Started training there when I was 16 and always felt welcome, encouraged, supported, and safe. Continue to train as an adult even though I am much further away because it is rigorous, the instructors are amazing, and it's fun. My injuries have always been accommodated, my questions have always been answered, and the instructors have always been incredibly kind to me. Especially as a woman, I've been to other martial arts gyms where it was not welcoming or safe for women, instructors were inappropriate, etc. however at Krav Maga NOVA, instructors are respectful, ask for consent to touch you to demo something, and create a safe place to train. read more

Incredible staff and instructors, good vibe, serious but fun. Learned a lot and had a great time. Be ready to work your butt off!

In 2020 i was looking for something to help me get out of my divorce funk and better prepare me in case as a single lady i needed to defend myself. I found that and so much more at KM Nova. I couldn't get through the warm up at first but i definitely encourage those of you who are out of shape to try it out and keep showing up. You will gain confidence in yourself, make great friends, work with top notch instructors and have fun working out all in one place. They meet you where you are skill level wise and help build you up physically and mentally. If you have an injury they'll give you options of how to adapt the move. There are also multiple instructors who teach different days who care and want the best for each and every student. (Regardless if your goal is to test and move up to the next level or stay where you are and just get stress busting workouts weekly.) Can't recommend enough. read more

I had high hopes but got injured by an aggressive senior student and hit by an instructor across the face. Too many students in a tight space. Good for beginners but not if you're transitioning and experienced from another art. You progress to more advanced techniques by number of classes attended. The supplementary courses such as Thai Boxing are excellent. read more

I wanted to continue learning Krav Maga after doing a couple of classes at another gym which gave me an appreciation for the martial art. Unfortunately, it was too far from me so I decided to continue training for a month at Krav Maga NOVA because it was closer to my home. The classes that I attended were okay but I found one of the instructors extremely condescending and rude. To be honest, this instructor was not the type of person I wanted to learn from or be around after seeing his behavior. read more

Love going to the variety of classes KRAV MAGA NORTHERN VA offers. Best part is skill level, age, etc don't matter. Just come with a willingness to work hard and be ready to sweat! Been going since Jan 2016 at least twice a week and just passed the level 1 test. Incredible experience because it showed I still had determination to accomplish major physical feat. Class sizes decrease dramatically when you move up in levels. Facility size no issue after that! Payment plans offered and all instructors unique but great in own way. See you there! read more

I've been training here for about a month now. I'm a big fan of Krav Maga and have done it in several different cities. This gym is basically what you would expect from a Krav gym. Intense workouts with energetic instructors. I'm the type of person who loathes traditional gyms. I hate the boredom of a treadmill, the people who go there just to show off, the smell of caked-in sweat. All of it. Krav is a practical workout that will get you into decent shape. In the month I have been taking classes here, and paired with my diet, I have lost 13.8 pounds. Not too shabby. They over the basic Krav Level 1 class 5 days a week (M-Th, Sat) and there are other classes any and all levels can take including Krav Fit (similar to CrossFit), an aerobic punching bag based class, and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The only downside is class size. Level 1 classes are large, normally in excess of 20 people with sometimes more than 30. I prefer smaller classes, but fighting a variety of shapes, sizes, and genders is useful training as well. Check it out if you are interested, you can take a class for free and they don't pressure you into signing up too much. The class basically sells itself. read more

I quit smoking and found this place over two years ago. My new addiction. And they are getting me back in shape. Very professional and very personal at the same time. read more

