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First Shield Defense
5 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · Krav Maga school in Fort Wayne, Indiana
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
- LE & military training for law enforcement, military, and security professionals — ask about dedicated or group programs
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule firstshielddefense.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (260) 619-6995
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | 8 AM–8 PM |
The classes they run
“Black Market BJJ at First Shield Defense in Fort Wayne has beginner, intermediate, advanced and competition classes, perfect for any age or skill level!”
“You will meet veteran students who have been attending and training for sometime.”
“If you want (I would advise at some point you do), to be physically , mentally tested and eventually advance, book a class see where you are and advance In your self defense!”
Other martial arts here
“I started for our self-defense and apex concealed carry programs - but since we added Black Market BJJ to our weekly training schedule I’ve been doing that as well!”
“I started for our self-defense and apex concealed carry programs - but since we added Black Market BJJ to our weekly training schedule I’ve been doing that as well!”
What students say
“Black Market BJJ at First Shield Defense in Fort Wayne has beginner, intermediate, advanced and competition classes, perfect for any age or skill level!”
“The other students are also very welcoming and fun to train with; great people and great community all around.”
“The instructors do a fantastic job of meeting you where you are at, building and shaping your skills into a digestible, useful and practical self defense format.”
“I drove 2 hours to train at First Shield Defense, and it was definitely worth the drive.”
From the reviews
There’s a misconception people have that they would know what to do in a self-defense situation and will have the skills to respond accordingly. Unfortunately, most people will continue to live in their fantasy without ever realistically pressure testing it.
I drove 2 hours to train at First Shield Defense, and it was definitely worth the drive. The facility is spotless & well maintained. Very professional, excellent organization, effective communication in every matter, the instructors are knowledgable and ready to help, inviting environment of people all with the same…
I have attended a few special events at First Shield and have always had a great experience. You will meet veteran students who have been attending and training for sometime. Kyle and the others welcome you with open arms.
Clean facility! Great coaches! Supportive community! I’ve been training here for a little over two years now. I started for our self-defense and apex concealed carry programs - but since we added Black Market BJJ to our weekly training schedule I’ve been doing that as well!
New to Krav Maga? Start at First Shield Defense
First Shield 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 First Shield 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.
