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First Defense Krav Maga
5 ★★★★★ 37 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Herndon, Virginia
Affiliated gym — reviews and the gym's own info suggest it belongs to a known kickboxing or boxing-fitness franchise or network (think 9Round, iLoveKickboxing, CKO, TITLE Boxing Club or Jabz). Franchise gyms run a consistent class format and are often a friendly, familiar place to start. If a specific brand matters to you, confirm it on the gym's own site.
Plan your first class
- 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
- 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 firstdefensekravmaga.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 703-835-9054
Hours
| Monday | 3–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 11 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 3–9 pm |
| Thursday | 11 am–9 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9 am–3 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Ann (the other co-owner) and Nick offer several levels of classes for very young kids to older adults.”
“As first timers to Krav Maga my husband and I were not quite sure what to expect, but Nick’s training methods were easy to learn, fun and effective.”
“He’s always willing to help one on one to ensure everyone understands and is using proper technique.”
“I signed up myself and two kids (teen age girl and 23 year old son) for the foundation classes.”
Other martial arts here
“Me and my family have been attending this school since 2012 and I can say without a doubt this is the best place to learn actual, helpful self defense techniques.”
What members say
“Nick, a co-owner, who has the patience of a saint, is an amazing instructor and practitioner.”
“As first timers to Krav Maga my husband and I were not quite sure what to expect, but Nick’s training methods were easy to learn, fun and effective.”
“In summary if you're interested in being part of a family focused on improving fitness, confidence, and the ability to defend yourself, First Defense is a great place to go.”
“I walked in looking to protect myself and I found an amazing Krav Maga family and am now on the road to being a fully certified Krav Maga instructor thanks to First Defense.”
From the reviews
I have been training at First Defense Krav Maga since 2014. My experience there has been top notch. When I first started at FDKM I expected I’d learn self-defense and probably get some good exercise. While that’s been the case, I’ve gotten so much more out of my classes there.
Me and my family have been attending this school since 2012 and I can say without a doubt this is the best place to learn actual, helpful self defense techniques. The lead instructor does a phenomenal job at explaining the curriculum to students and answering any questions you may have in regard to it.
I LOVE Krav Maga and this training facility. I signed up myself and two kids (teen age girl and 23 year old son) for the foundation classes. Krav Maga is the most interesting and challenging self defense there is.
Outstanding facility. I have been absent from training for a while but I started my Krav-Maga journey 10 years ago. Nick is a very thoughtful, intelligent, and respectful instructor. He accepts you as you are and supports you in whatever you want to accomplish. Ann is always supportive and makes everyone feel welcome.
New to kickboxing? Start at First Defense Krav Maga
First Defense Krav Maga comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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 First 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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