This class is really amazing! I was skeptical at first-I'm pretty clumsy/uncoordinated, so I didn't think I'd be able to pick things up right away. But the moves you learn are simple natural reaction based movements so there's not a huge learning curve. During each class we go over a new attack someone might ambush you with on the street and learn how to defend against it. First the class desensitizes you to some of the panic by safely exposing you to the attack so you know what it feels like and you can see it coming before you actually encounter it. Then we learn the defense against it and practice the defense with different students and assistants so you get used to dealing with all different body types and strength levels. Afterwords the instructors gear up in padding and present you with possible scenarios you could encounter on the street so you can practice what you've learned in full speed. Every class has strengthening exercises based on the fundamental defenses we learn. Some classes have a cardio component built into them so they're a good way to start getting fitter too. You really couldn't ask for a better instructor either! Evan does a great job of assessing everyone's skill level and then pairing them with other students or assistants, so not everyone has to be on the same skill level. Evan's funny and super engaging in class and really gives a lot of helpful feedback without being critical. He explains/demos things so clearly and realistically its actually hard NOT to learn something. Overall I'm really impressed with the skills I've picked up from it and how fun each class is. read more

I recently discovered NOVA Self Defense through CrossFit South Arlington. I have been attending the gym for some time but heard NOVA SD was offering free classes for a few weeks and decided to give it a shot with a couple of friends. The classes are, as a whole, a lot of fun. We typically start off with a brief intro and/or fear management lecture; the lectures have really opened my eyes to the logistics of a real life confrontation. Then we practice positions, moves and techniques, and end class with full force confrontations, allowing us to use those techniques against the instructiors in high gear. I am a big proponent of practical application and I feel NOVA SD, which employs the SPEAR system, has been the most realistic defense training I have experienced. They retrain your instincts to act as a conduit of force for your response, rather than allowing your response to become crippled from ineffective complex martial arts training. Don't get me wrong, I have absolute respect for martial arts, but let's be real, are you going to remember all of those moves when your body is in a fight or flight response? Better in principle, but I wouldn't agree in practice. read more

NOVA Self Defense teaches a very practical style of self defense. The SPEAR (Spontaneous Protection Enabling Accelerated Response) system is a form of self defense based on your natural reaction and reflexes to an attack, which I think is smart, realistic, and practical. Additionally, the moves are very simple to pick up, so when you leave the class, it is easy to remember how to protect yourself without having to continuously practice and drill techniques. Evan is a really awesome, hands-on instructor. He really gets into "character" when running simulation attacks, and is very encouraging and patient when you don't get the moves right away. Additionally, he held a self defense class for some of my students and he is great with kids as young as 8 years old (and they loved him!). Evan also sometimes throws in a killer workouts, so not only do you learn self defense, but you can be done with your workout for the day by 10 am! I would really encourage anyone even slightly interested to check out NOVA Self Defense, even if it's just for one class. You'll learn a lot, leave understanding and remembering what you learned, and feel confident in your own abilities. read more

This self defense class is awesome and Evan is an incredible instructor. The techniques are practical, effective and easy to learn. After attending classes, I would go home & try some of the "moves" out on my husband, who is considerably stronger than me, & they worked! Evan is an excellent instructor, creating a relaxed & comfortable learning environment. He is great at assessing the abilities of ALL of the students in the class and ensures that everyone is well matched for partner exercises, switching partners throughout the exercises as needed to ensure that everyone is getting the most out of the experience. Evan gives corrective feedback in a way that is encouraging and motivating never negative or intimidating. I believe this class has something to offer everyone. There is so much to be gained from taking this class: personal awareness, self confidence, personal defense skills, etc. I could go on and on... read more

I had a great experience at the NOVA 3 hr. self defense seminar I took recently. I was a novice but Evan and his team made the experience very comfortable and dynamic. They emphasized both the mental and physical aspects of self defense which I really appreciated. Learning how to mentally recover more quickly from the surprise, fear and pain that might accompany an assault so you can defend yourself was an important concept for me. Also being willing to totally commit to the fight if there are no other options is a crucial consideration. The instructors had us practice defense moves repeatedly to help us get used to the motions and the force required. They put a lot of information and training into the 3 hour session, and were genuinely committed to ensuring that we all got as much experience as possible. It truly seems important to them that each participant feels safer and more competent when they finish the seminar. read more

I recently attended a two part self-defense class with Evan, and am beyond thrilled with the experience. The first day was more of an overall intro. We talked about mindset and learned some basic strikes. The second day we jumped right in to practicing the strikes we learned on the first day, and adding on to them. We even learned how to get out of a choke hold. Evan was incredibly knowledgable. You could tell he has a passion for what he is doing. I left this session feeling more competent in my basic skills, and interested to try some of his more intensive programs to build on this foundation. I feel this is a must class for any and all women. read more

I was looking for a class that taught basic self-defense strategies to someone without a Marital Art and/or fighting background. This class has fully met my expectations. Evan is a very good and patient teacher who simplifies moves and exercises to fit the needs of his students. The thing I enjoy most about learning is that everything is geared towards preparing you and naturally reacting to real life situations where you may find yourself in harms way. I enjoy the class very much and 100% recommend it to anyone who lacks the confidence necessary to defend yourself in a physical altercation regardless of age or gender. read more

I recently enrolled in a 4 class-package on self-defense course with Evan. I found Evan to be extremely competent in the subject matter, and passionate about his students getting the most out of his lessons. Although, I had a problem attending my first lesson, and I greatly appreciated the way Evan handled the matter. It already gave me the idea he is a remarkable professional with great customer focus. I would definitely recommend Evan's classes if you are interested in learning self-defense. read more

Their women's self-defense class was great. I'm a total beginner and learned a lot that got me out of my comfort zone and better equipped to deal with potential creepers. Substantial class content, but make sure to bring someone who wants to learn or is comfortable in their role helping you to learn by practicing on them, or you'll spend the class giggling at your boyfriend because you don't really want to hit him. Also, their discount for bringing a friend is great! read more

I have taken two of the Women's Self-Defense classes. They are AMAZING. I didn't know what I didn't know - I learned so much in these hour-long sessions. I now feel confident that I would be able to fend off a stranger if I needed to. The moves they teach are simple and effective, and they explain why you want to do certain things and not others. It definitely increased my level of confidence - I will be doing more classes in the future for sure! read more

I just completed a class with NOVA Self Defense and had a great experience working with them. The instructor was extremely knowledgeable and had a way of explaining techniques that made it easy to understand. I walked away with a solid understanding of not only how to avoid dangerous encounters, but also how to handle myself if I am attacked. I would (and already have) recommend taking their courses. Julie read more

Exceeded all expectations! Evan came over to Southern Maryland to teach self defense basics to the EMTs at our Rescue Squad and the general consensus was that it was a sound investment. With the small amount of time we had, he did a fantastic job building our scene size-up skills, teaching how to break free from attacks and how to get away. Looking forward to follow up sessions! read more

I have only been to a few classes, but I'm addicted to it already! The instructors provide clear and comprehensive guidance that allows me to understand the physiological aspects of self defense, the body's stress responses, and optimal fight/deflection tactics. Running through the drills and beating up the boys also help to relieve some stress at the end of a rough week! read more

Evan taught a fantastic Women's Self-Defense class. He was very informative and patient with all levels in the class. I left the class knowing I would be safer in any situation with the techniques he taught! read more