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Buckeye Self Defense
4.9 ★★★★★ 54 Google reviews · Krav Maga school in Gahanna, Ohio
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
- Membership memberships run around $70/mo — many schools also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-student rates
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Women's self-defense dedicated women's self-defense classes — a welcoming, no-pressure space to learn practical skills and build real confidence
- Kids & teens Krav Maga classes for kids and teens (ages 7–12) — built around confidence, focus, and staying safe
- Level classes Level 1–5 classes on the schedule — a graded curriculum that builds your skills step by step as you progress
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule buckeyeselfdefense.net — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (614) 806-4091
Hours
| Monday | 6–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:30–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30–9 PM |
| Friday | 6:30–8 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The women-only self-defense seminars will set the bar for what your expectation of a class should be.”
“Buckeye Self Defense has helped my son with discipline, close quarter self defense, and great teaching.”
“Very practical self defense training - all within an environment that enables beginners to not feel overwhelmed or intimidated.”
“As a 8-9 month, level 2 student, I highly recommend checking this place out if you are interested in these things”
“Very practical self defense training - all within an environment that enables beginners to not feel overwhelmed or intimidated.”
Other martial arts here
What students say
“Besides the friendships I’ve developed, I have an increased sense of my own safety and ability to protect my family.”
“In addition to a solid program, each instructor is able to bring functional & practical applications to an already dynamic system.”
“You learn important defensive skills and get a great workout!”
“For ladies in particular, you will walk away from any class knowing that you’ve got tools in your toolbox and your confidence level will skyrocket.”
“For ladies in particular, you will walk away from any class knowing that you’ve got tools in your toolbox and your confidence level will skyrocket.”
“The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and patient.”
From the reviews
Buckeye Self Defense brings a lot of mad talent with a ton of experience to the table. In addition to a solid program, each instructor is able to bring functional & practical applications to an already dynamic system. Any scenario brought to them is specifically addressed.
My friend suggested I take this class so we went last Saturday. It was the best 90min class ever! Super informative and interactive. Any questions or scenarios we had were answered.
I have trained with Scott Morrison and the buckeye self defense team for about a year now. Besides the friendships I’ve developed, I have an increased sense of my own safety and ability to protect my family. I even had a level progression in Krav Maga.
This place is a amazing place to sign up for, weather that be for your child’s safety, you want to protect yourself or even just want to know how to defend yourself if the situation ever comes.
New to Krav Maga? Start at Buckeye Self Defense
Buckeye Self Defense 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 Buckeye 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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