In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to learn how to defend yourself. Whether you’re a woman who wants to protect herself from would-be muggers in a dark alley or parking garage or a high-profile individual who needs to be able to defend himself from regular threats, self-defense training is a must. But with so many different options out there, especially in the greater Los Angeles area, which type of training is right for you?

That’s where Woodland Hills Magazine comes in. The following represents our picks for the best self-defense facilities around town.  

Cutting Edge Krav Maga, located at 22201 Ventura Boulevard, is headed by Brandon Kemmer, owner and chief instructor – and someone who has dedicated himself to martial arts, making him the perfect ambassador for championing the discipline, focus, confidence, and respect that comes with practicing the self-defense style. This school in the heart of Woodland Hills is passionate about providing top-quality martial arts training for all ages; its teachers are committed to displaying not just self-defense techniques but essential values and life skills that will help you succeed in the long run. Krav Maga is not just a martial art; it is a complete self-defense system that teaches you how to protect yourself against real-life threats, irrespective of your size, strength, or experience level. Programs include Martial Arts for Kids, Martial Arts for Adults, Krav Maga for Adults, HIIT Morning Workouts, and Muay Thai Kickboxing. 

ZR Woodland Hills Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, located at 22100 Ventura Boulevard, offers its namesake style of self-defense in addition to Krav Maga and all manner of fitness classes, each designed so that you become part of the ZR family. If you’re looking for a place to train, get in shape, and make some new friends, ZR Woodland Hills is your ticket – from a great staff and master trainer boasting excellent curriculum in various disciplines to Thai and cardio-based bag classes, this is a well-rounded school for kids and adults of all ages. 

Krav Maga – REKM, located at 7327 Canoga Avenue in Canoga Park, allows you an opportunity to train with the man who trained the Israeli Special Forces while focusing on high-intensity combat-style tactics. Here, you can learn Krav Maga, Thai Boxing, MMA, Judo, and Jiu-Jitsu. Still, at the end of the day, it all comes back to real-life self-defense – to be able to realistically defend yourself against any attacker, especially one who is professionally trained. At REKM, you will become a strong and effective fighter on the streets and in the ring, starting with your first self-defense lesson, the infamous groin kick – Krav Maga’s signature move. 

Gooch Training Academy, located at 21911 Sherman Way in Canoga Park, is much more than your typical L.A. gym, with the facility’s focus on motivating and inspiring individuals through martial arts and fitness. No matter what your goal is – to become a fighter, learn self-defense or just start your new fitness journey – GTA is the right place to accomplish it. Classes are offered on all levels, from hobbyists and full-time moms to teachers, amateur fighters, and even professional fighters, with a wide variety of classes throughout the day to accommodate all schedules (including kids’ classes and personal training). 

Impact Personal Safety, located at 4454 Van Nuys Boulevard Suite 106-A in Sherman Oaks, teaches everyone that they can defend themselves while getting in touch with their own power – indeed, taking charge of your own personal safety is a game-changer. Once you believe that your life is worth fighting for and that you have the right to live a safe and violence-free existence, a transformation can occur with Impact Personal Safety at your side. Upcoming classes include Empowered Kids, All-Gender Weapons Workshop, Defense Against an Armed Assailant, and In-Person Fight Night.

Zacharatos, located at 23400 Park Sorrento in Calabasas, is run by a family of martial artists boasting an impressive number of years in the practice, the studio offering karate, kickboxing, MMA, and soccer instruction. Unlike her husband, Master Zacharatos, whose entire life revolves around karate, boxing, and kickboxing, Jamie Zacharatos started her martial arts training later in life at 30, demonstrating how one can benefit from and achieve their martial arts goals at any time in their lives, even if they’re in the midst of an unrelated career. Together, they have created a wonderful extended martial arts family with their students, many of whom have stayed together for decades, where students from all different backgrounds and ages are drawn by a common interest…enriching their lives in the process.

In this sometimes unstable society we now live in, it’s essential to be able to defend yourself, your loved ones, and your valued property – without any pushback from anything or anyone.