A PARADIGM SHIFT IN SELF-DEFENSE & PHYSICAL EDUCATION

BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE.

Let’s face it, raising kids in NYC isn’t easy. As NYC’s premier martial arts academy for kids, Combat Club by KMI has been on a mission to empower children in NYC aged 6 and 14, with the confidence and resilience to thrive in an unpredictable world since 2010.

Combat Club helps kids learn essential life skills to set them up for success and avoid bullying, drugs, violence, social isolation and mental health struggles. Our students learn life skills like self-confidence, leadership abilities, focus, self-discipline, time-management while getting fit, making friends and learning wholly practical self-defense. Our reality-based hybrid martial arts system is based on a combination of Krav Maga, Muay Thai, Boxing and Jiu Jitsu grappling, delivered by world-class BlackBelt KMI instructors.

Whether your child is just starting or has previous experience, we welcome all kids ages 6 to 14 to join our community.

Start with an induction class. Choose your day and time.

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IT TAKES A VILLAGE & A TEAM OF EXPERTS

Nobody can do it alone, not in NYC.

Our completely unique youth program was designed by a team of experts to maximize your child’s potential, so you don’t have to do it by yourself: behavioral psychologists, PhDs, teachers, self-defense and fitness experts, bullying experts, parents and trial and error since 2010. Our life skills program is taught in stand alone classes as well as through our hybrid martial arts system classes which are based on a combination of Krav Maga, Muay Thai, Boxing and Jiu Jitsu grappling. Our Black Belt Program also includes a Character Development and Leadership Program.

LEARNING LIFE SKILLS ARE THE FOUNDATION OF CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

YOUTH ONLY CLASSES IN TRIBECA, NYC

We transform kids’ lives by teaching them essential life skills they may not learn anywhere else. We also rely on providing positive role models and supportive peers for social reinforcement. Life skills are woven through lessons about practical hybrid martial arts while they also make friends. We strive to offer a nurturing and supportive environment where children can learn and push themselves to grow and become their best selves.  

Some students come to us because they are being bullied, start traveling alone to school, want to build confidence. Others want a real physical challenge or to learn a practical form of self defense. All of them learn to lead, with confidence. are key to helping students learn and build confidence.

Reviews
Google & Yelp (84 Reviews)

  • I love krav maga martial arts school – KMI in Tribeca. It is more than just a place to learn martial arts, it is a community of people who share a passion for self-improvement and empowerment. The classes are dynamic and engaging, and the instructors are knowledgeable and helpful. KMI has boosted my confidence, fitness, and self-defense abilities. You have to try it!!

    JO
    Jesse Osher

  • I joined in 2018 and have had a great time training with the folks at KMI. I’d highly recommend the gym to anyone just starting in martial arts, or already experienced in combat sports and looking to augment their skills with new scenarios (multiple attackers, weapons, etc.).

    CW
    Connor W

  • KMI offers a welcoming community, no matter your age, size, or ability. Students are respectful and instructors foster an environment where everyone feels safe to learn, practice, and grow. I especially appreciate the evening hours as many of us work during the day, and it’s conveniently located for this commuting in. Highly recommend!

    KC
    Kristi C

  • Joining KMI was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Not only do they offer a great deal price wise but the instructors and the community as a whole make this an experience I don’t think anyone interested in Krav Maga should miss out on. In addition, the instructors are all great and informative people and I always leave the classes learning something new and useful. I’ve been attending classes for a few months now and it’s safe to say I’m addicted. I couldn’t recommend them enough!

    ND
    Nelson Del Pozo

  • When I started back at the beginning of the year, I was in a bad place. Wrestling demons and health issues all while grieving the loss of a family member. KMI has helped me tremendously, both mentally and physically. All of the instructors are very knowledgeable, and no matter what background or situation you have, they get it and can help align your focus and transformation. Overall, it is a great place to learn self-defense among some truly amazing people. Highly recommend.

