Self-Defense Classes for Kids

At Krav Maga New York in Somers, New York, we help kids build remarkable focus, coordination, control, confidence, assertiveness and resilience through martial arts. But because martial arts alone is not enough, we also teach our kids Verbal Judo. A system of communication, originally developed for Law Enforcement, that can help kids re-direct and de-escalate abuse language or behavior.

While Krav Maga teaches kids the same practical and effective self-defense techniques we teach adults - and the how to use them - Verbal Judo teaches kids when and why to use them. It is our view that the when and why are as important than the how, because powerful skills come with great responsibility.

Picture this: Your child is sitting at the lunchroom table and another kid sitting across the way continues to flick corn at him, or at someone else sitting next to your kid. Is that acceptable to your child or is it intolerable? Would you want your child to act? Should he tell the kid to stop? Should he tell a teacher? Should he walk away? Or punch the kid in the face?

Any one of these responses has a consequence. No response (walking away) also has a consequence. And the consequences are not just physical, they're also emotional.

We strive to teach kids how to represent themselves well, how to reel in bystanders to create witnesses, how to use verbal re-directors, how to establish safety lines that should not be crossed, how to judge right vs. wrong, and when words fail.

Krav Maga is a fantastic emergency tool - one every child and adult should possess - but it should only be used in the event of an emergency. And if used, we fully believe it should be used for its intended purpose. But in everyday life, and especially in the life of everyday kids, our first and best line of defense is verbal.

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Self-defense for kids. Self-defense classes for children near Somers, New York.

About

Our kids' self-defense program focuses on simple and effective martial arts skills from the world renowned Krav Maga system - tailored for children of all abilities and experience levels. Coupled with Verbal Judo, in our classes kids get fit, get strong, socialize in a fun and supportive environment, are rewarded for home chores, school grades, skills and attitude, and learn how to communicate effectively. This isn’t just another after-school activity - it’s a transformative journey toward becoming stronger, more aware, and safer. With encouraging instructors and a supportive community, your child will grow at their own pace while gaining essential skills that will serve them for life.

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Skills That Will Empower and Protect Your Child

Learn The Basic Skills Every Child Should Have: Like how to stand, how to move, how to swivel, what to do should they fall to the ground, what to do when approached by more than one person, how to gain a better position, how to reverse, disengage and escape.
Train Powerful Defense Tactics: Like kicks, knees, elbow strikes, palm strikes, and covering. Learn defenses against pushes, grabs, drags, chokes, bearhugs and headlocks.
Practice Verbal Judo: Through role play, story telling and Q&A, learn the art of verbal persuasion.
The Gold Standard in Self-Defense: Don’t just take our word for it, Google it- Krav Maga is recognized globally as one of the best self-defense methods for real-world protection.

Benefits That Last a Lifetime

Confidence: In a world that can be unpredictable, your child will grow into someone who isn’t easily shaken. Watching them stay calm, think clearly, speak assertively and take ownership of any situation will be one of your proudest moments as a parent.
Real-Life Safety Skills: Our training equips your child with powerful, real-world techniques to stay safe when it matters most. From spotting red flags to escaping danger with confident action - they’ll develop the kind of instinctive awareness that will shape their lives.
Fitness with a Purpose: Each high-energy session helps your child grow stronger, quicker, and more agile - building not just a healthier body, but a sharper mind. While they’re having fun and breaking a sweat, they’ll learn how to stay safe, alert, and ready in the face of everyday, real-life challenges.

Skills That Will Empower and Protect Your Child

Learn The Basic Skills Every Child Should Have: Like how to stand, how to move, how to swivel, what to do should they fall to the ground, what to do when approached by more than one person, how to gain a better position, how to reverse, disengage and escape.
Train Powerful Defense Tactics: Like kicks, knees, elbow strikes, palm strikes, and covering. Learn defenses against pushes, grabs, drags, chokes, bearhugs and headlocks.
Practice Verbal Judo: Through role play, story telling and Q&A, learn the art of verbal persuasion.
The Gold Standard in Self-Defense: Don’t just take our word for it, Google it- Krav Maga is recognized globally as one of the best self-defense methods for real-world protection.

Benefits That Last a Lifetime

Confidence: In a world that can be unpredictable, your child will grow into someone who isn’t easily shaken. Watching them stay calm, think clearly, speak assertively and take ownership of any situation will be one of your proudest moments as a parent.
Real-Life Safety Skills: Our training equips your child with powerful, real-world techniques to stay safe when it matters most. From spotting red flags to escaping danger with confident action - they’ll develop the kind of instinctive awareness that will shape their lives.
Fitness with a Purpose: Each high-energy session helps your child grow stronger, quicker, and more agile - building not just a healthier body, but a sharper mind. While they’re having fun and breaking a sweat, they’ll learn how to stay safe, alert, and ready in the face of everyday, real-life challenges.

Try Today 💪