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Black Belt Leadership Academy
5 ★★★★★ 83 Google reviews · Krav Maga school in Sanford, North Carolina
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
- Fitness & conditioning Krav-based fitness and conditioning classes — a high-energy workout that builds real-world strength and stamina
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule sanfordbbla.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (919) 777-6913
Hours
| Monday | 8–9:30 AM, 2–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 8–9:30 AM, 2–9 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 8–9:30 AM, 2–8 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Master Jackson is amazing at creating an atmosphere that is energetic and positive for the kids while they learn the fundamentals of martial arts.”
“We started out only signing my middle child up who is 4, we now have my oldest signed up who is 6 and myself doing the cage fitness class.”
“First time at Black Belt Leadership Academy for a birthday party and it was great!”
What students say
“Recently my daughter has been struggling with the addition of her baby brother to the family and Master Jackson has gone above and beyond to make her feel important in each class.”
“In addition to Master Jackson's natural ability to engage and encourage children, his youth program promotes physical fitness, confidence, respect, and service to others.”
“Your kids will love this program , and so will you especially as you see your child gain fitness and more importantly the confidence to navigate the hard parts of life.”
“It's a great investment into your child's future and well worth it!”
From the reviews
Instructor energetic, kept the students engaged and excited. Everyone has a great time, especially my adorable nephew
The staff at Black Belt Leadership Academy are very courteous and professional. A considerable number of children attend karate training programs through Black Belt Leadership Academy; this alone is an incredible testament that shows just how well received their training methods are by children from ages three years…
We started out only signing my middle child up who is 4, we now have my oldest signed up who is 6 and myself doing the cage fitness class. I'm truly impressed with the place. It offers something for everyone and master Jackson and Clay are amazing with the kiddos!
The Black Belt Leadership Academy is one of the best places I've ever been too. When I first began I was not in the best of shape and have a bad knee, but throughout the time Master Jackson helped me as well as modifying the work outs to help me. I am now keeping up with the classes, running two miles after class!
New to Krav Maga? Start at Black Belt Leadership Academy
Black Belt Leadership Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly school — noted on their own site. 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 Black Belt Leadership Academy
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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🛡️ Free intro class — check their site