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Krav Maga of Orange County

Irvine, California

(46)
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Reviews (46)

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5/5

46 customer reviews

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27 September 2019

Classes are intense but it's good self defense training and the instructors are nice. My sons like this school.

Reviewed on Facebook

15 September 2019

Just great ! Learned new tricks

Reviewed on Facebook

16 August 2019

I've been taking Krav Maga classes for a little over 4 years. I definitely couldn't have found a better studio to train at. The Instructors are absolutely phenomenal and they really care about their students. I recently moved from Irvine (back in 2017) However every time I come and visit, I'm always offered a drop-in class :) Thank you Krav Maga OC! Love the family! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

8 July 2019

I've been to a handful of classes and I'm hooked.  The instructors are all helpful, nice, and professional. This is my first go at anything like this and I am really enjoying it.  It's a great workout and I'm learning some things to protect myself and loved ones while I'm here.  Everything is clean and organized, I'm looking forward to learning more and meeting a people with common interests.  If you are on the fence about Krav Maga try this place out I'm sure you'll love it like I do. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

25 May 2019

Great place to train. This place has technical Krav Maga classes and kickboxing. Very knowledgeable and kind instructors.

Reviewed on Yelp

2 May 2019

As a family, we have taken Krav Maga from KMOC in Irvine for almost 8 years. Both our daughters started at age 7. Our oldest, who is now 14 1/2, started in the KMX program and just received her adult green belt, considered the first upper belt. It is surreal to watch a child of 7 years go from being not so adept at (and frankly disinterested in) this type of phsyical contact to being able to effectively spar with adults two and three times her size. Most importantly, she has the tools to defend herself in virtually any unfortunate situation. Inspired by the transformation I was seeing in my oldest daughter, I began taking 4 years ago in my mid-forties. (Who wants to get beaten up by her kid right?)  As a woman who had also never known how to properly make a fist and therefore punch, I feel incredibly empowered in a way I never knew possible. While hard work and dedication is certainly part of the formula, much of the credit belongs to the instructors at KMOC who are committed, passionate, and skilled individuals. I highly recommend KMOC to all parents who care about their children's ability to defend themselves - and to all adults who recognize that the violent world we live in is sadly not getting any less so. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

7 January 2019

Granddaughter has been attending this school 2years and has been exponentially strengthened mentally, emotionally and physical grace and movement because of this school and it’s stellar expertise, passionate about their mission, very caring teachers! We are very gratefull and appreciative of their unfaltering commitment!! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

7 January 2019

Great staff and highly useful techniques for the kids. Recommended!

Reviewed on Google Maps

22 December 2018

I've done martial arts my entire life, and have been training in Krav for 10 years.  I've been part of KMOC for at least 8 years.  Krav is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself and loved ones.  It's about my favorite form of exercise too.  This is a good group of people, and the instructors are some of the most experienced in the country.  All levels of experience are more than welcome here.   If you're thinking of checking it out, do. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

7 December 2018

best self defense in the world

Reviewed on Google Maps

26 October 2018

Great classes with great instructors. Very helpful and patient with all levels. I would recommend them to anybody who is interested.

Reviewed on Yelp

24 September 2018

What an amazing experience! I have learned so much in such a short time. The instructors were wonderful, and very informative. The Instructions were easy to follow. I loved the fact that we could practice everything we've learned on each other. I recommend it to every woman in Orange County. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

7 June 2018

I want to learn the self defense of krava maga i'm 65 years old, it is too late for me to learn this

Reviewed on Google Maps

22 July 2017

If you can train here, don't hesitate. The instructors are the best!

