Self-defense classes in NYC
Learn to protect yourself so you can walk in peace
Krav Maga Experts teaches self-defense classes in NYC through Krav Maga, at studios on the Upper West Side and in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Beginners welcome, no experience needed.
55+ weekly classes · 2 NYC locations · Teaching New Yorkers since 2010
Krav Maga classes in NYC
Each class starts with a problem you can understand, such as someone grabbing you. The instructor explains a response, you practice slowly with a partner, and we correct the movement before adding speed or resistance.
Our Krav Maga classes include working in limited space, moving toward exits, and responding to other people nearby. You practice making these decisions in situations that reflect life in New York, including on the subway.
What do you learn in a self-defense class?
Self-defense classes at Krav Maga Experts cover awareness, verbal boundaries, de-escalation, movement, striking, grappling and responses to grabs, holds, and weapon threats. You also practice protecting yourself on the ground and getting back to your feet.
In Krav Maga, the goal is to end the encounter and leave as quickly as possible. We define victory as being able to walk home safely. Each situation requires a different response. You may need to strike, control someone, show restraint, let go of your ego, or recover and keep moving. Deciding when to use force, and how much, is part of the training.
It was an absolutely worthwhile experience to learn about self-defense, being aware in public and general fight IQ. I’d highly recommend it to anyone from those looking to feel safer walking home from the subway to those looking to build a fully rounded fighting practice.
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One system, across every range
The distance between you and another person changes what you can do. You might have space to move away, be held at close range, or need to get up from the ground. We teach you to work through those changes.
At a distance
Use your voice and movement to keep space. Practice protecting yourself and striking when necessary to create an opportunity to leave.
Up close
Work on escaping grabs and holds, keeping your balance, and controlling contact when there’s little room to move.
On the ground
Protect yourself on the ground, whether it is a choke from behind or the side, an arm grab, or someone between your legs, and get back to your feet when you can.
What it takes to learn self-defense
Learning self-defense takes regular practice. You return to the same skills and problems, work on corrections, and gradually take on more demanding training.
Consistency
If you can come once or twice a week, build a routine you can keep. Give yourself time to learn.
Repetition
Expect to practice the same skills many times. Pay attention to corrections and work on what you find difficult.
Pressure
Test what you’ve practiced against resistance. Notice where you struggle and work with your instructor on what needs to change.
Judgment
Practice choosing a response and recognizing when you have an opportunity to leave.
The Krav Maga Experts curriculum groups levels into four tiers: Survivor, Fighter, Protector, and Warrior. Each tier develops a different mindset and has its own requirements. Instructors invite you to test when you’re ready.
Peace of mind unfortunately isn’t a given these days in NYC, so it feels really good knowing that I can spend a few hours each week practicing self-defense in super applicable ways.
Beginner self-defense classes
“I have no experience.”
That’s where everyone begins. We explain how to stand, move, and work with a partner. In class ask when something is unclear; understanding what you’re doing is part of the class. We can help plan your training schedule and recommend beginner classes to start with.
“I’m not in shape.”
Come with the fitness level you have. Your instructor can adjust the pace while you work on your conditioning and learn the skills.
“Krav Maga sounds too intense.”
Full contact is part of training, and it can be uncomfortable. You can opt out of any drill and choose who you work with. Aggressive behavior toward training partners isn’t accepted.
“I might be out of place.”
You’ll train with people who have different backlgrounds, families, and reasons for being here. Partners are expected to help each other learn and respect each other’s limits.
What happens in my first class?
In your first self-defense class, you join a group and partner with other students who’ll help you feel at home. The warmup prepares you for the technique of the day. Your instructor teaches it, then you practice with your partner and test it under pressure.
Wear comfortable clothes you can move in, and tell us about any physical limitations before class.
Beginner self-defense classes at Krav Maga Experts are open to everyone with no martial arts background and any fitness level.
How much do self-defense classes cost in NYC?
Self-defense classes at Krav Maga Experts cost $159 to $199 a month on a membership that covers group classes at both studios. Your progress starts with consistency.
Training with Krav Maga Experts remains unequivocally the best decision I’ve made regarding not only my physical fitness, but my personal safety and self-confidence as well.
“I want you to be able to protect yourself and the people you love. You can begin with the ability you have. Give yourself time to learn and be willing to work through what feels unfamiliar. We’ll help you build the skills and judgment to walk in peace.”
Tsahi Shemesh, Chief Instructor
Self-defense classes near you
Krav Maga Experts runs all-levels self-defense classes at two studios in NYC.
Upper West Side, Manhattan: 250 West 100th Street Suite C104, New York, NY 10025 · 212.400.4813
Park Slope, Brooklyn: 69A 7th Avenue Ground Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11217 · 718.650.5115
Common questions about self-defense classes in NYC
Is this safe for beginners with no experience?
Self-defense classes at Krav Maga Experts are built for beginners with no experience. Movement and contact are introduced in stages under instructor supervision. You can stop a drill and ask for an adjustment. Physical training carries a risk of injury, so controlling your movement and following instructions matter.
How intense is self-defense training?
Krav Maga self-defense classes require physical effort and include contact. Speed and resistance increase as you develop control. Tell your instructor when the pace or contact needs adjusting.
How often should I train?
Two self-defense classes a week is a good starting point. With 55+ classes a week across both studios, most people can find two times that fit. If you can attend once, make it regular and expect to spend more time reviewing. Your attention during class and your willingness to work on corrections matter alongside attendance.
Are classes good for seniors or older adults?
Older adults can train at Krav Maga Experts. We adjust pace and exercises to the individual, taking mobility, balance, and physical limitations into account. Speak with an instructor about your needs before starting.
Can I train around an injury or physical limitation?
Many people train around an injury or physical limitation. Tell us about the injury before class. An instructor can discuss possible adjustments; your clinician should advise whether you’re ready for physical training. Some injuries need time to recover before you return.
Can I train if I have been through something?
You can train at Krav Maga Experts after a difficult experience, and you decide what you share. Speak with an instructor about the contact or situations you want to avoid. You can opt out of drills and choose your partners. Private training is available if you’d prefer to work with one instructor.
Training built for you
Krav Maga Experts also runs self-defense programs for women, kids, teens, private students, and companies.
The full Krav Maga curriculum and schedule, along with women-only classes, workshops, and private training.
Ages 6 to 12. Children practice setting boundaries, staying aware, and using physical skills appropriate to their age.
For ages 12 to 15, with attention to boundaries, independent decisions, and responsible use of force.
Work with one instructor on your specific concerns, at a pace and time that fit you.
Workshops for teams that practice awareness, de-escalation, and responses to situations relevant to their work.
Book a first self-defense class at either studio, meet the instructors, and train with the group. From there, we can help you choose classes and a schedule you can keep.
250 West 100th Street Suite C104, New York, NY 10025 · 69A 7th Avenue Ground Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11217 · Transit info
