FAQs: Self-Defense Answers

Krav Maga is a practical, real-world self-defense system developed for the Israel Defense Forces.  Unlike traditional martial arts, Krav Maga was never designed for sport or competition — it was built to help ordinary people defend themselves quickly and effectively against real threats. The system combines striking, grappling, and weapons defense techniques drawn from boxing, Judo, Wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, and Karate, filtered through one question: does this work on the street? At Elite Krav Maga in Longwood, FL, we have been teaching this system to civilians since 2003.

Absolutely. From your very first class, you will walk away with skills you can apply immediately — basic strikes, distance management, and defenses against common grabs and chokes. Krav Maga's learning curve is intentionally accessible. You do not need prior martial arts experience, a specific fitness level, or any special equipment to begin. How quickly you advance depends on how consistently you train.

We offer self-defense training for teens (ages 11–16) and adults (ages 17 and up). Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program through Longwood Jiu-Jitsu Club is available for adults 17 and older. We have active students ranging from teenagers to practitioners in their 70s. We specialize in finding modifications and adaptations that make training accessible for students with physical limitations or health considerations.

Adult Krav Maga classes run one hour. The first 15–20 minutes are dedicated to conditioning —

calisthenics, plyometrics, cardio drills, and partner work that build the fitness base you need to defend yourself under real stress. The remaining time focuses on the week's technique: one of our four training pillars — Striking, Ground Defense, Weapons Awareness, or Situational Self-Defense. Every class is structured, purposeful, and designed to build real skills, not just sweat.

Absolutely!  Our classes are designed to minimize injury risk while still providing a realistic training experience. Students wear bag gloves, groin protection, and other appropriate gear. Our instructors closely monitor training intensity and ensure all drills are conducted at a level appropriate for each student's experience and conditioning. Self-defense training requires some physical contact, but safety always comes first at our Longwood, FL facility.

Elite Krav Maga offers flexible month-to-month Krav Maga memberships at two training frequencies: two days per week or three days per week. Longwood Jiu-Jitsu Club offers a pay-per-class or class- block option with no monthly commitment. To see current pricing, simply sign up for a free trial week — we'll walk you through all your options during your visit.

No. We do not require contracts, long-term commitments, or sign-up fees. There are no uniforms to purchase. You pay month-to-month for Krav Maga membership, or by the class/block for BJJ. If you decide to cancel your Krav Maga membership, we ask for 30 days advance notice. That is the full extent of our commitment policy.

Yes. Our adult Krav Maga program includes men and women and covers the specific scenarios most relevant to personal safety for all students — including defense against larger attackers, grabs, and assault scenarios. Krav Maga's emphasis on leverage, awareness, and immediate response makes it especially well-suited for women seeking practical self-defense skills. We also periodically offer dedicated women's self-defense workshops and seminars. Contact us to ask about upcoming events.

We are located at 189 W. Maine Ave, Longwood, FL 32750 — in the heart of Seminole County. Our

students come from across the greater Orlando area including Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs,

Casselberry, Winter Park, Sanford, and Oviedo. If you are looking for self-defense classes near Orlando, we are one of the most accessible options in the region with ample parking and flexible class times.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a competitive sport with rules, weight classes, and referees. Krav Maga is a self-defense system with no rules, no sport context, and no concern for points or submissions.  Everything we teach is evaluated against one standard: will this keep you safe in a real situation? We also differ from traditional martial arts schools in that we do not use belts, uniforms, or ceremonial ranking. Our only measure of success is your ability to protect yourself and those around you.