After I got assaulted on a bus earlier in the year, a few good friends highly recommended I take a self-defense class from this place. I've never taken a self-defense or martial arts class in my life. I figured it was about time, given the current circumstance of the world we live in. I took a self-defense class on riding public transit from Moses. Moses was great providing instruction and examples of the why and how on self-defense and it felt really practical. It definitely eased my anxiety a little bit considering I've often feel intimidated by the idea of just doing anything related to conflict. It also was intense and I got winded pretty quickly (and I thought I was in excellent shape from being a trained dancer and roller skater!). Just one class alone did provide a lot of value and practicality of what I need to work on when riding public transit as well as general awareness of safety now. In reality, with every skill you learn, it's going to require practice and consistency of training to stick. I'll definitely come back once I get my schedule back together. read more

I passively wanted to do something like self defense for a while, and when I found this school right next to my renting place, I decided to try it I didn't know what to expect when I signed up for trial class, I am petite and not athletic at all, but OMG I totally loved it (and I was definitely sore all over the next day - in a good workout way), students are friendly and supportive, instructor Moses is awesome, and he is the reason I was instantly hooked and immediately signed up for a monthly membership! I was taking the classes for a few months here with Moses, Danny, Micha and Tosca, all instructors are very skilled, professional and passionate about teaching you how to avoid/exit tough situations and how to defend yourself if needed in this wild world, it was never boring, but always fun, exciting, challenging, intense and sweaty, and I enjoyed every single class! (even if just for a simple fact that I survived it lol) and most important thing - everybody here makes you feel welcomed, they care, it's not just classes, it's a wonderful and kind community, it's family guys, I love you all, you are wonderful, talented and brilliant team, thank you for your dedication, passion and kindness read more

Since 1998, I've trained in at least six schools of kung fu, wing chun, jiu jitsu, and women's self-defense. Since 2022, Tactica Krav Maga Institute has been my only go-to now for self-defense because: 1. It's a caring, non-competitive community where teachers really try to get to know you as a person and help you grow. For example, they can help you be more assertive with your voice and body, if needed. And they kindly host potlucks and more. 2. Their classes are unlike others because they play out different scenes (lights off, kidnapping from a car, home invasion, etc.), especially in women's workshops. 3. They train students train on each other safely (with padding) and realistically. Some other schools let students not be forceful so students don't learn what to do in a real-life situation. 4. Classes get my heart rate up more than any self-defense class I've taken. 5. Teachers I know are trained in self-help, which is necessary because anyone can get triggered during attack-like scenarios. 6. I haven't felt big egos and hierarchies that I've felt in some schools. 7. They teach me the most strategic way to survive as someone who might be smaller than an attacker, how to be super-aware (beyond my close surroundings), and how to get out of unsafe situations instead of staying and fighting. I had some teachers in other schools who were 6 foot tall big men who couldn't show me how to defend myself because I'm much smaller. 8. It's fun! read more

I love this place! After my first class, I immediately signed up for a 3-month membership, and I plan to go as long as I can. Pros: -reasonable prices ($150 for unlimited monthly membership) -great instructors (Micha' style most resonates with my learning style, but everyone has been great) -nice classmates (people are supportive and friendly) Cons: -honestly, none really. Maybe they can get a water dispenser? I've been coming regularly for a month and even though it takes me a lot of practice to learn new moves, I feel progress after every single class. It's also a good workout since we do a lot of drills (running, push-ups, sit-ups, etc). So glad this place exists! read more

