Although I run and exercise on a regular basis, I'm not a lifter, gym-goer or MMA fan. I'd wanted to learn self defense for years, convinced myself I would when I "had the time" or found a discipline that appealed to me. Krav Maga seemed like the most rational, useful and effective method of street self defense, but out of pure laziness I never managed to sign up for a class -- until last year. I checked out KMA with a friend for a free introductory lesson and, even without any previous training, I was immediately learning how to escape from a headlock and grappling people to the floor. I'd never really thrown a punch in my life, been in a fight or played competitive sports. I had a blast in that first class and signed up for a membership. I started attending two days a week for Krav Maga, then expanded to four when I added boxing classes on alternate days. Members can attend as many classes as they like, from KM to boxing, BJJ and hardcore conditioning. Obviously, that's all terrific in theory but without engaging, masterful instruction, newbies like me wouldn't pick up skills as quickly or enjoy ourselves nearly as much. Alex, Steven, Sandon and the featured guest instructors all balance out their years of knowledge, education and incredible ability with genuine warmth, humor and understanding. They'll push you past your limits and ensure you perform at your best without risking your safety or enjoyment. And, from my experience, the people who train here are equally friendly, collaborative and willing to help out. Classes tend to have a interesting mix of men and women, young and old, people from different backgrounds and skill levels, so you get the benefit of practicing on a variety of heights, weights and strength levels. Even though I'm still a beginner, I feel more confident walking alone in the city at night now and that's an empowering feeling in itself. Plus, KM is a great conversation starter in social situations. TL;DR -- if you're on the fence about learning self-defense, do yourself a favor and try a class. I'm the furthest thing from a gym/fight guy and I love it. read more

After instructing and training in Israel, Alex Trafton was the Head Instructor for the Krav Maga Defence Institute in Sydney, Australia and raised the bar for reality based fighting and self defence in a range of situations and changing envrionments... Alex not only prepares you physically for fitness and self defence but also builds mental fortitude through reality based technics and pressure testing drills to increase your chances of managing your survival in various changing stressful environments including armed and unarmed situations. Alex has also competed in the ring as well as trained and taught around the world with top level instructors, ring fighters and military. Alex approaches self defence in a no BS honest approach and is a full time professional Krav Maga instructor who is approachable and provides great insights, there was never a question that Alex could not address or demonstrate a solution too... Whether you have experience as a ring fighter or a traditional martial artist or as someone who has done no martial arts at all, man or women and at any age, If you have the opportunity to train under Alex, take it as you will build upon your current skill set. So why Krav Maga? Because it adapts to changing environments where a lot of other martial arts cannot adapt, it incorporates both stand up and ground techniques including multiple attackers, it deals with the physical and mental side of difficult situations and it is not about scoring points but survival by any means possible and Krav Maga is battle tested and is a no BS self defence system that keeps techniques simple that will still work when you are tired and stressed. It also builds character and is great for expanding your social circle with down to earth people. Why Krav Maga Academy San Diego? Because of its solid high quality lineage of instructors and also when you are ready it introduces a controlled sparring element which is very important for your development. Try it for yourself... read more

I trained with the guys from Krav Maga Academy San Diego in Sydney, Australia for over a year and these guys are awesome. I had never done Krav Maga or any self defense training before and was impressed by how effective it is. Krav Maga builds upon simple, instinctive response to attacks and develops a devastatingly effective combat technique. I was also impressed how the guys used different to variation techniques effectively. It is hard work but has helped me lose some pounds and improve my fitness and confidence levels immeasurably. I never thought I would look forward to 2 hour training on a Saturday morning, but I really enjoyed it! The head trainer, Alex is a great instructor and really focuses on an individual's technique in a group training environment. He makes sure you are performing the techniques effectively at the same time pushing you to you work harder and achieve the best you can. Alex was very effective in teaching proper technique, situational awareness and de-escalation of threats. He emphasizes that the purpose of Krav Maga is not to beat someone's ass, but avoid conflict, protect oneself and get out of danger. However, if this is not possible then all-out attack to defend oneself may be the only option and Krav Maga is very effective for that. They are great guys to train with and I really enjoyed my training sessions with them. I was a bit worried at first that I was joining a military 'boot camp' style class, but the guys are really welcoming and patient. I have made some good friends learning Krav Maga and training sessions, as well as being hard work, were also good fun and not intimidating at all. These guys really know what they are doing and have trained with the top Krav Maga practitioners in the world, so be confident you are learning from the best. I highly recommend learning Krav Maga with the guys from Krav Maga Academy, San Diego read more