    CZ
    Chriz Zaborowski

  • The teaching at KMI is some of the best out there for learning Krav Maga. The other students are incredibly nice and helpful and it is a gym where you can learn without feeling intimidated by other people’s egos. Overall a really wonderful experience to learn here.

    CA
    Cameron Akker

  • I highly recommend training at Krav Maga Institute. I found KMI while searching for women’s self defense classes, which they offer alongside other excellent classes. Each and every instructor is exceptional – deeply knowledgeable, dedicated, and available to assist and answer questions. The instructors foster a supportive space for beginners and experienced students alike, classes are challenging and fun. I’ve learned a lot in a short period of time, and I’m excited to continue growing.

    CL
    C. Lou

  • Highly recommend KMI. I joined back in 2018 in search of a way to keep fit while learning a new and useful skill set. KMI certainly delivered. I enjoyed the physical and mental challenge Krav Maga presented and have been a member ever since. The instructors are all very knowledgeable and friendly. They are always happy to answer questions and I ask a lot. There are plenty of classes for whatever your skill level is and the training facility is top notch. I try to go a few times a week. If you happen to catch me, and ask nicely, I’d be happy to attack you if you’d like to practice a new technique you’ve learned.

    PK
    Pete Kuempel

  • After training at other schools in Krav Maga, I fell in love with the community at KMI and its adherence to the principles of Krav Maga. Learn street awareness and combat, knife defense, deescalation – basically self determination in violent encounters. We learn from each other, push each other, and inspire each other to do … just one more!

    HT
    Howard Tang

  • Nothing beats the feeling of walking down the street with the most powerful weapons of all: courage, grit, and confidence. At KMI the training is not only superb and effective, but outrageously fun and a killer workout! The students have created such a wonderfully inclusive community. The instructors show compassion, empathy, and immense knowledge. And the takeaways are priceless. You won’t be the same after a class or three. I love the Krav Maga Institute!

    EW
    Eric Wasserman

  • I have been taking women’s self-defense classes at the Krav Maga Institute in TriBeCa for a few years now and I am very impressed with the quality of instruction and the intensity of the workouts. They teach practical and realistic techniques that can help women protect themselves in various situations. I highly recommend the Krav Maga Institute to anyone who wants to learn self-defense, get in shape, and have fun. It is the best Krav Maga school in NYC for women’s self-defense.

    IO
    Iryna Osher

  • I joined KMI a few years ago. Both the classes and the people who train here are the best. I am now physically and mentally fitter than ever. Highly recommend!

    MF
    Mia F

  • I absolutely love this gym and community! I started off by taking an induction class where I learned a few basics and what the class structure would simulate. Next thing you know, I worked hard to pass my P1 exam with my peers. In this gym, you learn civilian style self defense and they work you both mentally and physically. The coaches are amazing, very patient, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend joining this gym.

    BB
    Bailey Behrens

  • KMI is a stellar self-defense institution, with instructors hailing from all forms of martial art disciplines. If you’re looking to simply just increase awareness levels to becoming a master martial arts practitioner, KMI is the place to be!

    JO
    Jude Owiredu

  • After several months of training, my overall experience at the Krav Maga Institute (KMI) has been great. KMI has several accessible locations, highly competent instructors, and a welcoming community of students. I have just signed up for an annual membership following a 10-class trial with a Groupon, and I would strongly recommend KMI to all without any hesitation.

    JV
    Jerome V

  • Some people train to look good, we train to kick ass. I joined The Krav Maga Institute almost a year ago after a scary incident while jogging in Prospect Park. Krav Maga is the best, most practical and realistic self-defense system and after a month of it, I was hooked. You’re going to gain a peace of mind. You will be challenged but you’ll feel stronger and more confident because of it. You will also make some really badass friends. As I’m coming up on my one-year mark, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience and I can’t wait to see where my Krav Maga journey will take me.

