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Carolina Self Defense & Krav Maga
5 ★★★★★ 82 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Cary, North Carolina
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all fitness levels welcome, including total beginners — no experience needed, and you get in shape by training, not before
- Cardio kickboxing classes high-energy cardio kickboxing on the bags and pads — a fun, sweaty workout built for fitness and weight loss, at your own pace
- Kids & teen classes kids and teen kickboxing classes — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- Women's classes dedicated women's kickboxing classes — a welcoming space to start out and train
- Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule carolinaselfdefense.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 919-659-5652
Hours
| Monday | 6–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 5–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6–9 pm |
| Friday | 5–8 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“He was very friendly and his approach made a very serious topic less intimidating for the kids.”
“The kids' class is probably 75% female, the beginner adult about 50% or more, and the advanced, 50% female.”
“My girls were a little hesitant, especially my 9 year old when we arrived and she saw the red and black paint scheme and the boxing dummies.”
“It was great that one of them would see who needed one-on-one time, and then would step in and provide the personal attention without having to be asked.”
“I originally did the 8 week boot camp because I have a severely torn rotator cuff in my shoulder for years and I needed to see if it would hold up to the rigors.”
Other martial arts here
“My girls were a little hesitant, especially my 9 year old when we arrived and she saw the red and black paint scheme and the boxing dummies.”
“I attended the 3 hour women’s self-defense class, “Becoming a Dangerous Woman” on 06/17/17 and loved it!”
What members say
“The instructor does an amazing job teaching—he’s friendly, warm, and great with his students.”
“The instructor was friendly, welcoming, and experienced, and the moves were introductory but not overly so.”
“The kids' class is probably 75% female, the beginner adult about 50% or more, and the advanced, 50% female.”
“I was nervous about going to a self defense class especially one with contact but everyone was friendly, threw in humor and taught us well.”
From the reviews
I took the Women's Self Defense Seminar and I learned so much!!! It was tangible enough that I was able to go home and practice and I left feeling a little bit more confident. The instructor and assistant (I'm so sorry, I can't remember you guy's names :( I took the class in December if that helps!
My wife, two daughters, and I took the family self-defense class and really enjoyed it! My girls were a little hesitant, especially my 9 year old when we arrived and she saw the red and black paint scheme and the boxing dummies. But as soon as Darren started talking, I could see their uneasiness melt away.
I took the "Becoming a Dangerous Woman" Self Defense Seminar, and thought it was great! The instructors were very knowledgeable and made the seminar very fun. I liked that they focused on specific, real world scenarios (including watching short videos to learn!
I attended the women's self defense class with a friend. It was amazing! There were several instructors there to help. They were all engaged and their diverse personalities made it even better. They incorporated various ways to teach: video, demonstrations, and hands on.
New to kickboxing? Start at Carolina Self Defense & Krav Maga
Carolina Self Defense & Krav Maga comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners class is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or coordinated to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale every drill to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable gyms build the basics (stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads and bags) first, and any contact eases in gradually under a coach's control. Third, all fitness levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first kickboxing class at Carolina Self Defense & Krav Maga
Nervous about walking into a kickboxing gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches 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 the basics — stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads or a heavy bag — not hard sparring. Go at your own pace and rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: comfortable athletic clothes you can move and sweat in, and supportive trainers. What to bring: water, and hand wraps and gloves if you have them — many gyms lend loaner gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves and wraps (and shin guards once you start sparring). Sparring is optional and eases in gradually, once your basics are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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