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Watchdog Krav Maga
4.9 ★★★★★ 64 Google reviews · Krav Maga school in Columbia, Maryland
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
- Fitness & conditioning Krav-based fitness and conditioning classes — a high-energy workout that builds real-world strength and stamina
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule watchdogkravmaga.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (410) 442-6762
Hours
| Monday | 12–2 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 12–2 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–2 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 12–2 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Friday | 12–2 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–2 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I highly recommend the women’s self defense course.”
“We have one in the beginner juniors class and three in the beginner adult class; both are very newbie friendly and the pace seems right for all levels.”
“We have one in the beginner juniors class and three in the beginner adult class; both are very newbie friendly and the pace seems right for all levels.”
“We have one in the beginner juniors class and three in the beginner adult class; both are very newbie friendly and the pace seems right for all levels.”
“If you are looking to get in shape, have fun, and most importantly learn how to defend yourself, this is the place to be!”
“The emphasis is on self-defense in real world situations, but the strength I've gained along the way is a plus!”
Other martial arts here
“The Freestate Firearms Training event yesterday was great!”
What students say
“Brian is an incredible instructor that takes the time to help you hone your technique and be the best practitioner you can be.”
“The instructors are awesome and they’ve created a really welcoming environment and community.”
“Supportive environment teaching skills that will help him get fit and defend himself in a scary situation, which brings peace of mind.”
“The emphasis is on self-defense in real world situations, but the strength I've gained along the way is a plus!”
“Supportive environment teaching skills that will help him get fit and defend himself in a scary situation, which brings peace of mind.”
“His Women and Kids course are the best in the area!”
From the reviews
I had never taken a self defense class of any type before attending my first Krav Maga class at Watchdog. I originally started after I enrolled my oldest son. We wanted a place that would help to improve his ability to stand up to his peers and not back down or feel like a target.
Watchdog is one of the few krav maga gyms in the area, and it is definitely the best! It's been great watching Watchdog's growth over the past year, in moving to a bigger, better space, adding new instructors, and more students joining up. All the instructors are fantastic- patient and encouraging.
Our son has been attending Brian's class for about two years now. I only can say good things about the program! They have a very nice new location with couches and TV for parents and young children in the waiting area, good location, too. The teachers are wonderful, they make it fun for the kids.
Brian is an incredible instructor that takes the time to help you hone your technique and be the best practitioner you can be. His Women and Kids course are the best in the area! Great family atmosphere at Watchdog. Everyone is very welcoming and helpful to newcomers.
New to Krav Maga? Start at Watchdog Krav Maga
Watchdog Krav Maga 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 Watchdog Krav Maga
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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