I spent much of my youth training in martial arts. I wasted my tween years with Vietnamese kung fu -- a lot of style with no substance. Looking back, I would have been better off in a dance class. When I was 14, I had the fortune of studying Chung do Kwon (traditional TKD) from a wonderful, rigorous instructor instead of enrolling in a belt factory. I threw beautiful kicks and performed wonderfully in forms (I was a hot mess in sparring). Sadly, belt factories have taken over most of the business, leaving serious students with a lack of options for serious training. But 20 years later and almost 40 pounds heavier, it was evident that I was not a serious student anymore and needed to re-engage, regardless of discipline. But I did not want to throw money into any gym or dojo. Enter krav maga -- which I was a fan of in concept -- practical in origins and application, focused on defense and not sport. Having been mugged twice as an adult, I was eager to cut out the meditation/mystical aspects of martial arts training and instead, learn how to neutralize and escape from a would-be attacker (and stand a chance in a forthcoming zombie apocalypse). I took a sample class in DC and while it gave me a great workout, it was way outside of my income bracket (which seems to be a common theme in other Yelpers' reviews). It was a couple years later before I visited Krav Maga Northern Virginia and I was hooked immediately. Matt facilitated my first class and in 55 minutes, I was spent. The warm-up alone destroyed me and I bloodied seven knuckles sending punches into their tombstone pads. My body ached for a week afterwards and I LOVED ALL OF IT. And all of their instructors bring this mix of rigor, fitness and practicality to the training. Each of them has a distinctive teaching style (some really max you out in the body conditioning/fitness while others drill you on the combatives) while adhering to a central curriculum so as you attend classes within one week, the techniques and principles are reinforced so your body and mind start retaining it as reflex. I'm two months in and still feel anxious as I sit there and wrap up my fists in preparation for 55 minutes of punishment (especially when I see Pete is teaching). But I walk out of there every night feeling healthy and confident. For the price, it's definitely worth it -- especially if you have a schedule that allows you to attend three or more classes a week. Their BJJ and sparring classes are also open to all levels, so that increases that amount of training you can take advantage of (and there are plenty of crazy people who do). And it's not just the instructors who are great, but also the students (well, most of them since all martial arts schools attract a fair portion of douche bags). They are diverse in race, age, gender, size -- so you don't feel out of your league -- but also don't feel like you've enrolled at the community center down the road. If there was a drawback, it's maybe the class size in relation to the studio. It's roughly the size of any urban crossfit gym, located in an industrial strip on your way to Fort Belvoir. If you're lucky, you might step into a class of 15, but level one is usually 20 and up in numbers. But despite how crowded it can get, the instructors are able to provide focused, individualized attention. Other than that, it's all good unless rap-metal or AC/DC makes you hurl cause they turn that stuff up to 11. read more

Overall, I was a fan of Krav Maga. I was able to get into very good shape and learn great self defense techniques. I brief summary of my long review below: Ask up front prior to signing up what Krav Maga branded gear is required, ask about the additional fees for seminars and testing to the next level, ask what gear is required to test to the next level, ask for the list of the moves you will learn at the beginning. Also, whatever you decide to buy, do not buy it from them, as it will be marked up higher than other online locations that you can purchase it. When it comes time to test to the next level they refuse to tell you how long the test takes....as an FYI it takes about 5 hours of non stop training/moving, etc., so be prepared. Here is my full review of Krav Maga of Northern VA - There were a number of things that I did not like about Krav Maga of Northern Virginia. From the very beginning I felt extremely frustrated and discouraged in the communication through the class, instructors, and email. I believe that in any type of learning/educational environment, the instructors should set their students up for success; however, here, I did not feel that way. Signing up Process - It was never explained to me upon signing up that Krav Maga Worldwide branded shirts and pants were required for level testing. The sign up special I was offered waived the $100 initiation fee instead of providing any branded clothing/equipment. Due to this lack of initial expectations/communication, I went out and bought my own gloves and exercise shirts/pants for this training. - The additional costs of testing fees was also never explained at the sign up. - It was never mentioned that during the summer months, you may have class outside. Students don't come prepared to exercise outside, example - having regular workout shoes, sunblock, bug spray, etc. As an asthmatic, exercising in the humidity is near impossible. - I was told that on average, if you attend class twice a week, you should be prepared to test in about 4-6 months. I found that is highly inaccurate because at 9 months, I still didn't feel entirely prepared. The reason is that not all of the curriculum was covered as often as needed for the testing schedule, and the terminology used in the level 1 workshop was not the same as used during level 1 classes. - The one document I did receive from the business came after 4 months of training (and that was because I saw someone else sign up after class get it, so I asked) and contained the level 1 curriculum and schedule. Testing - It was never explained that in order to test to the next level, you had to wear 2 Krav Maga Worldwide clothing items (pants/shorts & shirt) and hand wraps. When someone has been training with gloves for 9 months, I feel that informing them just a few weeks prior to the test that hand wraps are required is a big change to adjust to too soon to this important test. Every other time that equipment is mentioned, it has been the option of hand wraps or 4 oz gloves. I purchased 4 oz gloves thinking I had the necessary equipment. - While the instruction during class is good, it does not fully prepare you for the level test. I realized this during the level 1 workshop. During classes, the instructors usually told you to pair up with someone your own size. During the workshop you are paired with anyone, including those who are much larger than you. By not being told in class to pair with someone who is not my size, I was not accurately trained and could not compete with the men in the workshop who are taller, heavier, and stronger as I don't have that experience. - When I asked multiple instructors and other classmates about the test, I was given no clear answer. This has been common in almost every question I had asked of instructors since March. I understand the test is more of a private matter but some information is critical to prepare. All I wanted to know was how long to expect the test to last. Yes, I know it will vary, but give an estimated time frame. This is very discouraging when one has to plan for child care, pet care, or their own mental health. - During the test, you also are tested on items that you have NEVER covered in class, such as grappling techniques from the floor. read more