    ML
    Mon L

  • In addition to having great instructors, the students are also very friendly and supportive (although not so much that you won’t still leave the classes bruised and sore). Price-wise the memberships are pretty affordable, especially given that you can attend an unlimited number of classes at their different locations (cheaper than a lot of other martial arts or yoga classes I’ve seen, probably on par with a high end gym membership).

    KM
    Kevin M

  • I had heard about Krav Maga in the past and after doing some research I found Krav Maga Institute. A few reasons I narrowed it down to this particular academy are their availability of classes throughout the week, it is affordable and their locations. If you’re looking for an academy that will teach you solid self-defense techniques, give you good workout along with a great community to boot, then sign up for the Induction class and experience it for yourself.

    NF
    Neema F

  • Very friendly, absolutely welcoming. I was only travelling, looking for a place in New York to pop in a Krav Maga lesson and it was good. Will be back.

    ZB
    Zipo B

  • I’ve been training at KMI for two years now, and it’s been such a rewarding experience. The coaches are amazing–they really know their stuff and they’re very approachable and genuinely care about helping you improve. The classes are always challenging but fun, and the atmosphere is really supportive. Everyone, from the coaches to the students, creates this great sense of community, which makes coming to class something I always look forward to. I’ve learned so much here, and I can’t recommend it enough!

    JT
    Joseph T

  • I have been going to this school for 8-9 months now and I absolutely love everything about it. The instructors are very knowledgeable and incredibly friendly. They have created a safe learning environment where you can learn self defense, a skill that I believe is crucial for living in NYC and feeling safe. I honestly couldn’t recommend this school more, if you are looking for self defense classes that are fun and effective, then look no further!

    JK
    Jason K.

  • I’ve been a member of KMI for a year and I’m hooked for good. I’ve always wanted a realistic method for self-defense that you can benefit from immediately – krav maga is it, and KMI makes it a true pleasure to train. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and patient and the classes are an ideal mix of strength training and technique practice. I highly recommend the school to anyone who is interested in krav maga – whether you are new to martial arts or whether you’d like to try something different that will work on the street.

    VK
    Val K.

  • I had heard about Krav Maga and decided to purchase a groupon for Krav Maga Institute. I’ve learned so much and met so many great people in my 2 1/2 years now training with them. The instructors are first rate and passionate about teaching and are friendly and approachable as well. If you want to learn how to defend yourself practically in a laid back environment that’s about learning I highly recommend KMI.

    CB
    Craven B.

  • I would definitely commit myself to this in the next couple of years. I wish I had found out about this sooner.

    KF
    Ka-wen F.

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COMBAT CLUB CLASS SCHEDULE

    MONDAY

    4:15 – 5:00PM Foundation Program

    5:00 – 5:30PM
    Black Belt

    TUESDAY

    5:15 – 6:00 PM
    All Levels




    WEDNESDAY

    4:15 – 5:00PM Foundation Program

    5:00 – 5:30PM
    Black Belt

    SATURDAY

    9:15 – 10:00 AM
    All Levels




BOOK YOUR TRIAL

Book Your Trial

Learn from our expert team.

CLARITY IS POWER

KRAV MAGA SELF-DEFENSE FOR KIDS

Krav Maga is an Israeli martial art considered the world’s most complete and effective reality-based self-defense system.

It was first developed in the late 1930s by Hungarian-born athlete Imrich Lichtenfield and was later used to train the Israeli Defense Forces in the 1940s. 

The words “Krav Maga” means “contact/close combat” in Hebrew, and it draws from multiple disciplines, including boxing, Muay Thai, and wrestling.

It’s an ideal martial art for teaching kids a well-rounded approach to self-defense alongside important life skills. You can learn more about what is Krav Maga by clicking the link to read our guide.

Although Krav Maga is one of the most effective self-defense systems, it’s so much more than a martial art.

Krav Maga training can teach kids how to make decisions in stressful situations and develop values like courage, self-respect, and respect for others.

Around 6.5 million children in the US practise martial arts, making it the third most popular physical activity for children aged 6-12.

So, why do so many kids do martial arts, and what sets Krav Maga apart from the rest?