Reviewed on Facebook

1 February 2017

I have trained in a handful of martial arts and the two years I spent at this school was by far my best martial arts experience.  The instructors are really committed to providing the best possible learning experience.  The cost is competitive with most other martial arts schools, but it is for unlimited attendance, therefore if you can show up more than twice a week it becomes an unbeatable value, not to mention the more you show up the faster you learn.  And the other students here are good company to be around as well, as this school does not tolerate bad behavior (unlike some boxing or MMA gyms out there).The krav maga system is about as close to a genuine self-defense system as they come.  The only rule is to survive, therefore the techniques taught take an anything-goes approach, starting from strikes to escapes from attacks to some very basic ground techniques.  The more advanced curriculum gets into joint locks, throws, and defenses against weapon threats and attacks.  And in each class there is cardio warm-up exercises, so you do get a good workout as well.And finally what sets krav maga apart from other martial arts are the belt rank tests.  The instructors who run these tests often try to wear you out with cardio exercises, and then they become like military drill instructors when barking out instructions to no end.  This is to evaluate how well one can execute the techniques while under stress and pressure, because a real altercation will involve high stress and pressure and therefore the tests try to replicate that.So all in all, it was a great learning experience that I highly recommend, learning great tools and techniques that I hope I would never have to use for real. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

15 January 2017

It's better to be a WEAPON , then to just have a WEAPON

Reviewed on Facebook

15 January 2017

One of the best! If you can train there, DO IT!!!!

Reviewed on Facebook

14 July 2016

I'm writing this review on behalf of my husband, since he doesn't have a Yelp account. I found Krav Maga OC on Yelp after my husband mentioned he would be interested in classes. I've never attended with him, so I can't give any personal insight, but after every class he always says it is one of the most intense work outs he has ever done. He has been impressed with the skill of every instructor so far. The class times and locations are very convenient for his schedule. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

15 January 2016

I practiced jiu-jitsu for about 3 years, and I did some hapkido a while back. So, I'm not a martial arts novice. Jiu-jitsu is completely different from Krav Maga, though, so, in that respect, I'm a novice to Krav Maga. I've also been in a few street fights, so I'm no stranger to that either. There's a big learning curve if coming from a different martial art. Many things from the stance to the kicks are different and take some getting used to. I like that you can wear whatever pants and shoes you want. They do require that you wear their shirts, but I actually like them; they are also affordable and come in a variety of styles. It's much better than having to buy those ridiculous gi wardrobes in traditional jiu-jitsu. Unlike jiu-jitsu, however, you'll want to impose a mandatory cup-usage on yourself, and you'll thank yourself that you did!This is a fun discipline, and you'll definitely get into shape and learn some just really vicious moves for real life encounters out on the street. I think all of the instructors that I've had so far are absolutely fantastic - full of energy and knowledge. The warm-ups vary from mild to intense, and they change from class to class, which is excellent. I mean, I really think this place is top notch, but for the sake of completeness, I will focus the remainder on some of the weaknesses that I think exist; however, this by no means should be construed as a negative that would make you want to avoid taking Krav Maga because the art of Krav Maga achieves its goal as does this school. There is simply no one ultimate martial art that will achieve all goals or appease everyone. This place still deserves a solid five stars. My primary reservation is that some of this stuff can be barbarous; however, if you're actually in a life-threatening situation, it would definitely be warranted. In the alternative, if someone does want to fight you and it's not life-threatening, you can preface with the anything-goes, no rules ethos to which you subscribe, and I suppose it would be fair game. I mean, if you're in a bar fight, you don't necessarily want to bring the fight to the brink of killing the guy (or maybe you do), but that could happen with some of the Krav Maga moves. You also wouldn't be held in high praises with your machismo cohorts if you were to kick a dude in the sack. The older I get, though, the faster I'd like to finish a fight should I end up in one (hopefully I won't, though). Nevertheless, there are plenty of moves in the Krav Maga arsenal that will allow you to finish a fight and move on with your life (alive being the key word there) with self-respect and without too much life-threatening damage to your opponent.My other reservation is that it does emphasize strength, explosiveness, speed, and agility. Not everyone will possess this, and it places some limits on the older folks and/or smaller people. Personally, I don't want to go blow-to-blow with a much bigger person; I'd prefer jiu-jitsu in that instance. There's something to be said for ground fighting and neutralizing your opponent and utilizing leverage. Still, your own dexterity, strength, and speed will increase as you practice Krav Maga, and your reaction time, senses, and coordination will all improve. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