Ended up having to leave because I kept getting hurt sparring and it appeared like some of the instructors didn't care too much about student safety. The first time I thought it was because I was inexperienced. I got kicked in the head with a shoe and received a minor concussion. I immediately talked to instructors about this and was told that in the future to set guidelines/boundaries with my partners. When I went into spar again I asked my partner to not kick me in the head in fear of a concussion. Moments later, I was kicked directly in the face with a closed toe shoe, got a broken nose, and am currently being seen for nasal issues still to this day. The person who kicked me proceeded to make a comment about how they were just "warming up". Additionally, some of the more experienced students had a tendency to be incredibly antagonistic and disrespectful; especially towards newcomers. Even other students at this studio told me about how they don't spar because of getting injuries and being hurt by the more "experienced" students. I tried talking about it with an instructor to only be told "well they were just excited" and "I've broken bones sparring here before". After being told that, I never I came back and am currently training martial arts elsewhere. Other gyms I've recently trained at have strict utilitarian policies against behaviors like this and will kick individuals out entirely for this sort've disrespectful/ dangerous behavior. They talk about how even one bad apple can marginally degrade the sense of a safe community. After experiencing this first hand, I cannot agree more. I really thought that I'd be with Tactica for a longtime but their sparring environment was far too dangerous. It left with me with a shifted nose and a distaste for Krav Maga entirely. It could've very well and hopefully has changed since I left (less than 2 months ago). I'm not giving a terrible score because it could have detrimental impact to business success. Also a lot of the instructors are incredibly admirable, respectful, and friendly people. read more

Took my first class and it's definitely not my last class! Had the pleasure of meeting Micah and Elsa last night for my beginner class currently located in the Panhandle. I was kindly welcomed and easily mixed in with other beginners and advanced students. Learned the basic fundamentals of action and reaction contact when possibly being confronted by an attacker. I cannot begin to explain the adrenaline, passion and intensity I instantly felt when taking Micah's class. Looking forward to attending more - especially when the studio opens up. Thank you!! read more

We tried it for a couple of lessons and fell in love with the Krav Maga team and the classes. We now go twice a week consistently. The classes are fun, a combination of Cardio and Krav Maga technic. The instructors are very experienced and manage to give us sense of the use for Krav Maga in every- day situations. The space is un-assuming which attracts people from all walks of life. It makes it feel real and help focus on your personal motivation rather than chasing a fad. Really happy we stumbled on Danny and his crew. read more

Well trained coaches make sure that beginners as well as experienced practitioners get a challenging Krav Maga training in a safe and inspiring environment. Focus is on fighting skills, mindset and conditioning. Open 7 days a week so that even with a busy schedule you can put together a workout schedule that fits you. read more

KMI is an awesome! I've wanted to take Krav Maga classes for a while now, but felt intimidated by any martial arts setting (images of buff people doing push-ups on their head or something comes to mind...). This school is serious, but nothing like the testosterone-ego fest I feared. All of the instructors are super friendly and supportive. You can tell that they are experts, and really want their students to learn how to defend themselves in dangerous situations. Plus, it's a great work out! I've already recommended this studio to many of my friends and plan to attend myself for a long time. :) read more

I was interested in having my 11 year old daughter take martial arts, but nothing felt right until I found the Tactica Krav Maga institute. It combines boxing, judo, jujitsu, and aikido, so it offered a little of everything. The facility is immaculate, and the teachers are personable, disciplined, patient, funny and knowledgable. My daughter has been taking classes with Elsa for almost a year now and just loves it. It makes her feel like a superhero. She was nervous on the first day not knowing what to expect, but the first thing Elsa taught her was how to use her voice in any given situation. I loved that because it immediately empowered her and gave her a positive experience. She now has the confidence to defend herself in any given situation and has inspired other friends to join. I would highly recommend this place to parents who want to inspire their kids to be the best they can be. read more

