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Thurston Academy-Martial Arts

4.6 ★★★★★ 20 Google reviews · Krav Maga school in Hanover, Massachusetts

Krav Maga school Free intro Beginners welcome Kids & teens

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
  • Kids & teens Krav Maga classes for kids — built around confidence, focus, and staying safe
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule thurstonmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (781) 936-8666

Hours

Monday 4–8 PM
Tuesday 4–8 PM
Wednesday 4–8 PM
Thursday 4–8 PM
Friday 4–8 PM
Saturday 7 AM–2 PM
Sunday 9 AM–12 PM

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 Thurston Academy-Martial Arts, confirmed in students' own reviews and the school's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Krav Maga 8 mentions

“My kids love the high expectations, definitely teachs them more than just Karate.”

All schools that run kids krav maga →

Other martial arts here

Krav Maga schools are often multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Thurston Academy-Martial Arts — mined from their reviews and the school's own info.

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 2 mentions

“I have been attending Thurston academy jiu-jitsu 4 days a week for about 2 years now.”

Other schools that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

🦵 Kickboxing 2 mentions

“So thrilled I found women’s kickboxing here!”

Other schools that also teach kickboxing →

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 20 Google reviews — in their own words.

🤝 supportive, no-ego gym 4 mentions

“If you wanna change your health for the better and actually wanna learn actual martial arts skills and help your family, this is the place to go.”

🧠 builds confidence & awareness 2 mentions

“Honestly I feel more confident in being able to handle myself if I was ever in an altercation.”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“My kids love the high expectations, definitely teachs them more than just Karate.”

💗 welcoming to women 3 mentions

“So thrilled I found women’s kickboxing here!”

From the reviews

The absolute best workout of my life! and fun. The staff are all friendly, easy to get a hold of, knowledgeable and great people to be around! So thrilled I found women’s kickboxing here!

★★★★★ — Lindsey, Apr 2022

I have been attending Thurston academy jiu-jitsu 4 days a week for about 2 years now. I enjoy all of my classmates and every instructor. Every instructor is willing and ready to help you if you're ready to help yourself.

★★★★★ — Tylor, Aug 2021

I started class here years ago and I still go! Not only do you learn self defense, you also get a good exercise.

★★★★★ — S, Jan 2020

I have been going to Thurston on and off for a bit doing the Jui Jitsu class, and I have never had a bad experience. Everyone that I have come into contact with there has been more than accommodating, from the owners to the students. It's always fun, and you get one hell of a workout, 10/10 would jui jitsu again :).

★★★★★ — Ian, Sep 2017

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 20 reviews →

New to Krav Maga? Start at Thurston Academy-Martial Arts

Thurston Academy-Martial Arts 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 Thurston Academy-Martial Arts

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 Thurston Academy-Martial Arts

409 Columbia Rd, Hanover, MA02339

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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.