Antonio, TX

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Level 1–5 LE & military Affiliated welcoming to beginnerssupportive, no-ego gymgood value / fair pricing

“Love this gym. Have been going here for two years and it’s all worth it… The drive, the investment. This gym is not like others, it takes the guess work out of “working out to get …” — Leyla

#14 Valley Self-Defense

5 ★★★★★ 248 reviews · Stillwater, MN

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Affiliated expert, real-world instructionwelcoming to beginnerssupportive, no-ego gym

“I took a car jacking class self defense through work and the instructors were wonderful! Both knowledgable and entertaining. I would HIGHLY recommend!!!” — Jonathan

#15 New World Defense & Fitness - Gym, Krav Maga, Boxing, BJJ

5 ★★★★★ 243 reviews · Fort Myers, FL

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Affiliated expert, real-world instructionwelcoming to beginnerssupportive, no-ego gym

“This was my first time trying any martial arts activities and my experience so far has been amazing! I am not a naturally active person but my time with New World is an exception. …” — Ashley