Here are five great reasons your child should learn Krav Maga this year:

 

For Fun and Friendship

One of the best ways to teach kids a new skill is to ensure it’s fun. 

And in our experience with martial arts, Krav Maga is one of the most fun for kids.

As it’s a varied martial art that uses techniques from several other disciplines, kids constantly learn new and engaging ways to defend themselves.

But more than that, kids will learn life skills to help them develop into confident and competent adults.

Krav Maga is also a great way for children to make friends and have fun with others.

In fact, around two-thirds of teens who participate in martial arts say that sports are an important part of their social life. 

 

Increased Focus and Self-Discipline

Mastering Krav Maga can take time, focus, and hard work.

If you train twice a week (our recommendation), it can take at least 40 months to get to a black belt. 

This need for commitment and hard work is a valuable lesson for kids to learn early on.

We teach our students that through dedicated, intense work, all worthwhile goals in life are possible.

Personal growth is at the core of everything we do. 

Our programs are designed with the help of experts in self-defense, fitness, education, psychology, and physiology to provide social, physical, emotional, and psychological development.  

Your child can learn and improve a variety of skills including:

  • – Leadership skills like public speaking.
  • – Self-actualization e.g goal attainment.
  • – Cognitive skills like problem-solving, creativity, and foresight.
  • – Self-esteem like optimism and confidence when dealing with strangers.
  • – Social skills like developing friendships and improving teamwork.
  • – Personal such as their health, fitness, sleeping schedule, diet, and intuition.
  • – Psychological needs, such as developing their perseverance and focus.

 

Conflict Resolution

While Krav Maga has the reputation of being an aggressive martial art, it’s fundamentally a form of self-defense.

In other words:

It’s about avoiding and resolving conflicts rather than starting them.

We can help kids learn to avoid potentially dangerous situations and defuse conflicts before they escalate. 

They’ll also learn practical ways to protect themselves, all in a fun and engaging environment for kids. 

 

More Confidence

Progressing through the ranks of Krav Maga is a challenging feat and can require years of training.

This sense of constant progression and achieving something difficult can hugely benefit a child’s self-esteem and help their mental development.

For many kids, Krav Maga can be the first time in their lives that they’re setting measurable goals for themselves.

Achieving these goals shows them that hard work pays off and gives them the confidence to try new things.

 

Increased Fitness

Like other martial arts, Krav Maga is a fantastic way to stay physically active and fit.

Around 77% of teens say that participating in martial arts helps to keep them healthy – which is 10% higher than teens who participate in sports other than martial arts. 

Fitness is a big part of our Krav Maga lessons, as we help kids develop their cardiovascular health alongside their defensive skills.

Progress through the three grades of Krav Maga can vary depending on fitness levels and training regimen.

For kids with average fitness who train Krav Maga twice a week, we expect at least 48 months to reach a black belt. You can learn more about how long it takes to learn Krav Maga by clicking the link to read our guide.

Our self-defense classes for kids are held at our studio in Tribeca at 281 Broadway, NY 10007.

Yes, we have a required uniform to attend Krav Maga classes at KMI. 

This is free for all students with a membership, and you can collect these in person.

You do not need a uniform for your induction classes. 

If your child is happy with their lessons, you can join Combat Club with a full membership and get your uniform for free. 

Yes, a 10-year-old can learn Krav Maga. Our youth self-defense classes are offered to all children aged 6 to 14.

Depending on their abilities, those aged 14-15 can join the adult class.

Our NYC Krav Maga classes for kids are available 5x a week. They are:

 

  • Mondays at 4.15pm
  • Tuesdays at 5.15pm
  • Wednesdays at 4.14pm
  • Thursdays at 5.15pm
  • Saturdays at 9.15am

Yes, we offer a 1-week trial for children, with two free classes available to see if they enjoy themselves. 

After this, you can sign up for our monthly membership, where we recommend attending at least 2 classes per week.

WE FIGHT. TO SURVIVE. TO THRIVE.