My daughter and I attended the "Back to School" Workshop together. The instructors were friendly, engaging, and encouraging. They used humor to make us all feel comfortable when talking about scary and dangerous situations. They respected that every student comes from a different place and gave every opportunity to NOT participate (or to participate in a modified way) if something didn't feel right. That being said, Shelly, Danae, and Peter, really made you "want" to participate and step outside your comfort zone and try new things. The techniques taught were practical, straightforward, and could be used in many different situations. I'm not going "back to school" and I learned so much that could be used in my daily life. I live 4 hours away and am trying to figure out how to bring my other daughter (and her friends) down to Valley Self-Defense for a workshop the future. If we lived closer, I would definitely sign up for on-going classes! (The more opportunities you have to practice this stuff, the more prepared you will be to use it if the need arises.) This was time and money well spent!!! read more

I took a women's winter clothing self defense course here. I have to wear a long parka and big heavy boots in the winter, so learning how to stand and move on slippery surfaces in heavy winter gear was amazing. The fact that they plan different seminars for women's self defense using suggestions and questions from students is pretty unique and very empowering. They have also offered courses in ground self defense and preventing being pulled/put into a car. I have not had a chance to take other seminars here yet, but the teachers are phenomenal. It is very clear they have a close relationship with each other and trust each other fully. All three have had many hours of training and have completed courses specifically in training for women's self defense. They are very encouraging and work hard to build a safe space for learning. I have told coworkers and friends about the seminars, and brought a friend to the winter self defense course. She liked it so much she signed up for regular courses! read more

If you're thinking about trying out VSD, I highly recommend it! The instructors and fellow students are all so welcoming, helpful & supportive of you working at a pace that feels good/safe to you. I was nervous about my first class, as I am completely new to Krav Maga and had no idea what to expect. When I arrived, I was immediately greeted and felt welcomed. The fellow students were extremely helpful and motivated me throughout the entire class. Day one I learned how to defend against a knife attack!!! Being able to learn a skill like that right away was so empowering! I would be lying if I said the class didn't kick my ass, but I LOVED every second of it! I am eager to continue to training and journey with VSD! It's amazing to have such a well-rounded gym with phenomenal instructors so close to home! read more

If you're thinking about trying out VSD, I highly recommend it! The instructors and fellow students are all so welcoming, helpful & supportive of you working at a pace that feels good/safe to you. I was nervous about my first class, as I am completely new to Krav Maga and had no idea what to expect. When I arrived, I was immediately greeted and felt welcomed. The fellow students were extremely helpful and motivated me throughout the entire class. Day one I learned how to defend against a knife attack!!! Being able to learn a skill like that right away was so empowering! I would be lying if I said the class didn't kick my ass, but I LOVED every second of it! I am eager to continue to training and journey with VSD! It's amazing to have such a well-rounded gym with phenomenal instructors so close to home! read more

Whether you're just starting out or very experience in Krav Maga or BJJ, VSD is a fantastic place to be able learn practical self defense skill or just get a great workout. The staff are very knowledgeable and have a wide variety of practical experience making sure the training is focused on real world applications and making sure you'll be practicing something that will protect yourself while learning in a safe and friendly environment. There are a large variety of other classes offered other than just self defense and plenty of times throughout the week so whatever your fitness or self defense goals are, VSD will have something you are looking for. read more

My daughter who is 15 and I just took our first class at Valley Self-Defense and had a fabulous experience. From the moment we walked in the door we felt welcome. There were many other women there, some mom and daughter pairs like us and an atmosphere inclusive to everyone. We started the class with some informal games but before we knew it were learning how to defuse a situation by a harasser on the street, block a blow, and even disable an attacker with a knife. My daughter who is 90 pounds and not the most athletic teen said to me, "Mom, I didn't realize how strong I can be". We loved it. I can't recommend this place enough. read more

Valley Self-Defense has something for everyone in every class they offer. I am new to Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In each class I attended, there is usually another instructor participating in training or other experienced members who are extremely helpful, supportive, and welcoming. The instructors are highly experienced and knowledgeable, and they very quickly identified my abilities and worked well with me. If you are a fellow insecure introvert like myself, I urge you to work with VSD! You may find your confidence to grow as I did in my personal life and in my ability to protect myself and others. read more

We had the opportunity to host a private class with Valley Self Defense and are so impressed by how much we learned in just a few hours. Danae is approachable, knowledgeable and compassionate! Our group consisted of women of all ages and we learned about situations we may encounter and how to defend ourselves if need be. We have what it takes if we get into those moments or places where we didn't foresee ourselves having a conflict. Danae is an exceptional instructor and I look forward to another class with her in the future! read more

Valley Self-defense is the BEST!! If you're interested in learning some skills that will give you the ability and confidence to defend yourself in nearly any situation with coaches that are real and kind, then this is the place. I really love these guys and am so grateful to know about them. They are extremely professional and extremely skilled in Krav Maga (and other defense skills). Genuine care from a coach is important to me and is what I've gotten from Pete and Danae. read more

My wife and I attended the stop the bleed course. In the course we received great content with all questions answered from a friendly instructor. We were unsure of the class size but were pleasantly surprised to have a smaller class and lots of 1 on 1 attention. We highly recommend the class and will be attending more in the future. read more

This place is amazing! They are very open and accepting, they know how to teach all kinds of people and the skills they teach are some of the most important I have ever learned, not only self-defense, but gun safety, nalaxone administration, and first aid. I have gained a lot of confidence here. read more

I have participated in Krav Maga for over four years. My improvement in strength, flexibility, and self defense ability are beyond what I thought I could do. All the instructors take your goals seriously. If core strengthening is needed, strongly consider the kettlebell workout. read more