This is a long past due review. After the first class I took the owner and head instructor Alex told me that boxing will make you more disciplined, in all areas of your life. It's now 4 months later and I can't believe how much my life has changed for the better, both on a personal and professional level. I started taking classes when I had an insane amount of baggage on my plate and I can sincerely say that because of his classes, I've found the strength from within to deal with it/fight it all face on. I signed up for 6 months right away after the trying out the krav maga, cardio/conditioning, and boxing classes that he offers and have consistently kept going (almost every day!) because the classes are just that awesome. These instructors really know their shit and they make it fun for everyone so you don't even realize that an hour just flew by. You can do 3 hours of different classes in one evening (which I kid you not a lot of students do!) and leave the place feeling more energized from when you walked in. I'm seriously addicted to boxing now thanks to Alex and Stephen. I've been to other boxing/kickboxing studios, in California and NYC and this studio is by far the best I have ever been to. No one other instructors will care to correct you if your technique is not right or push you to try harder because they know you have it in you. I bring everyone I know to try out a class as I want them to also benefit as much as I have. I seriously can't thank Krav Maga Academy enough. If you are ready for a life change and are committed, want to be challenged, and get your ass kicked into shape then there's no better place to go. read more

I currently train with KMA here in San Diego. Additionally I have been training with both instructors, Alex and Stephen, for 5 years now. I feel so strongly about both the quality and the practicality of the training offered that I'm afraid 5 stars is simply inadequate. Having started my krav maga training elsewhere, I have experienced a number of different instructors and teaching styles; this being said, I feel the instructors at KMA SD are simply phenomenal. Both have a tremendous amount of skill and knowledge in the field of krav maga as well as an array of other martial systems, and their ability to transfer such knowledge to their students is great. A huge benefit I have enjoyed in my training with KMA SD is the unique perspective each of the instructors has to bring. Stemming from their diverse backgrounds in the fields of counter terrorism to philosophy and teaching. each is able to express concepts and principles in their own way, making the teaching offered extremely accessible to people of all skill levels, ages, and physical types. They are extremely enthusiastic, helpful, and passionate. I sincerely believe that anyone who comes to train with KMA SD stands to gain not only the tools, but also the confidence and mental decisiveness that will ultimately allow them to effectively defend themselves in the all too likely event they are attacked. read more

This place is the real deal. The instructors are certified out of Israel and train directly under the past and present head Israeli military instructors. (So what you're getting here is straight from the IDF!) The lead instructor, Alex Trafton, lived in Israel for years and worked there as a security contractor with the IDF and other NATO units. He also has years of experience teaching Krav Maga to civilians of all skill levels, so he really knows how to develop students regardless of whether they're experienced fighters or complete beginners. While Trafton's resume is impressive, what stands out about this school is his instruction. He is personable and friendly but he also knows how to push students to get the best out of them. (For me, it was important to train with someone who cared about me and my individual development.) The Academy offers a free class to prospective students (which is awesome), but come ready to work because you will get a workout, no matter what your fitness level is. The workouts are designed so that anyone can do them, but the instructors really help you to push yourself. Another great thing about the Academy is that the students are very friendly and will make you feel welcome. There's a real sense of community there and they enjoy working with new people. I highly recommend the Academy! read more

I regret I have but five stars to give for my review. The instructors deserve extra stars for their informative professionalism, good attitudes, and fascinating anecdotes. Not only do they know how to do what they teach, they have real world experience to refine their approach. I am a 35 year old out of shape manual laborer with a bad back who hasnt done a real work out since high school. I am not much of fighter and Ive never been good at speed bags, jump rope, or memorizing intricate moves like they do in the movies. Thankfully, Krav Maga is not dependent on talent. Not only do I feel welcome during class, but the intuitive nature of Krav Maga is easy to pick up and is pretty fun to practice. If Id taken this class years ago, I probably wouldnt have a broken nose, missing teeth, and a bunch of broken ribs. Beyond just the actual techniques, the mental conditioning to react well in a real fight is another invaluable asset to Krav Maga as taught by Steven and Alex. I could go on about how cool this place. The people that go here are cool, theres a broad range of classmates from expert professional warriors to pretty little girls and all sorts in between. I would especially recommend Krav Maga to the ladies. No other self defense practice will prepare you as well for the threats that are out there. read more

This Krav Maga Academy is definitely the place to go if you want to experience training under the most qualified instructors in San DIego. I think that regardless of age, experience or fitness level, everyone should give Krav Maga a crack! I think its pretty cool to learn skills adopted by military and law enforcement, but in addition to that, it is just valuable to learn about the most vulnerable parts of the body. The classes at the Krav Maga Academy San DIego focus on real-world situations, and the instructors take time to brief you on the purpose of all the techniques prior to the drills in class. All the students here are very welcoming and offer tips to the newcomers. There have been 2 instructors per class for every week that I have attended so far which is awesome as every student leaves the class knowing that they have carried out all the drills with the correct techniques. read more

