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North Shore Martial Arts Center
4.9 ★★★★★ 86 Google reviews · Krav Maga school in Melrose, Massachusetts
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
- 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
- Fitness & conditioning Krav-based fitness and conditioning classes — a high-energy workout that builds real-world strength and stamina
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule northshoremartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 781-230-6676
Hours
| Monday | 3–7:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 3–6:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 3–7:30 pm |
| Thursday | 3–6:30 pm |
| Friday | 6–7:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“As a homeschooling parent, I appreciate how it complements our parenting style, my child’s overall education and personal development.”
“Both children and adult classes are very commendable.”
“I grew up doing martial arts and it was almost like a boot camp.”
Other martial arts here
What students say
“The Senseis are not only kind, welcoming, and respectful, but they are also deeply committed to nurturing each child’s growth.”
“Sensei Bill and his team have a remarkable ability to engage young kids, maintaining their focus and discipline in a fun and supportive environment.”
“Sensei Bill dedicates time to each student, ensuring they grasp the fundamentals and feel confident in their abilities.”
“Great Sensis who take time to help your child develop mentally and physically with confidence and consideration.”
“After shopping around I found them to be reasonably priced and they offered many great entry deals through the year.”
“Great Sensis who take time to help your child develop mentally and physically with confidence and consideration.”
From the reviews
I take the adult Integrated Combat Arts class. I had no martial arts experience before joining. Everyone is welcoming and supportive. The instruction is great. It's challenging without being overwhelming, and I like being able to get different perspectives from the three different, wonderful instructors.
Great martial arts program!Bill really does a great job. Not only do they teach how to defend yourself but also they also teach discipline. That was the most important thing for me. I grew up doing martial arts and it was almost like a boot camp. This is so much better for the kids.
Very good place for focusing and directing a toddler's energy :) the teacher is really great about building character and values as well. They take a few minutes every class to sit around and discuss their days and character words that are part of their character development program.
My son has been attending this martial arts center for nearly a year and a half, and the transformation has been remarkable. I originally enrolled him because I wanted to reinforce structure and discipline outside of our home, and the results have exceeded my expectations.
New to Krav Maga? Start at North Shore Martial Arts Center
North Shore Martial Arts 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 North Shore Martial Arts 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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