13 January 2016

I started Krav Maga because my friend told me this form of martial arts was fast-paced, easier to pick up than other forms, and applicable to many real-life situations. With my busy schedule and desire to learn how to defend myself ASAP, I thought KMOC was a perfect fit.What I love most about KMOC's instructors is that they emphasize WHY we learn each move and how to apply it in real life. Ex: we may strike an attacker with an elbow so our hands aren't damaged and can still call 911. The instructors are SO energetic and encourage everybody to aggressively punch, kick, yell, etc at 100%. I feel this best simulates how we'd react in a compromising situation. Plus this makes class more fun.No matter how large a class or how (in)experienced the students are, the instructors check each person to make sure they're practicing correct form. Understanding that not everybody will become a black belt, the instructors empower every individual to at least master basic punches/kicks/strikes so they can apply it on the streets.Guests may try out one class for free! If you can't commit to a membership, KMOC invites the public (both members and non-members) to really cool seminars on some Saturdays. I haven't been to any yet, but they seem really interesting: women's self-defense, defense against a gunman, defense against home invasion, etc.I'm really happy I joined because I've learned so much over my 4 months here -- how to get out of front/back chokeholds/sleeper holders, roundhouse kicks, blocking punches -- and this is only beginners' material! I can't wait to test into higher belt rankings to learn more defense techniques. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

26 November 2015

Loved it, small intimate class with instructors that love what they do. Some of the warmup exercises are a little challenging but at the same time you are learning techniques that could possibly save your life someday.

Reviewed on Yelp

24 July 2015

The BEST!!!!! My 2 kids come here, and it's the best decision I have ever made. Can't wait til my 3rd one is old enough. The team is wonderful. They really teach self defense, in the real world. Karate is for artists. Krav Maga is for everyone else.. Thank you for showing my kids how to be more confident and survive in the real world.... More...

Reviewed on Yelp

7 June 2015

Krav Maga is not just about Martial Arts and fighting. I've been to gyms where it was an uncomfortable environment with guys just waiting for the chance to slug me. Krav will teach you more useful tools than other gyms, but what makes it great is the family environment. You'll make life-long friends and train in a challenging, but friendly environment. I encourage anyone to give it a try. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

7 June 2015

Great training, fun environment

Reviewed on Google Maps

20 May 2015

I joined Krav Maga OC a couple of months ago and it has been money well spent! I am a novice and the instructors and students have been very helpful taking the time to teach vital self defense skills. So far I have been taught by four different instructors, each with their own personality and style. If you are looking for an easy workout and don't want to give 101% of your time and energy, this isn't the studio for you. If you want to learn self defense and brutal counter attacks for real world situations, come on in and ask the owner, Yuri, to try a free class. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

3 March 2015

FYI  just for clarification, it says my location is old town San Diego. I actually live in Irvine. The reason it gives that location is because that was the very first time I opened up an account with YELP when I ate at a very bad restaurant in old town San Diego in 2013. The restaurant has since closed down- no surprise. I asked my brothers if there was a way I could let others know about my experience at that time. They said to start a yelp account. I started it that day in San Diego. The review I gave is a legitimate review. Just ask Yuri (the lead instructor/operator) to find me if ever you want to talk to me in person about this program.  There is only one Arnel- ask for the Filipino guy or others know me as the "doc" though I tend not to let it be known.  You'll find me going back-and-forth between the Irvine and Mission Viejo studios.  Happy training should you decide to join! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