I won't write a Yelp review for something unless I feel strongly about it (as evidenced by my current review count). That said, KMI is a great school, and the instructors are wonderful! They are really friendly, passionate about what they do, and motivate each student to give it one's all. About six months ago, after reading the great reviews below, I suggested to my wife that we attend KMI together. Besides wanting to learn self-defense (I especially wanted my wife to learn because she's petite), I also wanted us to start exercising together. During the first Krav Maga class, we were taught various choke releases, which we found extremely interesting and practical. Having had no previous martial arts/fighting experience, the instructor made the techniques easy to learn, and although the class was intense, it was quite fun! There were students of all ages and fitness levels, and no one was out of place. We were hooked after that first class and began attending KMI regularly. The different classes (Krav Maga, Combat Cardio, kettlebell, boxing) complement each other very well and keep things fresh and interesting. We now train at KMI almost daily--it truly is addicting--and look forward to it every time. After three months, we passed the Krav Maga P1 test. (Note: There are five Practitioner levels.) Three more months have since passed, and now we are about to take the P2 test. Everyone progresses at a different rate, but as long as you try your best, you'll do well. One of the instructors mentioned that a good P3 student would be able to adequately protect oneself in most situations. With the variety of self-defense techniques that you will learn and the different situations that are presented during class, I certainly agree. As for getting in shape, we both lost two inches off our waists after the first three months and have only been getting stronger and fitter. My wife, who was never the athletic type, started KMI six months ago being able to do only a few proper push-ups before having to use her knees. Now she does proper push-ups throughout and has more endurance than many guys in class. With everything I've learned at KMI, I now go outside with much more situational awareness and confidence (you are also taught how to avoid sticky situations in the first place, which is the most important). Also, I am most happy and relieved knowing that my wife will know how to protect herself if necessary. It's a crazy world out there. The classes you take at KMI may one day save your life (and perhaps the life of your loved one). Do yourself a huge favor and attend KMI. You'll be glad you did. read more

This place is great. I dropped in for a $15 trial and ended up taking a level 1 Krav Maga course led by Micha. The class started out with 20 or so minutes of warming up and intense cardio, and the second half of the course consisted of learning techniques, forms, and situational awareness. I've taken Muay Thai classes before, but this was far more self-defense oriented. You'll learn how to handle a variety of situations, how to be aware of your surroundings, and how to be ready for anything. Between the friendly staff (Thanks, Micha!), the great workout, and the potentially life-saving practical techniques you can learn, Krav Maga Institute is definitely a great school. read more

I joined about a month ago. This is how it worked for me: Week one: I wanted to die. I did a few Krav 1 classes, conditioning, and a bag class. I thought I was relatively fit. Nope. After your 75th burpee and running around the block with a kettlebell a few times, you will realize that your standards of fitness have been shamefully low. My first week at Krav ended with me having to roll out of bed and crawl around the house. Coincidentally, the elevator at work was also broken that week, so it wasn't unusual to find me on the third floor landing weeping because my office is on the 7th floor. Don't give up after week one! You will want to, but don't do it! Week 2 and 3: The pain subsided and I could finally laugh without crying. My burpees were more energetic, and I felt like I could do situps for days. My roundhouse could make Chuck Norris bow to my greatness. Week 4: It's Friday night and I'm at home. I went to class this evening and I'm staying home so I can marathon 3 classes tomorrow morning. I effing love this place. I have a gym in my apartment building and I never go.... KMSF is incredibly inconvenient for me. I live in Oakland but I work in San Francisco. After work every day I spend 30 minutes walking to KMSF and workout for about 2 hours. I spend 20 minutes walking to BART, spend 20 minutes on BART, and then I spend 10 minutes walking to my house. This is inconvenient as all hell, but I go. Everyday. Because I love it so much. The gym itself is nothing glamorous. People smell in class because everyone works out so hard. It's not pretentious. People are here to work out, not to people watch. In the actual Krav classes the instructors have been very helpful and have been quick to correct my form and technique. I don't have enough good things to say. You should try it for yourself. read more

I spent my Sunday afternoon learning all about woman's self defense with their striking clinic and workshop. Deanna Perez, lead the class, and was amazing. There were 2 other instructors who facilitated our workshop of about 15 females. We paired up and practiced different scenarios like gunpoint in car, being cornered against a wall, someone grabbing your hand to lead you somewhere, etc. it was quiet a 3 hour workout and I was exhausted but im glad to have gained all that knowledge It would have helped to have more individual attention. There were time that I felt my partner and I were just practicing on a whim, without really knowing if we're doing it properly. At the same time, these technique take practice to perfect and they do recommend attending more sessions to practice and get comfortable. I highly recommend everyone, female or male, participate in a self-defense workshop/class at least once. Knowledge is power. It's very empowering to learn and know how to strike (hit) effectively using your whole body's momentum, and also how to react at gun point -- run or fight situations. It's scary to think these things happen to good people, but they do and it's important to learn how to protect yourself. It's all in the name of preventive self-care. :) Thanks Deanna and the Krav Maga team for holding these workshops and empowering is ladies to defend ourselves. Girl power baby! read more