This is an update to a previous review. To reiterate, the instructors are very knowledgeable people and are all about giving people the tools they need for the world we exist in. After some confusion with the exact situation with the billing situation, the business reached out to me directly to see if they can do anything to make it right. I recommended to the business that they reiterate and clearly communicate what exactly happens with contracts, especially after contracts conclude. The spirit of wanting to make everything right and responding to individual reviews made a difference. For prospective clients, please be careful and understand completely what you are signing up for. read more

The two classes I took were alright, the rest of the experience not so much. After moving to Fairfax, traveling to the gym just wasn't going to happen, so I asked to cancel my membership. The only option was to pay out the entire year or pay a $357 early termination fee. I don't understand why any business would charge additional money from someone who is already a lost customer. Not a boon to the business long term. After being charged the fee, I just got charged the regular monthly membership fee again. I recommend switching billing companies, because the one you're using isn't doing you any favors. read more

Go here. Study under the instructors and with your fellow students. Every class leaves you feeling like you learned something new and hungry to learn more. This school is as real as it gets for intensity, commitment, and technical learning. The instructors are genuinely experienced and certified through KM Worldwide. The curriculum is demanding and physical. It easily surpasses any local gym experience and beats the pricing of any other self defense programs in the area. But you will only get out what put in. Show up ready to listen, learn, and get to work. "Earned, never given." read more

I went here for about three months before moving into DC and switching to a place up here. I really liked this place when I went there, then liked it more once I started trying to find a new place. They have a no-pressure sales system, the instructors are awesome - laid-back off the floor, intense to ridiculous levels on it. The workout is great, and it feels like you learn real self-defense. I can't say whether you do, and kind of hope I never find out, but the training feels practical and useful. I do know that I can punch and kick much harder and more effectively than when I started, and don't feel so out-of-water in out of the way places at night. Can't say enough positive stuff about this place. Seriously thinking of rejoining even though I could only go once a week, rather than stick with my choices in DC. read more