19 February 2015

I'll first tell a story about what Krav Maga taught me that studying years of Kungfu, Hapkido, and Taekwondo hadn't.I'd taken my mother to Las Vegas and there's a section just past the Venetian where the walk is crowded with tiny, seedy-looking shops and seedy-looking characters. A man a head taller than I am started pacing us - his words were not rude (yet) but his tone was, and it was obvious he wasn't looking for actual conversation. The first few seconds, I ignored him. The next few, I avoided looking at him, but tried to wave him off. Then I pretended not to speak English, mumbling something in Chinese, hoping that he would find us less interesting if he wasn't being understood. But when he kept crowding closer, I finally took a breath, whipped my head around, and shouted, "Back off, okay!"He jerked back with a stunned expression, mumbled, and turned to scurry off in the opposite direction.I don't know if it would have gotten any worse than the heckling. But I wasn't about to take the chance, with either my own person, or more importantly, with my mother beside me. (And, honestly, I don't think I should have to put up with it at all, much less wait for something worse to happen.)The important part is that, before Krav, I wouldn't have thought that I could shout down a man. I wouldn't have had the courage to even try, because I'm a bad bluffer, and I'm terrible at acting tough when I don't think I have the bite to back up my bark (and before Krav, I'd never fought a man directly - I'd always been matched with other women, so I had no confidence in taking one on). KMOC didn't just teach me about the bite, it taught me the bark is just as important. In fact, it could be my GREATEST weapon, because I'm in the most danger when matters have already devolved into a fight - and they didn't just tell me this, they made me PRACTICE it, in every class and in extra seminars.Aggression's something that none of the other disciplines I have practiced have talked about, except in the context of its suppression. Not a bad thing, particularly with children, to emphasize discipline, control, and respect. But, especially for women, I think there is a place for aggression, and practicing where and how to apply it is what helps with control, not its complete avoidance. As in the above example, sometimes aggression - or, at least, a big show of it - can potentially save a lot of grief later on. Krav pairs you up with men or women, big or small, and the men do NOT pull their punches if you're not frail or injured. Even after two years of practice, it can still be a scary feeling when that punch or kick hammers through - my willingness to fight for my life with all I have could be the literal straw that tips the balance in my favor.As for KMOC specifically, I've taken classes at other studios - San Francisco, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Las Vegas - and I've yet to encounter an organization that has such a large number of quality instructors. Other reviewers have already mentioned the amazing number of black belt instructors there, but I'll also give a shout-out to the non-black belt instructors, who collectively also have decades of experience (and often not just in Krav, but also other disciplines as well); they simply haven't bothered to go through the remaining belt tests, or they're just one level shy of it. Each instructor brings a unique and complementary viewpoint from their individual experiences and backgrounds, and having an open discussion about the pros and cons of various fighting techniques has been almost more instructive as learning a single technique to perfection - it taught me how to think smarter, more creatively, to not be afraid to debate with an instructor, that the most important thing to them is my survival, not who is right or wrong. I've had the pleasure of training under most of them, and each one has been great at describing techniques, troubleshooting problems, and working to students as individuals. On top of that, KMOC has contacts with the premier practitioners in the Krav community, and often holds seminars allowing students the chance to train with literally the best in the world. There are seminars that focus on women's unique situations, seminars that dress instructors up in padded suits so students can learn how it feels to actually HIT someone, seminars in which you're thrown into a dark, noisy room with instructors actively stalking you, so you can understand how you act under stress and how you can still protect yourself in chaotic environments. KMOC isn't just interested in teaching you techniques, they try to give you as close to a "live" experience as they can in controlled conditions so that you don't have to get your first taste of fear and adrenaline when your life actually depends on it.In short, Krav has impacted multiple levels of my life, from the professional to the personal, and I don't think I could have gotten a better introduction to it than through KMOC. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

2 February 2015

Took the women's 4 self-defense classes with Monica & Elana.  I cannot say enough great things about these two instructiors and the classes! ! Everyone should take them.They are so informative and done so well.  Also great deal--4 one hr. classes for $60. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