Tactica/KMI is an incredible school - they are serious about teaching folks real, applicable self defense. I love taking the Krav classes, and the fitness classes like boxing, combat cardio, etc are awesome compliments to my Krav lessons. All the classes are an incredible workout - I lost 16 lbs in my first 5 weeks and have kept it off ever since! This gym in particular seems extremely welcoming of all people, which as a woman, isn't always the way we're made to feel in more "aggressive" combat gyms. And the percentage of women who attend is the highest of any martial art/sport specific/self defense series I've ever attended! Women, children, everyone is treated with respect and patience and it really feels like a family. There are no egos, nothing to prove, everyone there is there to learn, to sweat, to fight, then to shake hands and be friends again...no strutting and posing here. And no people talking about how high their level is and how much better they are than everyone else. Even the super high level folks train in the entry level classes sometimes to brush back up on basics and every time they help you out, they're patient and kind and encouraging. The instructors here are NEXT LEVEL awesome. They'll push you hard to do all you can, but also are funny and very approachable and sweet. The perfect mix. read more

Was so happy to see this place open up close to where i live, really wanted to like the classes. I took a few of the Muay Thai classes when they first opened and i liked the space but i found the teacher ( don't remember his name..asian guy) totally unprofessional and inexperienced. i have trained in a few martial arts places over the years so i have an idea of what to expect. The classes i attended was not well organized and i found it frustrating . The kid teaching the class was just that a kid (maybe 20 yrs old) and seemed to not really know how to run the class.I also found him to be really inappropriate and it made me uncomfortable and not want to go back. read more

I've been going to KMI since August and it's amazing. As a small woman (I'm 5'2") I was looking for a gym where my workout was an activity and not just using the elliptical and watching Law & Order. I choose KMI because the gym could serve double duty for fitness plus self defense. I've learned so much and gotten so much stronger in the few months I've been going to KMI. I take Muay Thai, Krav Maga, Kettle Bells and my favorite Cardio Combat. I like how defined my muscles are getting and how I feel that I know a few moves if I find myself in a sticky situation. Plus, I can do like 30 pushups now. read more

Never having tried a martial art or self-defense system before, I did some research and finally decided to give Krav Maga a try. I've been attending classes at KMI now (SF location) since March and I haven't regretted my decision once. Jeremy and his staff are not only skilled practitioners but excellent teachers as well. Their approach to learning new techniques coupled with the mood and demeanor of the students attending the classes make this an all-around top environment to learn self-defense. (As a bonus: their combat cardio classes help get you into great shape, too!) I know it's only the beginning of the road for me, but if the last few months are any indication, I'm in this for the long haul. If you're looking for a practical, no-nonsense way to defend yourself, I can't recommend this place enough. read more

I have never written a Yelp review but this place is great and so.. I have learned so much there and am in the best shape of my life. It was a challenge. I trained in a number of martial arts when I was younger but I was 70 when I began at Krav Maga Institute. I have a lot of places I can compare it to and some were very good, but this is the best. Now that I have been doing it for nearly a year and a half I feel about 20 years younger. KM is real combat training, taught thoughtfully by great instructors, expertly directed by Danny Zelig, the head teacher and owner. The atmosphere is serious, concentrated but friendly and cooperative. Many things I have tried (of any kind) have promised much and not delivered, it is such a rare occurrence to find a place that really gives what they promise. This place, this training, these teachers and the great fighters who practice there deserve a sixth star! read more

