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First Defense Krav Maga
5 ★★★★★ 37 Google reviews · Krav Maga school in Herndon, Virginia
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
- 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 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
- Fitness & conditioning Krav-based fitness and conditioning classes — a high-energy workout that builds real-world strength and stamina
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule firstdefensekravmaga.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (703) 835-9054
Hours
| Monday | 3–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 3–9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Ann (the other co-owner) and Nick offer several levels of classes for very young kids to older adults.”
“As first timers to Krav Maga my husband and I were not quite sure what to expect, but Nick’s training methods were easy to learn, fun and effective.”
“He’s always willing to help one on one to ensure everyone understands and is using proper technique.”
“I signed up myself and two kids (teen age girl and 23 year old son) for the foundation classes.”
“Me and my family have been attending this school since 2012 and I can say without a doubt this is the best place to learn actual, helpful self defense techniques.”
Other martial arts here
What students say
“I trust Nick and his whole staff to bring excellent training, safety, and great role modeling.”
“As first timers to Krav Maga my husband and I were not quite sure what to expect, but Nick’s training methods were easy to learn, fun and effective.”
“I walked in looking to protect myself and I found an amazing Krav Maga family and am now on the road to being a fully certified Krav Maga instructor thanks to First Defense.”
“As first timers to Krav Maga my husband and I were not quite sure what to expect, but Nick’s training methods were easy to learn, fun and effective.”
“Be warned- you will sweat profusely and be pushed to your limits.”
“In summary if you're interested in being part of a family focused on improving fitness, confidence, and the ability to defend yourself, First Defense is a great place to go.”
From the reviews
I have been training at First Defense Krav Maga since 2014. My experience there has been top notch. When I first started at FDKM I expected I’d learn self-defense and probably get some good exercise. While that’s been the case, I’ve gotten so much more out of my classes there.
Me and my family have been attending this school since 2012 and I can say without a doubt this is the best place to learn actual, helpful self defense techniques. The lead instructor does a phenomenal job at explaining the curriculum to students and answering any questions you may have in regard to it.
I LOVE Krav Maga and this training facility. I signed up myself and two kids (teen age girl and 23 year old son) for the foundation classes. Krav Maga is the most interesting and challenging self defense there is.
Outstanding facility. I have been absent from training for a while but I started my Krav-Maga journey 10 years ago. Nick is a very thoughtful, intelligent, and respectful instructor. He accepts you as you are and supports you in whatever you want to accomplish. Ann is always supportive and makes everyone feel welcome.
New to Krav Maga? Start at First Defense Krav Maga
First Defense Krav Maga 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 First 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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