If you look up the definition of Krav Maga it tells you that it is a military self defense system initially established for the IDF. The way I view the meaning and system of Krav Maga was explained to us by Pete, one of the instructors. He said that Krav Maga is an open system of training. You are meant try something out, a new technique or a new philosophy to see if it works and if it doesn't, you let it go. When I initially showed up at the door of the Krav Maga several years ago I thought that's what I was going to do: get in some good exercise, learn a few techniques and let it go. Nope. What initially was seen as an avenue for exercise has become a transformation of the mind for me. The discipline of coming to the studio and being surrounded by others who are like minded in their training and perseverance has made me a better person and "fighter" in all areas of my life. The camaraderie and community at the gym supports each individual to be stronger and better in technique, approach and mindset. All of the instructors, Pete, Marc, Jason, Chastity, Sean, Andy and John have their own styles of teaching which strengthens the various skills in students to be well rounded fighters. In every type of class, fight, basic level or no gi BJJ, the instructors know how to hone in on a technique, helping you see it in a new way so that you can improve your skill level. The beauty of Krav isn't perfection, it's constant refinement and sharpening of your skill and your outlook. It's letting go of what doesn't serve you and recreating yourself into something better. I highly recommend joining and being part of something bigger than yourself. read more

This is my third location training Krav Maga full-time (not as a guest). It's not as big as the others, but Pete and staff make up for that with a solid knowledge base, intense classes and great customer service. Krav Maga in general is a great workout, and the best self-defense practice I've ever found. And KM Nova is a great place to work on your Krav. My only suggestions would be to consider expanding to a larger location, and to add more classes in the AM. Also, I used to take my kid with me sometimes, and they were always happy to have him around to watch. read more

I've been here a little over a year now. This was my first martial arts experience. My fiancé convinced me to try krav maga. I did the trial class and immediately signed up for a year. I'm so glad I did! I was so nervous, being a typical elliptical gal at the gym. But they were great about helping me learn and become more confident. I didn't feel any pressure to join, which was probably good because I was nervous signing up for a year. I'll admit that at first I was shocked at the price. Of course, now I see how stupid and ignorant I was. I'm unfortunately considering moving to MD (north of DC) within the next year for work, and have been preemptively scoping out gyms. The price I pay here for unlimited training is nothing in comparison to what other gyms charge. I cannot find one gym even close to this price. It's really making me consider staying in VA. I just tried jiu jitu for the first time three weeks ago. I figured since I have unlimited training, I should use more of it than two or three krav maga classes per week. And now I'm hooked on that too! They even let me train without a gi. Super low key. All of the instructors are great (though I'll admit I have favorites). Very realistic - you definitely don't leave the class with this false sense of security, like you can take on anyone. Instead, you are just more aware. There are a lot of big guys in the class, and higher level students also participate in the level 1 class. I personally like that, and I've only once or twice had to ask a guy to kick a little lighter or punch a little lighter. They are always really understanding. I really don't want to switch gyms! I'm staying as long as I can! read more

As a near 60-year-old with a variety of previous sports related injuries, I was tentative about training Krav Maga. I had heard about all the great benefits of Krav Maga, so I wanted to check it out. I had some previous minor martial arts and boxing training over the years and wanted to see if I could keep up with the rigors of Krav Maga. A friend of mine recommended the NOVA Krav Maga Academy and off I went... At my introductory session I met the Head Instructor, Pete. After a rigorous session I asked him directly for honest feedback given my limitations whether realistically if the training was beyond my capabilities. He asked why I had come and what was my motivation. I told him that I wanted to enhance my skills as to handle myself in a street encounter (God forbid) knowing that it didn't matter what I could or could not do... He stressed that it was even more important for me to be ready for whatever could happen at this point in my life regardless of any limitations.... Today, I have been training for 2 years at NOVA Krav Maga Academy. I can't say this more emphatically that I am so glad that I chose NOVA Krav Maga Academy! The training has been very comprehensive including Striking/Kicking, Ground fighting, Throws, Combat Defenses and Sparring. Additionally, I have seen a vast improvement in my physical conditioning. Pete and his very knowledgeable and friendly team of instructors have encouraged me throughout and have helped me to improve my skills. I would highly recommend NOVA Krav Maga Academy as an excellent program for both the novice and the experienced student. read more

