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Krav Maga CDK Self Defense Training Center
4.9 ★★★★★ 116 Google reviews · Krav Maga school in Bethesda, Maryland
Plan your first class
- Membership memberships run around $270/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
- 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule kravmagacdk.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 202-750-9494
Hours
| Monday | 12–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 12–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12–9 pm |
| Thursday | 12–9 pm |
| Friday | 4–7 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“After my very first class, I declared that my son WILL take the teen classes when he turns the eligible age and if that's not an endorsement, I don't know what is!”
“After my very first class, I declared that my son WILL take the teen classes when he turns the eligible age and if that's not an endorsement, I don't know what is!”
“When we do de-escalation and practice the “fence”, it forces you to speak up for yourself and say what you need, telling someone something like “I need you to back up”.”
Other martial arts here
“In addition to being an excellent teacher of self defense and boxing, David clearly knows how to work with kids.”
What students say
“DJ is the owner and lead instructor, and such a great and talented teacher.”
“After my very first class, I declared that my son WILL take the teen classes when he turns the eligible age and if that's not an endorsement, I don't know what is!”
“The staff is super welcoming and I appreciate the encouragement of everyone at the studio.”
“Whether you're just starting out or have prior experience, the classes are designed to challenge you and build real-world self-defense skills.”
“Perfect place to come for a confidence boost in self defense or if you're looking for a fun way to work out a connect!”
“The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and committed to helping you grow both mentally and physically.”
From the reviews
I've been training here for a few years and I'm so glad I found this gym. I was a bit intimidated when I first started coming, but that wore off quickly. The gym atmosphere is great, the students are diverse, and the instructors are knowledgeable and obviously enjoy teaching.
Nothing but good things to say about this place. I took my 13 y.o. to a few different places close to my home and I wasn't convinced with any. Most have mixed age groups with majority of the students in their mid 30's and up making it hard for my very shy 13 y.o. to feel comfortable.
Can't think of a better place or group of folks to be around outside of my social (and physical) comfort level! The feeling of being welcome cannot be understated and I only embarked on this journey almost 4 weeks ago. I have enjoyed all the classes I have taken thus far with Coaches Lee, Luke, and Lauren!
I’ve been a member of this gym for 3 years and I absolutely love this program. The teaching is solid and DJ has been a great lead instructor. The team of instructors at the school are hands down top notch as well! David always incorporates real life scenarios to consider your skills.
New to Krav Maga? Start at Krav Maga CDK Self Defense Training Center
Krav Maga CDK Self Defense Training Center 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 Krav Maga CDK Self Defense Training Center
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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