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Academy of Self Defense
4.7 ★★★★★ 126 Google reviews · Krav Maga school in Santa Clara, California
Certified school — reviews and the school's own info point to a recognized Krav Maga certifying organization (think Krav Maga Worldwide, IKMF, KMG or Krav Maga Alliance). If certification matters to you, ask which organization they're certified through and what certification level their instructors hold.
Plan your first class
- Free intro class most schools welcome newcomers with a free intro or trial class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & teens Krav Maga classes for kids — built around confidence, focus, and staying safe
- Private lessons private, one-on-one instruction available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Fitness & conditioning Krav-based fitness and conditioning classes — a high-energy workout that builds real-world strength and stamina
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule academyselfdefense.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (408) 844-8485
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 AM–1 PM, 4–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM–1 PM, 4–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM–1 PM, 4–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM–1 PM, 4–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 6:30–7:30 AM, 10 AM–1 PM, 5–7 PM |
| Saturday | 8:45 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | 10–11:30 AM |
The classes they run
“No matter what class you come for, from fitness to contact sport, beginner or advanced, it’ll be a good time.”
“If you ever get the chance to do a personal training session, take it—you’ll gain more than just a workout.”
“It’s a great place to build strength, improve conditioning, learn self-defense, and stay consistent.”
“I like to see families ( parents and their children) participating in all the different activities and events.”
Other martial arts here
“I got stronger, got introduced to Muay Thai, I increased my cardio, lost some weight in the process and I'm now improving my skill every time I step onto the mat.”
What students say
“He is definitely one of the best instructors I have had in a long time.”
“The community is incredibly welcoming and supportive, and the instructors are all super knowledgeable and motivating.”
“If you’re looking to be challenged, grow stronger, and become part of a truly supportive community, this is the place for you.”
“I got stronger, got introduced to Muay Thai, I increased my cardio, lost some weight in the process and I'm now improving my skill every time I step onto the mat.”
“The coaches are awesome, the regulars are good people, the environment is supportive and the facility is nice and clean”
“The coaches are supportive, patient, and truly care about helping you improve.”
From the reviews
Academy of Self Defense has quite literally changed my life. I came in wanted to get stronger and being able to defend myself. I was met with unwavering support, being cheered on by both coaches and other members every step of the way.
The coaches are knowledgeable, supportive, and really care about your progress. Classes are well structured, challenging, and fun, and the community is friendly and encouraging. It’s a great place to build strength, improve conditioning, learn self-defense, and stay consistent.
“I highly recommend this gym! Learning self-defense here has been both fun and interesting. The coaches are supportive, patient, and truly care about helping you improve. They take the time to make sure you understand the techniques and feel comfortable. It’s been a really positive experience, and I’m glad I joined!
If you’re looking to be challenged, grow stronger, and become part of a truly supportive community, this is the place for you. The staff in the lobby are always so kind and welcoming.
New to Krav Maga? Start at Academy of Self Defense
Academy of Self Defense comes up as a beginner-friendly school, going by their listing and students’ reviews. If you've never thrown a punch or set foot in a self-defense class, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or athletic to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and instructors scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable schools build the fundamentals (stance, movement, and core self-defense techniques) over weeks, and controlled pressure-testing eases in gradually so every drill stays safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or Level 1 class time so your first session is alongside others who are also just starting out. Most schools are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first Krav Maga class at Academy of Self Defense
Nervous about walking into a Krav Maga school for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good instructors expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling a few core techniques with a partner — controlled and at your own pace, not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: comfortable athletic clothes you can move in — there's no uniform or special gear you need to buy to get started. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — most schools have everything else you'll need for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call what to bring. Pressure-testing eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid — you won't be sparring hard on day one. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign in and meet the instructor. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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