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class runs on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. The class is great; the instructor (Ivan Rios) is very knowledgeable and helpful. BJJ with the combination of Krav Maga is awesome. I can't ask for something better. read more

Krav Maga Northern Virginia - Martial Arts Near Me - Lorton, Virginia

I used to do Krav when I lived in California and wanted to continue when I moved back to the NOVA area. This is the closest place to my house so I tried it out. The class was okay but the instructor was unprofessional and rude when I spoke to him after class. He got angry with me for asking if any of the instructors came from a military or police background...I was just curious and it seemed to me to be an okay question to ask. I decided to give it some time and try it out again and called to see if I could try a different class with a different instructor. The instructor teaching the class answered the phone and was rude and condescending completely unprovoked. All I asked is if I could try the noon class and for whatever reason that annoyed him. All of my good martial arts instructors in the past emphasized the importance of maintaining your temper and emotions in volatile situations. It is best not to take martial arts classes from people who seem emotionally unbalanced and cannot handle their tempers, especially in simple, polite conversation. I consider that a pretty low f**king bar.... read more

I went for a trial class and was handed a waiver to sign that stated, in BOLD LETTERS that I take responsibility for their NEGLIGENCE. They actually call it out as a possibility! I walked away, and you should too. read more

I previously posted a negative review here. The business sent me a cease and desist letter. I am now updating my to review to say that in my opinion, this is a terrible business. read more

Krav Maga is a fighting system, designed for anyone no matter size,or gender. The techniques are base on natural responses making them easy to learn, and very effective. I had no prier experience before I started training at Krav Maga Nova, and none is needed. The Krav Maga classes teach combative and usually a self defenses depending on the theme of the week, but expect a good workout . They also offer a Bag and a KM Fit class. The Bag class is Non-stop cardio, whereas the Km Fit class is a mix strength,endurance, and power.Also, they offer seminars a few times a year, the last one was knife Defense seminar, and all of the money went to support cancer research. I would recommend to anyone looking for a great workout, with a practical real world application. read more

Great place to train and learn. Pete G. the owner and head instructor is very knowledgeable. I highly recommend.

My husband suggested that I join the Krav Maga because I can work and at the same time I will learn to defend myself. He said "you'll never know when you need the skills someday to save your life". Sounds like a good idea. We both research about it and found great reviews so I signed up for 6 months only. 4 months after... I was injured ...as in seriously injured. I got paired with a gentleman and he kicked and punched so hard. I have a headache after the class and have a pressure in my head and ears. I was disoriented and I know I am in a lot of trouble but what I did NOT know that it will change my life. I went to the ER and they said I have concussion and whiplash, I was so confused because I did not hit my head and the doctor said sometimes you don't have to hit your head to get a major damage. I have vision problem, I get disoriented, head pressure, headache and other problems associated to concussion. I have to quit work and I am taking my MBA part time...it also affected my school work since I am not able to retain, focus and understand after the accident. What happened: At first I was paired with another lady same size as me (I am 4'11"), it was actually a perfect training partnership since we both have more or less the same strength and power but the instructor keeps switching pairs and I was paired with 2 gentleman...the first one.... I have to stop him because his kicks are so hard. The second person that I paired with is 2 times my size and he also kick and punch hard. After the class I have sever headache and I felt disoriented... I thought I was just hungry but the headache did not go away...I begun feeling the pressure in my head and I know something is wrong... I was rushed to the ER by my husband. The instructor did NOT reminded us to use only 30% of strength and power and speed..... and with my tiny size...it wont take too much to injure me. Upper class also joins in the beginners and lower level class...they have more power and skills compared to us...... "rules" should be specified when they join the beginners class. I have noticed that Upper Levels does "power trip" in many occasions. The training that is intended to "protect a life" actually has "ruined a life". If you are looking for a work out place and you are TINY, NO martial arts skills and don't want to be injured..... this is NOT a place for you. But if you are up for a fight...certainly this is a great place to be with. read more