I've taken the P1 beginners classes and really enjoy it. KMI allows two trial classes at $15 each. Afterwards you can either purchase membership or buy a 10 class card. I went the card route. The instructors who have taught me were knowledgeable, respectful and professional. The other participants seemed low key as well and helpful. The partners I've worked with have been generally supportive and have given me tips when needed. No one was really out there to show off, which is good. The last class I went to had 11 attendees. There were some women. Facilities are somewhat small, but it suffices. They have hanging punching bags, pads, etc for practice. Sometimes the class participants can get sweaty, so that's something to watch for if you're squeamish about that. Although it is expensive, I feel that it's important to have some self-defense tactics in your back pocket should the need arise. Overall, I recommend KMI. read more

I started off my KMI training at their San Francisco facility located in Hayes Valley. Senior Instructor Jeremy Brown is takes a very simplistic and easy-to-understand approach to teaching Krav Maga techniques and concepts. Classes are geared towards recognizing danger, avoiding it if possible, dealing with it when necessary, and retreating before a dangerous situation escalates even further. Personal safety is stressed, both in-class and on the street, as drills often incorporate scanning the immediate environment, awareness of potential threats, recognizing escape routes, and utilizing everyday objects for possible defensive use. I particularly like the atmosphere at KMI. Everyone is very friendly and helpful, and camaraderie is very apparent here. Even on my first day here, all the students and instructors took the time to introduce themselves and ask me my name. I felt very relaxed and at ease here, and that definitely makes a difference when training. Trust is an important issue with me when it comes to training in Krav Maga, and I instantly felt I could trust everyone at KMI. KMI San Francisco also offers several fitness classes to suit your needs: Combat Cardio, Boxing, Kettle bells, and FAST (Fighter Advanced Sensory Training). They also offer 2 trial classes at $15 each in case you are interested in trying at Krav Maga at KMI. I highly recommend giving KMI a try! read more

I had a membership for about twelve months at KMI, and completely recommend it for anyone who wants practical, applicable self-defense training. The students and all the instructors are friendly and competent. At first I was worried that it would be an intimidating testosterone fest, but that isn't the case at all. The drills are all practical and a great work out to boot. This isn't a gimmicky "spiritual" martial arts school: you learn practical techniques for fending off an attacker and making a rapid escape from dangerous situations. The $150 monthly membership (for unlimited sessions) is a bit steep, but it was worth it as it did push me to attend the (one hour) classes regularly. And at two or three times a week, it comes down to a reasonable $15 a class. It replaced most of my gym workouts too. And membership also lets you attend their location in Oakland and Santa Clara too, if you're out that way. I stopped going because my schedule became too busy to continue, but I completely recommend KMI. read more

Cardio Boxing SPEC (CrossFit) Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Best self-defense Instructors that can handle my sense of humor Lots and lots of sweat. All of that across three locations in Bay Area? I am sold and you will be too :) read more

I started Krav Maga for the first time about a month ago and I'm hooked! After our first class, my boyfriend and I challenged ourselves to go at least 3 times a week and it hasn't been a struggle to do. Krav Maga is no joke when it comes to self defense and I'm seriously worked after every class, but no matter how sore I feel the next morning I'm eager to go back. I have very little experience with martial arts (took a couple of classes in my lifetime) but still felt comfortable joining Krav Maga because of the awesome instructors here. They not only help you understand the techniques but they push you just right. The gym is really awesome too, clean, big and has two studios. I took the Kettlebell class for the first time last week and LOVED it. Krav Maga Institute has perfectly combined classes such as kettlebell, combat cardio, muay thai and yoga to help improve your Krav Maga skills. I love Krav Maga Institute! read more

This is the place to go if you want to learn the much needed skills to defend yourself. Instructors are extremely dedicated and the student community is awesome. Let's admit it, we live in a violent world, and you don't choose when bad things happen to you. But thanks to Tactica Krav Maga, you can equip yourself with the skills needed to de-escalate, prevent, and when needed, defend yourself. Best investment you can ever make. read more

