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Plus One Defense Systems

4.9 ★★★★★ 189 Google reviews · Krav Maga school in West Hartford, Connecticut

Krav Maga school Free intro Beginners welcome Kids & teens Women's classes Private lessons LE & military

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
  • 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 (ages 5–13) — 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
  • LE & military training for law enforcement, military, and security professionals — ask about dedicated or group programs
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule teamplusone.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 860-922-5343

Hours

Monday 6:30 am–9:30 pm
Tuesday 11 am–9:30 pm
Wednesday 6:30 am–9:30 pm
Thursday 11 am–9:30 pm
Friday 6:30 am–9 pm
Saturday 9:15 am–4 pm
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Krav Maga classes on the schedule at Plus One Defense Systems, confirmed in students' own reviews and the school's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

💪 Women's Self-Defense 3 mentions

“The women-only class is also great opportunity, not only for the technique taught and smaller class size, but also for those who may be unsure about training with men.”

All schools that run women's self-defense →

🧒 Kids Krav Maga 5 mentions

“Alberto gave my son a trial private lesson and within minutes understood my sons needs giving him confidence and truly having fun with him!”

All schools that run kids krav maga →

🌱 Beginners 8 mentions

“I recently attended the pistol permit and modern weapons class with Darin (through The Tactical Boutique), and it was my first time ever shooting.”

All schools that run beginners →

👤 Private Lessons 2 mentions

“Alberto gave my son a trial private lesson and within minutes understood my sons needs giving him confidence and truly having fun with him!”

All schools that run private lessons →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“I would absolutely recommend this place to anyone looking to obtain their pistol permit or for any firearms or self-defense training.”

All schools that run self-defense →

🎖️ Law Enforcement & Military

All schools that run law enforcement & military →

Other martial arts here

Krav Maga schools are often multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Plus One Defense Systems — mined from their reviews and the school's own info.

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 8 mentions

“If you're interested in Brazilian Jujitsu, BJJ as well as the many other martial arts they offer, I would highly recommend attending Plus One!”

Other schools that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

🥊 Muay Thai 4 mentions

“I've trained beginner-level Muay Thai here with three different instructors due to my shifting work schedule.”

Other schools that also teach muay thai →

🎯 Firearms Defense 6 mentions

“I recently attended the pistol permit and modern weapons class with Darin (through The Tactical Boutique), and it was my first time ever shooting.”

Other schools that also teach firearms defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the school's own info — they show what students have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want MMA, Muay Thai, boxing, or firearms defense alongside your Krav Maga, confirm the current schedule with the school.

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 189 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, real-world instruction 4 mentions

“The professor leading the class gave great instruction and even gave some additional details later on.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 15 mentions

“I recently attended the pistol permit and modern weapons class with Darin (through The Tactical Boutique), and it was my first time ever shooting.”

🤝 supportive, no-ego gym 24 mentions

“Darin and the rest of the Plus One team are so encouraging and inviting, you really feel like a part of a big martial arts family.”

🔥 great workout & conditioning 2 mentions

“Classes are challenging and rewarding, and I'm constantly learning (and getting a great workout, AND having a ton of fun).”

🧠 builds confidence & awareness 3 mentions

“As someone who has been going to this school on and off for years I can confidently say it is one of the best Martial arts schools in the state.”

💗 welcoming to women 5 mentions

“As a woman who travels a lot for work, it is always refreshing to find a female friendly gym that is so welcoming and knowledgeable.”

From the reviews

I am having a fantastic time learning BJJ at Plus One. I didn't have any martial arts background, but everyone is so welcoming and helpful. Every question I've had has been quickly and thoroughly answered, by the instructors and by the experienced practitioners, who are eager to see me succeed.

★★★★★ — Kirsten, Jun 2022

I can't recommend Plus One Defense Systems enough. It's a safe training environment that encourages members to push themselves without having to worry about getting hurt. If you're a beginner looking to train Muay Thai look no further!

★★★★★ — Erik, Nov 2024

Coming from someone who has been practicing martial arts for 8 years, this school is second to none. I’ve been a student at Plus One for over 6 years now. I still to this day regret not signing up sooner. Since becoming a member of the Plus One family I’ve had nothing but amazing experiences and opportunities.

★★★★★ — Jonathan, Sep 2017

I visited for the first time yesterday. They offered a free introductory class, so I decided to try Muay Thai. I'm brand new to any sort of martial art/combat sport, but I was excited to give it a shot! Coach Dom was awesome. He was super inviting and helpful.

★★★★★ — Giovanni, Mar 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 189 reviews →

New to Krav Maga? Start at Plus One Defense Systems

Plus One Defense Systems 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first Krav Maga class at Plus One Defense Systems

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.

Krav Maga is a contact activity. Ease in, train at your own pace, listen to your instructors, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Plus One Defense Systems

9 Tolles St, West Hartford, CT06110

Get directions Instagram

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and student reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.