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Valley Self-Defense
5 ★★★★★ 248 Google reviews · Krav Maga school in Stillwater, Minnesota
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
- 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
- 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 valleyselfdefense.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 651-877-8236
Hours
| Monday | 5–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 5–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 5–8 pm |
| Thursday | 12–1 pm, 5–8 pm |
| Friday | 5–7 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I started women’s self defense with my teen daughter and my youngest is taking kids self defense.”
“I started women’s self defense with my teen daughter and my youngest is taking kids self defense.”
“FYI- no experience needed and they are extremely accommodating if you are triggered and need comfort or to step away.”
“I started women’s self defense with my teen daughter and my youngest is taking kids self defense.”
“I started women’s self defense with my teen daughter and my youngest is taking kids self defense.”
Other martial arts here
“Went to my first ever BJJ class this morning feeling slightly apprehensive but determined to attend anyway.”
“I just completed my first self defense class ever - kickboxing - and really enjoyed it.”
“I’m far from an experienced gun user but after taking this class I feel confident that I could handle a handgun if one was put in my hands today.”
What students say
“Peter and Danae were excellent instructors both in class and at the range.”
“Their approach to teaching is both engaging and empowering, and I left my first class feeling more confident and excited for what’s to come.”
“The environment was incredibly open, friendly, and welcoming right from the moment I walked in.”
“I’m far from an experienced gun user but after taking this class I feel confident that I could handle a handgun if one was put in my hands today.”
“Their approach to teaching is both engaging and empowering, and I left my first class feeling more confident and excited for what’s to come.”
“Not only are they incredibly professional and knowledgeable, they treat every client professionally and with a great deal of personal respect.”
From the reviews
I took a car jacking class self defense through work and the instructors were wonderful! Both knowledgable and entertaining. I would HIGHLY recommend!!!
I started going to classes at Valley Self Defense in 2015. I cannot emphasize enough how amazing this place is. The instructors are very supportive and the environment is very welcoming. I used to be very shy and apprehensive but training here has really helped me build confidence in myself.
I felt safe and comfortable at Valley Self-Defense during my first self-defense training. The instructors made it light and informative, taking care to make sure everyone was participating at a level they were comfortable with.
I just completed my first self defense class ever - kickboxing - and really enjoyed it. Shelly, one of the instructors, took time to thoroughly teach, coach and demonstrate (and demo again as needed) each step in a “routine”.
New to Krav Maga? Start at Valley Self-Defense
Valley Self-Defense 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 Valley 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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🛡️ Free intro class — check their site