26 January 2015

Now that I am more than half a year into training at KMOC, I can say that all the instructors are really dedicated to making sure you train safely and properly while delivering an hour packed of intensity, fun, and real world advice. Sure, it can be a little intimidating at first, but these classes are geared towards the goal of making sure you live another day and to never, ever, give up.The Krav mentality is heavily practiced here. You can say that the instructors are tough or are picking on you, but you'll thank them later for having this sort of culture. Whether you are serious about advancing in these classes to attain belts or not, going to class consistently is the best tip I have. Each class is usually taught by a different instructor, so try as many as possible to find out which one suits you best.The official membership goes by month, so once you pay for a certain month, you can go to as many classes as you want. If you're not sure, then just do a trial class, or even a two week plan to test it out. No buts!As a bonus to your membership, you also have access to the kickboxing classes that are offered twice a week at this location. This hour is great for conditioning and cardio exercise, all in addition to burning some major calories! In my opinion, it's a great supplement to Krav and definitely helps you execute some Krav moves too :)I highly recommend training here and cannot praise enough about this place. Hurry and join! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

15 July 2014

I can't say enough about Krav Maga Orange County.  I've been training there for around two years and I absolutely love it.  I'm in the best shape of my life at 45 years old and I have learned some valuable, practical and potentially life-saving self-defense skills.  I'm not nearly the most athletic person in attendance but I learn a ton and I feel great when I walk out after class every time.The culture at this school is just right.  There's definitely intensity in the training when appropriate, but none of the steroidal mma wanna-be posturing people worry about finding in a combat-oriented training facility.  The camaraderie among the students is fantastic, and the instructors are mindful that students come with a variety of backgrounds, body types flexibility, stamina, etc.  Nobody feels judged and everybody learns at their own pace.  There are people who come five times a week and some who come once a week.  This is NOT a belt factory.  It's all about learning.  Oh, and no uniforms, either.  Just a Krav Maga t-shirt, some shorts or sweats, socks and athletic shoes.On any given day the ages of student in the class can range from the teens to to 60+ years.  I'd say the average is probably around 30 or so.  You won't feel like "Kramer" in a room full of children here!  They do have a kids program, but I don't have any direct experience with it.  They do come out of there sweaty and smiling so I assume it's a great program, too.I don't know where you'll find a more well-rounded workout.  You'll gain flexibility, core strength, stamina and get a great cardio workout every night.  The warm-ups alone are worth showing up for.  You'll leave each evening feeling tired, motivated and like you learned something useful.  This isn't a cross-fit competition - feel like you need to take a quick water break or rest for a minute?  Grab a seat until you're ready to rejoin.  The best part for me is that all the great self-defense training masks the workout so I don't suffer any of the boredom I'd put up with at a gym to get the same workout.  I'm focused on working with my partner and learning some cool things.  Nothing helps eliminate the stress of a workday like this...Next thing I know, the hour is up and it's time to head home for a shower and some well-deserved relaxation.If you want to give your teen-age or college-age daughters some skills to keep them from being victimized, get them in this program right now.  They'll learn to better recognize a threat, show that they aren't going to be an easy target before things get out of hand, and be able to defend themselves (to "attack the attacker") if the need arises.  Ladies should not feel intimidated.  This system is designed to not require he-man strength.  Are you capable of kicking an attacker in the groin (what we refer to as the "Krav Maga handshake"?  Congratulations! -  you have all the strength, flexibility and coordination you need to show up and start learning.  There are always a few ladies you can work out with but more importantly, there are men (your most likely attackers) you can practice on...and believe me, we're all wearing cups.  So whether you are interested in hard core self-defense training, looking for an awesome well-rounded workout or any combination of the two, come and try a demo class.  I bet you'll be hooked like I was.   See you there. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

16 May 2014

Great program for kids and adults. My husband is a martial artist and he really took his time finding the right training for our son. The instructors are great. Yuri, Doug and Mike have been a great influence and trainers. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

