Cincinnati Krav Maga
Cincinnati Krav Maga is the oldest and only dedicated Krav Maga training school in Greater Cincinnati, proudly serving the community since 2013. Located in Blue Ash,
We provide authentic Israeli self defense training for teens, adults, and organizations across the region.Our facility features two spacious mat areas for dynamic training and partner drills, plus a dedicated heavy bag room for striking, conditioning, and building power. We keep our classes challenging, practical, and supportive—making sure every student trains at their own pace while building confidence, fitness, and real-world skills.What makes us different
?Authenticity – Our instructors are trained directly by Israeli Krav Maga specialists to ensure every technique is true to the system’s roots.
Community – We offer a warm, welcoming environment where students of all ages and backgrounds feel supported.
Flexibility – With unlimited classes included in membership, you can train 2–3 times a week or every day.
Accessibility – Self defense should be for everyone, which is why we offer needs-based scholarships to make training possible for all.
From women’s self defense and teen training to business safety workshops and senior self defense, Cincinnati Krav Maga adapts to the needs of every student. Whether your goal is personal safety, fitness, or empowerment, you’ll find it here.
History of Krav Maga
From the Streets of Europe to the Training Grounds of IsraelKrav Maga began in the 1930s when Imi Lichtenfeld, a Hungarian-born Jewish boxer and wrestler, organized neighborhood fighters to protect Jewish communities from violent fascist gangs in Europe. His practical, no-nonsense approach focused on survival rather than sport, competition, or rituals.
After immigrating to Israel, Imi trained the soldiers of the Haganah, the defense force that later became the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). His system cut out unnecessary movements and focused only on techniques that worked under pressure.
A System Built on EffectivenessFrom its earliest days, Krav Maga has been built on a simple philosophy:
Use natural movements that anyone can perform under stress.
Neutralize threats quickly and decisively.
Walk away safe and ready to protect yourself and others.
This approach made Krav Maga the official hand-to-hand combat system of the IDF and spread rapidly to police, military units, and civilians around the world.
Influences from Many Martial Arts
Krav Maga draws from some of the most effective martial arts and fighting styles, including:
Boxing – striking, footwork, and defense.
Wrestling – clinch control and takedowns.
Brazilian & Japanese Jiu Jitsu – ground defense and submissions.
Judo – throws and sweeps.
Karate – powerful strikes and linear movement.
Kung Fu – fluid redirection techniques.
Muay Thai – knees, elbows, and close-range striking.
Aikido – joint locks and redirection.
Kickboxing & Savate – conditioning and dynamic kicks.
Military hand-to-hand systems – battle-tested efficiency.
Dance & Ballet – balance, coordination, and body control (yes, even ballet influenced Krav Maga’s movement training).Imi Lichtenfeld combined these influences into one streamlined self defense system that anyone could learn quickly.
Krav Maga Today; Krav Maga is practiced by:
Military and law enforcement units worldwide who need proven self defense under extreme conditions.
Men and women of all ages looking for practical protection skills.
Teens, kids, and seniors who want confidence, fitness, and empowerment.
At Cincinnati Krav Maga, we continue this tradition by teaching authentic Israeli Krav Maga in a safe, supportive, and challenging environment. Our instructors train directly with Israeli Krav Maga specialists to ensure we stay true to the system’s roots while adapting for real-life situations in today’s world.