What a great find! I came across Krav Maga academy San Diego by random Facebook ad, after wanting to start working out for a long time. I went the next day and got hooked immediately. I started very out of shape, with no real experience of self defense or fighting sports except a lil Krav Maga I did as a soldier. Today after less then six month I'm at the best shape I been since I can remember and I feel like if I had to defend myself or my family I would be a force to recon with! I am excited to go to class and get some work done, I was never really into working out but this guys are something else. Alex and Stephen are full of practical self defense knowledge. The classes are interesting and fun. Highly recommend to anyone who wanna train in great environment and great instructors. read more

Krav Maga Academy - San Diego has taught me amazing new skills, applicable to the real world. Coming from a diverse martial arts background, I can Say this is one of the most brutal combat systems out there. the real world applications and combat training sessions i have received thus far, have proven invaluable in comparison to more controlled traditional forms of combat. When you train with Krav Maga Academy - San Diego you aren't just another student, you are part of a group of friends...a family. The instructors are amazing and their credentials, knowledge and experience speaks for its self. For me this is not just something fun to learn or do, but it is a skill that may one day save my life and the life of others. read more

I've been training at Krav Maga Academy for about a couple months now, and very glad I chose this facility. The training and combat techniques learned here are directly applicable to real-life situations, in a positive, no-nonsense format. The instructors are certified out of Israel, and train directly under head Israeli military instructors - very knowledgeable and and supportive. Krav Maga Academy offers a wide variety of classes in different combat and conditioning formats, including Jiu Jitsu, kick-boxing, sparring, bag/core classes, as well as classes for kids. The physical conditioning I'm getting here is better than 99% of the gyms I've been to, it's an awesome way to stay in shape! Money very well spent. read more

So after checking out another local Krav Maga institution, I decided to sign up with KMA San Diego, and I've been enjoying so far. It's been just over a week or two but I enjoy the variety of classes and how everything can be interconnected, depending on what you want to get out of your experience. The Krav Maga class is fun and the beginning class is geared towards new, as well as experienced students. I will definitely recommend them to friends and family. I can't wait til they have morning classes, as I work nights and the evening classes cut it close to my work start time. The instructors are really helpful, especially in pointing out what you can do better. I've enjoyed taking Steven's classes! read more

I originally found this academy because they offered a free women's self defense class in north park. I really enjoyed the class I felt like I learned a lot of vital defenses. The instructors were awesome and extremely informative! I decided to try a class there and ever since then I love all the classes! I was a little nervous about my first class but everyone has been extremely welcoming and very instructional. I feel it is a great workout every time, fun, and self defense is always great to learn! I highly recommend this academy! read more

My wife and I thought it would be fun to try out Krav Maga Academy. Little did we know it was a great workout and addicting. It's great for couples, a therapy :). The instructors are awesome and treat everyone with the utmost respect. The other students are friendly and welcome newcomers with open arms. Krav Maga is for anyone looking to learn self defense skills for the real world. Getting fit while learning is a bonus. I recommend Krav Maga Academy to everyone. Hope to see you there read more

I have trained with Alex for a couple of years and couldn't recommend the krav maga academy enough. Whether you are just starting in the world of martial arts or already have experience in other disciplines you will find there is plenty to learn. The classes are always interesting and techniques are spot on. As a bonus you will always get a workout while having fun. In the end, if you want one of the best places to train Krav, this is the place to train read more

I have trained at Krav Maga Academy for a month now and I love it. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable. I was nervous and intimidated at first but the instructors made me feel welcomed and comfortable. The other students in class are nice and helpful. Alex (the lead instructor) breaks down everything so it is easy to follow. These guys are the real deal. This is a great way to learn self defense and get fit! I recommend this place to everyone! read more

I've looked for a lot of Krav Maga training places in San Diego and haven't found one that is as qualified and well rounded as Krav Maga Academy. Alex's experience is incredible and his approach to training has greatly exceeded my expectations, no the drill sergeant here. If you're looking for Krav Maga in San Diego I can't recommend a place better than KMA. Thanks again Alex! read more

Alex is a great instructor, I've been going to class for close to five months and have enjoyed every minute of it. He will challenge you to be better. He is very well trained, and knows what he is doing, which is very important when learning Krav Maga. I learned Krav Maga in the army, and Alex's classes are extraordinary, highly recommend Krav Maga Academy. read more

Great place to train with expert trainers. Good place for beginners to start, with a very supportive environment to start training. Definitely recommend for anyone wanting to start in an effectively defensive field. read more