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Carolina Self Defense & Krav Maga
5 ★★★★★ 82 Google reviews · Krav Maga school in Cary, North Carolina
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
- 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 — 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
- LE & military training for law enforcement, military, and security professionals — ask about dedicated or group programs
- Fitness & conditioning Krav-based fitness and conditioning classes — a high-energy workout that builds real-world strength and stamina
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule carolinaselfdefense.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 919-659-5652
Hours
| Monday | 6–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 5–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6–9 pm |
| Friday | 5–8 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I attended the 3 hour women’s self-defense class, “Becoming a Dangerous Woman” on 06/17/17 and loved it!”
“He was very friendly and his approach made a very serious topic less intimidating for the kids.”
“The kids' class is probably 75% female, the beginner adult about 50% or more, and the advanced, 50% female.”
“My oldest daughter (12) got moved up to the adult class because she got too good for the kid's class.”
“It was great that one of them would see who needed one-on-one time, and then would step in and provide the personal attention without having to be asked.”
“I originally did the 8 week boot camp because I have a severely torn rotator cuff in my shoulder for years and I needed to see if it would hold up to the rigors.”
“I attended the 3 hour women’s self-defense class, “Becoming a Dangerous Woman” on 06/17/17 and loved it!”
Other martial arts here
“My girls were a little hesitant, especially my 9 year old when we arrived and she saw the red and black paint scheme and the boxing dummies.”
What students say
“The instructor was friendly, welcoming, and experienced, and the moves were introductory but not overly so.”
“The instructor was friendly, welcoming, and experienced, and the moves were introductory but not overly so.”
“I was nervous about going to a self defense class especially one with contact but everyone was friendly, threw in humor and taught us well.”
“Before we left the studio, we all felt confident that we had real life self-defense skills that we could/would use if ever needed.”
“By attentive, I mean all three were aware at all times of how we were all progressing, and who needed extra help.”
“The kids' class is probably 75% female, the beginner adult about 50% or more, and the advanced, 50% female.”
From the reviews
I took the Women's Self Defense Seminar and I learned so much!!! It was tangible enough that I was able to go home and practice and I left feeling a little bit more confident. The instructor and assistant (I'm so sorry, I can't remember you guy's names :( I took the class in December if that helps!
My wife, two daughters, and I took the family self-defense class and really enjoyed it! My girls were a little hesitant, especially my 9 year old when we arrived and she saw the red and black paint scheme and the boxing dummies. But as soon as Darren started talking, I could see their uneasiness melt away.
I took the "Becoming a Dangerous Woman" Self Defense Seminar, and thought it was great! The instructors were very knowledgeable and made the seminar very fun. I liked that they focused on specific, real world scenarios (including watching short videos to learn!
I attended the women's self defense class with a friend. It was amazing! There were several instructors there to help. They were all engaged and their diverse personalities made it even better. They incorporated various ways to teach: video, demonstrations, and hands on.
New to Krav Maga? Start at Carolina Self Defense & Krav Maga
Carolina Self Defense & Krav Maga 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 Carolina Self Defense & Krav Maga
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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