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SPAR Self Defense
5 ★★★★★ 121 Google reviews · Krav Maga school in Buffalo, New York
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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule spardefense.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 716-835-7727
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 10:30 am–1 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I even signed my nieces up (ages 7 & 8) they love the kids programs and my coworkers love the women's self defense course.”
“I even signed my nieces up (ages 7 & 8) they love the kids programs and my coworkers love the women's self defense course.”
“Liz is amazing and will set you up so you're confident walking through the doors the first time.”
“Depending on what you want, you can take the cardio class or the self defense, or both.”
“Whether you are looking for a way to defend yourself in real world scenarios or just looking to get in better shape, this is the place to be.”
Other martial arts here
“Oh, might I add that my sons Jiu Jitsu instructor Eduardo Barboza is a three time World Champion Black Belt with 15 years of Jiu Jitsu experience, so yeah that’s a kinda cool!”
What students say
“Very friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable instructors.”
“It can be hard to find gyms that are truly welcoming to women, but this gym is very comfortable and full of supportive and welcoming people both staff and clientele included.”
“It can be hard to find gyms that are truly welcoming to women, but this gym is very comfortable and full of supportive and welcoming people both staff and clientele included.”
“Whether you are looking for a way to defend yourself in real world scenarios or just looking to get in better shape, this is the place to be.”
“You need to bring your cardio and effort to each session as testing days will bring you to a new challenge.”
“Coach Jenn will make sure you’ve got what it takes to confidently defend yourself against an intruder of any size when the time calls for it.”
From the reviews
I joined Spar last month as a way to force myself into feeling better after a year long battle with lung issues caused by COVID. I sat with the owner Bill after speaking to his daughter about joining. I wanted to make sure that this was a wise decision for someone like me, who was not in the greatest of shape.
SPAR is amazing! Very friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable instructors. The facility is very clean, modern, and well kept. There is a class for any individual of any skill set- a complete novice to an experienced pro, someone looking for some defense skills or a good workout.
I was interested in self defense classes. I went to SPAR to look around. I talked with Bill. Bill showed me around and explained the classes that are offered. The school is very clean and has a juice bar. There was no pressure to sign up for any classes.
I absolutely love Spar, I've been to other gyms and this is by far the best. The facilities are very clean, the staff knows who you are, the classes are small so you really get the attention you need, and the gym has a great atmosphere.
New to Krav Maga? Start at SPAR Self Defense
SPAR Self Defense comes up as a beginner-friendly school, going by their listing and students’ reviews. 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 SPAR Self 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.
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