I've been training at Krav Maga NoVa for just under 2 years and I've learned some vital life saving skills. Does this mean that I can fight like an MMA fighter no, but, it does mean that I am more aware of my surroundings and can piece together a defense that could potentially save my life (or at the very least get me out of a bad situation).The instructors ensure our drills are dynamic and they always teach safety first. I have evolved from being a skittish student into a confident student who isn't afraid to train with peers of all sizes, backgrounds and past training experiences. I've been a yellow belt in Krav Maga now (level 2) for a year and the dynamism in my training keeps getting stronger. I hope to move on to level 3 as I find the environment safe to train in. I am constantly challenged by my instructors and I know they want me to succeed and fend off any possible threats. Sometimes I have the opportunity to observe the level 1 classes because I've arrived early for my class and I'm encouraged to see the students wanting to learn more - my hope is that they continue to train and join me in level 2 and continue to add to their self defense arsenal - as I've been able to add to mine. Plus, you get out of it what you put into it. I train hard and sometimes train 4-5 times a week. I also take my instructors feedback and run with it. No hard feelings and I don't take any of it personally - it's all to aid in my development. read more

Top-Notch Instructors! Love the seriousness and real-world, common sense approach. Love the diversity of students with different backgrounds and skill levels. Learn self-defense and get in shape! Small facility...but a hidden "treasure"...definitely worth the time and money! read more

It's interesting to view the range of comments and reviews. So, yeah, the space is a bit tight - but the reality is, if you're faced with a chaotic real-life situation - you will likely be in a crowded space, ie. bar, restaurant, classroom, etc. so it prepares you for that scenario - also the classes are great - so of course they are crowded. The work out is real: its sweaty, its intense, and its grueling... it pushes you to your limit preparing you for the worst possible situation. At first I only joined the 6 week women's only challenge, my goals was to lose weight - but now 5 months later, I sleep better, I'm stronger, feel more self reliant and yeah - I've lost 19 lbs. The trainers are all top notch - they want you to learn, get stronger, and be ready for whatever you may face outside of the classroom. They are all attentive to your limitations, but not interested in your excuses - so if you're not comfortable with a hands-on, close contact, intense opportunity to learn how to get strong and protect yourself, then this school is not for you. read more

I've taken a couple trial classes. The intensity and work out I got were awesome. I'm planning on joining and look forward to learning a lot...not only about Krav Maga and how to defend myself, but about what I'm capable of. read more

Very disappointed. I have an interest in this form of training, called, no return call. Called again for class and program information, "instructor", would not give me his name, "why is that important"? Seem very disinterested in doing business. read more

Yes, this place IS packed, so much that you can't get a good workout without someone getting there ankles kicked repeatedly. The room is way too little for the number of people the take per class, and they seem to be really excited when there are 30 or more people at a class. I'm assuming thats because they are making more money, its not because its a benefit to you at all. They want you to think this is part of the exercise and that you will "really" know what its like to fight on the streets . . right. Oh and then becasue there are way too many people and not enough instructors they tell you to buddy up with someone more or less experienced that you so one of you can teach the other. That sounds like the way the Duggar family raises kids and regardless, its a waste of your time and money. Do you want to learn Krav Maga from someone who's been doing it for 2 months? Do you want to keep having to avoid getting accidentally kicked and punched when you are first learning? Do you want to be smothered in some fat guy's sweat since they tell everyone that walks through the door that "its for them"? Then if so, you've found your perfect gym. Oh and yes you will find people here that are woefully out of shape and should probably be starting with some basic aerobics, not Krav Maga. So have fun when you get to partner up with someone who's hip you will likely break, I'm sure it will be a great workout. You could also get paired up with someone whose 3x your size and will get the shiz beat out of you (and they will be the ones getting no workout). But this is reality folks! This makes it all more real!! Or so they want you to belive while they pack in more sheeple and take your money. read more