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Maryland Systema
4.9 ★★★★★ 37 Google reviews · Krav Maga school in Takoma Park, Maryland
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
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- 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 marylandsystema.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 301-326-9146
Hours
| Monday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–5 pm |
The classes they run
“As a women who has no prior experience and went into this merely to learn some tips and tricks to defend myself, I definitely learned much more than I anticipated.”
“I have mostly been working with him in one on one private classes since last year, and have been to one of the group classes in Takoma Park as well.”
“If you're looking to improve your physical, mental, and emotional strength while learning practical self-defense skills, I encourage you to give Systema a try with Jim.”
Other martial arts here
What students say
“Jim Eglin is an amazing instructor who is capable of working equally well with both adults and teenagers.”
“As a women who has no prior experience and went into this merely to learn some tips and tricks to defend myself, I definitely learned much more than I anticipated.”
“Fortunately for residents of the greater DC metro area, Jim at Maryland Systema has created a warm and welcoming environment for learning Systema.”
“The method of self-defense is not something I would have thought of before taking the class, but I think it would be really effective in a real-world situation.”
“Each class is structured to ensure that participants not only learn effectively but also feel safe and supported throughout the process.”
“As a women who has no prior experience and went into this merely to learn some tips and tricks to defend myself, I definitely learned much more than I anticipated.”
From the reviews
You can think of Systema as a set of principles and drills focused on operating with poise no matter what life throws at you. The principles apply equally to health work (breathing, massage, etc), movement, and martial contexts. In fact, the principles can be applied to every facet of your life.
As a professional who often works in hostile situations, the practical training in Systema with Jim from Maryland Systema has been invaluable. I have been practicing with him for over three years now, and it has been a very positive influence in my life.
I couldn't be more pleased with my experience. At (Maryland SYSTEMA) The professionalism of the program is evident from the very first session. Each class is structured to ensure that participants not only learn effectively but also feel safe and supported throughout the process.
I had the best experience with Maryland Systema. Jim was very easy going, friendly, and resourceful. As a women who has no prior experience and went into this merely to learn some tips and tricks to defend myself, I definitely learned much more than I anticipated. *A big thumps up!
New to Krav Maga? Start at Maryland Systema
Maryland Systema 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 Maryland Systema
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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