6 March 2014

I travel around the world for business, and am often on planes, trains, cars, and streets solo. As such, I wanted to add training that no question would allow me to defend myself in any situation against one or multiple attackers who are armed or unarmed.  I chose Krav Maga based upon its reputation and recommendations by others.  It is my opinion that Krav Maga is the most efficient and effective fighting system for the real world. Equally important to choosing the system, is choosing the instructors. The black belt level instructors at Krav Maga Orange County are of the highest caliber and have 100+ years of training/teaching experience (including some of the highest ranking instructors in the US-3rd and 2nd degree black belts). Based upon my experience, I can highly recommend training with the instructors of Krav Maga OC who have been trained by the Israeli Chief Instructor Eyal Yanilov, and US Chief Instructor Darren Levine.  I combine my training with the general classes and privates with Yuri who received his black belt from Imi Lichtenfeld (Founder of Krav Maga).If you are serious about survival in the real world no matter what the situation, I would recommend you train in Krav Maga.  If you are serious about getting trained properly, I recommend training at Krav Maga of Orange County. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

27 February 2014

I cannot stop ranting about KRAV MAGA.  I was nearly abducted a few months ago in broad day light and I wasted no time enrolling in a self defense course for my own safety.  My first stop was Krav Maga and I have never been so empowered.  The first seminar I went to was all women and I learned some basics, but then I was hooked.  I started attending class 2x a week with a mix of both men and women, and with an instructor who is loud, explosive and intimidating I love it.  Krav is training me well and suddenly the Loud is the norm and I will not let it throw me off in public.  The Explosive becomes second nature and the Intimidating becomes nothing less then an obstacle I need to get through.  If it comes down to safety I am confident now that I will be able to ward off any attacker so  I recommend Krav Maga to every single person I know.  I have and will continue to practice and given the chance may even pursue a belt.  I want to say thank you to Mitch Markowitz for introducing me Yuri Boiarsky for encouraging me and Doug Farmer for teaching me.Thank you againDonna SanchezFarmers InsuranceO: 949-716-3643C: 949-350-2874donna.bcase@farmersagenc…donna.sanclemente@gmail.…Lic: OI45963 More...

Reviewed on Yelp

21 February 2014

WOW is all I can say!  Such a great place!  Everyone is so nice and there are a lot class times available and things to do.  It is a tough workout and watch out - cuz you're gonna learn some kick-butt moves!  When I signed up, I felt the price was reasonable, and the classes are just the right size.  I'm a middle-aged, overweight female and I feel welcomed and respected.  This is good for everybody! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

15 January 2014

I love Krav Maga of Orange County... BOTH locations!  The instructors provide top-notch instruction in a fun and non-intimidating environment.  I started training there almost a year ago and have seen the huge difference it's made on my confidence in being able to protect myself.  As a certified personal trainer and having previously tried out other MMA and self-defense gyms in Orange County, KMOC is hands-down my favorite place to train!  Check them out  and learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones while getting in the best shape of your life! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

18 October 2013

What happens when you mix Wanderlust with Krav Maga? You find yourself wanting to take Krav classes everywhere! We came down fr Seattle to visit family and were so stoked to find KMOC in Irvine. Naturally, we dropped in for an class. Eric, the instructor, as well as students, were very welcoming and enthusiastic. The class drills, conditioning, and technique instruction were all on par with the style of our dojo back home. Love the energy! We had an awesome time and are excited to have a Krav home away from home. We'll definitely be back during our next visit. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

7 June 2013

I have known Mitch, Yuri and the other instructors for over a year, and Krav Maga of OC is the REAL DEAL. They will teach you how to defend yourself from an attack, and deliver very effective debilitating OFFENSIVE counter-attacks. From defending yourself in a car-jacking, to being assaulted in the ATM line at the bank, you will feel very secure in your abilities after attending Krav Maga of OC! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

7 May 2013

This is a great facility with great instructors. Their new Irvine facility is HUGE with two giant mat rooms, bathrooms and changing rooms. If you're looking for a functional workout that you can actually use in the real world, then this is your place.  They have beginning and advanced classes and the kickboxing classes are great classes to put your Krav Maga classes to practice.  Great for beginners or those with prior martial arts experience.  When I first started, I was an uncoordinated fumbling idiot but the instructors (and other students) worked with me to get me up to speed.  I'm still an idiot, just less fumbling now. :-)  Law enforcement and military get a discounted rate. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