I tried KMI twice and loved it. Fantastic workouts and taught effective techniques against potential real world threats. I have had two Instructors so far and they've both been great. My first trial class was with Jeremy on a random slow Saturday so it ended up being a one on one session. Without missing a beat, Jeremy remained enthusiastic, patient, and invested an hour of his time with me even though I was on a trial bases and may not have come back. This experience weighed positively on my decision to sign up for a multi-month membership soon after. The workouts have been intense. Like others have shared, the other participants are easy going and are there to train, not show off. I referred a buddy and we both exclaimed after a session that it was (literally) one kick butt session. I've had muscle soreness for a couple of days after each session but each time I want to go back for more. When you combine good Instructors with friendly participants in a nice environment, it's a recipe for success. read more

If you are still debating whether to give it a try or not , think no more! I feel like even a person with zero experience in martial arts (as myself) will find these classes very doable, helpful, interesting and worthy a serious workout! Krav Maga Institute is a very welcoming place with friendly and experienced instructors! Give it a shot I bet you won't regret it! read more

I can't say enough about how great KMI has been. I have been training with the owner Danny, and the Instructors at KMI for several years now. When I started training in Krav Maga I weighed 355 pounds and could not jog much less run or fight/train for any length of time without being winded. Having been very fit in my late teens it was difficult to acknowledge my new limitations and work to over come them. The entire time the folks working and training at KMI provided a supportive and solid place to workout, grow, train, and get in shape. In the friendly "No Ego" zone of this Krav Maga studio I was constantly encouraged and never put down. A few years later I am 175 pounds and pretty damn fit. I have watched many students get fit, get confident, and become very capable of defending themselves along side me. I would wholeheartedly recommend this studio to anyone looking for practical self defense, fitness, and self improvement. read more

Been coming to KMI with my wife for almost 6 months and love it. I challenged myself to go to 3 classes a week at the beginning and now maintain 4-7 a week (kinda hooked)... I'm the type that gets bored at the gym and need variety, the instructors here are great and keep the classes both interesting and challenging. I think it was a month before I repeated a drill. The philosophy really is simple: running is your rest from doing push-ups, push-ups are your rest from sit-ups, sit-ups are your rest from...you get the idea. Soon an hour has passed and you realize you never stopped moving. The class sizes are amazing unlike other schools where the can be 1 instructor for 30 people, here the class size seems to hover around 8-15 people which offers plenty of interaction with the instructors. No previous experience is required; the instructors break the movements down and spend time focusing on doing the motion as efficiently as possible. Beyond the instructors, you'll find the people you're training with friendly and supportive with a surprising lack of ego. The person with years of experience has no issue pairing with a novice and will help coach. Five stars to KMI, since I can't give 6... read more

I can't say enough great things about KMI. I originally joined to get out my un-motivating standard gym environment, but never really expected to get so much out of my membership here. This place offers much more than Krav Maga, I take cardio classes, kettle bells, and Muay Thai. The instructors are awesome and genuinely care about the members, their form and technique, and their progress. In 4 months here I'm down 20 pounds and feel great. Best decision I've made, I highly recommend coming in for a trial class if you want to learn self defense, get fit, and have fun. read more

A no nonsense Krav Maga, Israeli style. Crazy drills, super nice instructors and very pleasant people to spar with. Highly recommend.

I was a member of Krav Maga Training Center on Bush and Van Ness for years. Thought I'd mix it up and try this place out. Night-and-day difference. Very organized classes, excellent instructors, very intense and challenging work outs, safe atmosphere, wonderful mix of supportive students. Ed, the instructor who teaches noon classes, is the best in town -- clear, concise, challenging, and fun. And a total badass. The extra $ is far worth it. read more

Jeremy is amazing and everything you'd expect from an IKMF-trained KM instructor: intelligent, funny, approachable, supportive and an excellent teacher. The classes are HARD (esp combat cardio, which is the only group fitness class I've ever actually enjoyed), and the community is awesome. All in all the friendliest people and most effective self defense/fighting/fitness combo in SF, I reckon. Worth every penny - i LOVE this place! read more