11 April 2013

First, let me say that if you are considering any kind of Martial Art for self-defense or health/fitness, then you need to consider Krav Maga Orange County. Before I found Krav Maga OC, I already had some experience with Tae Kwon Do and Aikido. I was looking for a martial art that would deliver two things, (1) Improved physical fitness and (2) real world self defense strategies. I'm not the kind of person that looks for a fight or even expects that I will ever get in a fight. However, I also know that not everyone on the street has the best intentions and you aren't going to know when a bad guy might decide to make you his target. However, when that happens I want to make certain that I have the strength and skills to resist and fend off the attack.Krav Maga meets both of my criteria.  The fighting strategy teaches the student to 'attack the attacker', when you are attacked you fight back with the ferocity necessary to survive. It is basically a hardened, smart, street-wise self-defense style. There are no flowery dances to learn, you will not learn how to fly through the air like in the movies. Instead, you learn to quickly and effectively protect yourself, disable or escape from your attacker, and live another day.When I visited Krav Maga OC for my first free class I was overwhelmed.  I figured it would be a light workout, maybe throw a few punches and kicks, simple stuff.  Instead I endured the hardest hour long workout of my life!!! I was running, punching, defending, kicking, and holding the pad while they guy I was paired with punched and kicked, right up to the end of the hour! I found out on my first visit that Krav Maga OC met both of my criteria.First, Physical Fitness. The class kills it on physical fitness.  Each class opens with a 10-15 minute warm up.  The warm up techniques vary between classes, depending on the instructor, but all of the warm ups will kick your butt.  One warm up may consist of 2 or 3 tabata workouts stacked, another may start with running, followed by push ups, leg lifts, situps, squats, burpees, and more...I promise you will be sweating before the warm up is even over. The warm up always ends with a little bit of yoga to loosen you up before instruction begins. The rest of the class is hard work.  From a physical perspective you will learn to punch, kick, defend, and you will practice and do drills that will keep you sweating to the very end.  After my first few classes I noticed my arms, abs, back and legs all getting stronger.Second, Real World Self Defense.  Krav Maga OC does not fool around with any of the little silly things that look good on TV but would never work in real life.  In every class, especially as a beginner, you receive instruction geared towards something that could happen in real life. The instructors show you the technique, demonstrate with a student, and then you pair up with another student and take turns learning the technique.  One of the great advantages is that you learn how to defend against attacks from attackers of all shapes and sizes.  One day in class you might get paired up with a huge guy that makes you really struggle to mount an effective defense, the next class you could be paired with a short guy or a quick girl that might be so fast that you can hardly keep up with their strikes. What happens is that you learn how to respond to an attack from all kinds of attackers. You learn how to block a punch, escape a choke hold or bear hug, defend yourself from the ground if you have been knocked down in an attack.  Every technique you learn is simple, efficient, effective, and you will practice it until you think you cannot lift your arms or legs one more time, and then you will hold the pad for your partner to do the same. I leave every class having learned something more about my own reflexes, about how I respond under stress, as well as how to control my response for my own protection and safety.If you are searching for a martial arts studio, either for fitness, self-defense, or both, then you need to check out Krav Maga OC.  The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and skilled. The school is open to men and women, and the classes tend to be a mix of both.  The instruction I have received at Krav Maga OC has real world value and the workout I get from each class is helping me lose weight and get into great shape! Talk to Yuri if you go down there and participate in a class to try it for yourself. He gave me a lot of information about the school, how the classes operate and the schedule.   As an added benefit they have a studio in Irvine as well as Mission Viejo, so if you can't make it to the Mission Viejo facility you can always catch a class at the Irvine facility. Try it out, you won't be disappointed! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

3 April 2013

I started with Krav Maga OC May 2012 and it has been amazing. Krav was brought to my attention by a business associate from Israel. I looked into it and found that Krav Maga OC had some of the most experienced instructors around. I started with private lessons with Mitch and I was really impressed. I kept the private lessons going and also signed up for the classes. In less than a year I have lost nearly 90lbs and the program has made a huge impact to my life!! The instructors are all great and they each have slightly different styles so its easy to find a style that fits you. It has now become a lifestyle for me. I would strongly recommend you give them a try it has something for everyone from fitness to extremely efficient self defense techniques. What ever your level of fitness, big or small it will work for you! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

7 June 2012

First visit tonight. Great people, fantastic workout, fun but practical and vigorous atmosphere. The students seem to really enjoy themselves. I'm anxious to go back in a couple of days. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

3 May 2012

I have practiced Martial Arts most of my life and have a background in Law Enforcement and I can assure you Krav Maga of Orange County is a great place to learn the true art of self-defense. They not only teach you simple, effective moves to protect yourself, they also train you how to be aware and have a self-defense mind set.  This is not a sport; it's how to survive on the street.It is great for adults as well as children. My son recently started the Krav Maga kids program. He is learning to stay safe and protect himself, all while keeping fit and having fun with other kids.The confirmation of how effective the training is happened the other day. My son had a minor altercation with two older, bigger bullies. My son made it out unharmed. What made me feel relieved and proud was when he said while it was happening, he was thinking of his Krav Maga training.  He remembered to look strong and unafraid. He also was planning what to do if things got worse.  Luckily they did not. Bottom line, he didn't panic.....he kept thinking.So for teaching my son self-defense skills and the confidence that comes with it, thank you to the great instructors at Krav Maga O.C.D More...

Reviewed on Yelp

18 March 2012

This is the real krav maga, and the instructors are very good. It's also a great workout.

Reviewed on Yelp

7 December 2011

I started training at Krav Maga OC just over a year ago. The classes are great and the instructors do a fantastic job of explaining techniques and then providing one on one attention to students. The classes are all a great workout and I leave feeling like I gained useful skills from each class. The instructors have some differences in style, which really help you get the point that Krav Maga is about being able to respond effectively if you need it. I really enjoy attending and recommend it strongly. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

29 October 2011

I've been going for 5 1/2 years for a reason--it's a great place to learn Krav Maga!  Not only are there 6 black belt instructors (4 with over 20yrs experience), each one of them brings a passion to the mat!  The goal of KM is to teach a person self defense "so that one may walk in peace," as the motto goes.  KMOC ensures that's met with classes 5x a week (Monday through Thursday and Saturday) and special seminars like women's self-defense and specialty courses that focus on knife or gun attacks.  My job as an Account Executive has given me the privilege of traveling all across the U.S. and while doing so, I have visited many KM training facilities all across the country.  I have found KMOC unique because they are not afraid about being open to new techniques taught across the various Krav Maga schools.  Neither are they afraid to have outside instructors come in to teach; in fact, they embrace other schools and encourage them to come and instruct!   I didn't realize this was not the norm until I visited other centers. If you're looking for a no-nonsense course then yes, I highly recommend these guys!!! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

9 August 2011

From the first day 2 and half years ago that my son and I started Krav Maga, we knew that we had picked the best Krav Maga studio in OC.  Having 4 black belt instructors with over 100 years of experience provides an amazing environment for learning.  In addition, the other instructors, Paul, Mike, Jim and Eric provide valuable additional training.On top of the great classes, the team brings in seminars run by internationally experts on topics like third party protection, gun and knife defense and FAST.  Check out the Facebook page for Krav Maga of OC if you are not familiar with FAST.  Wow, what a great experience.  I am sure it will save my life one day.If you are looking for a great self defense program without all the forms and formalities of traditional martial arts,  then Krav Maga of OC is your place to learn.  Finally, the additional programs made available to students (crossfit, boxing, kick boxing) allow you to expand your abilities.Come take a class.  You WILL love it.. More...

Reviewed on Yelp