California Defense Academy
24831 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 112, Murrieta, CA 92562
About
California Defense Academy offers Kids Krav Maga, Teen & Adult Krav Maga, Krav Fitness, Private Krav Maga Lessons, Corporate Training, and a Summer Camp. The program includes a strong character development program that is interwoven within the self defense curriculum, with each class starting and ending with a student creed and monthly themes such as perseverance, gratitude, honesty, kindness, focus, and leadership. All programs, with the exception of the 3 & 4 year olds, include unlimited classes.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Join Us for our 2026 Summer Camp starting July 13th!
• Price: Exclusive Online Offers Free Trial Class FREE / 1 Class
California Defense Academy states that it is about more than just teaching self defense, with a goal to help each individual reach their absolute highest potential. The academy offers an academic achievement program, a belt system that teaches about goal setting and overcoming obstacles, and a student of the month program that recognizes outstanding character. Individuals of all ages in Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, and Wildomar trust the professional, encouraging, and dedicated instructors to guide them in their Krav Maga journey.
Head Instructor Ericka Howard has trained in martial arts for the entirety of her life, beginning at 3 years old in Shorin Ryu karate, where she trained from ages 3–12 and earned her black belt. She then focused on Krav Maga from ages 12–16, training multiple times per week, and joined the instructor team as an assistant instructor at 16. After studying kinesiology at California State University San Marcos, she began training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, became an ISSA certified personal trainer, earned her 1st Dan Krav Maga Instructor certification (1 of only 11 women at the time), and a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu blue belt. In July of 2016, West Coast Krav Maga Wildomar was opened and the keys were handed over, and Ericka now serves as California Defense Academy Head Instructor.
Krav Maga at California Defense Academy is described as simple, aggressive, and easy to learn, with the number one goal being to go home safe, and it is taught off of principles versus techniques to create a simpler, more refined system that is easy to remember under stress. The academy notes that it is providing the Inland Empire with the top choice for Krav Maga and offers an exclusive online free trial class.
Parent and student testimonials describe Ericka as a world class instructor who is sharp, aggressive, articulate, and highly educated in the field of self defense, and as a quality instructor, life coach, and role model who has trained entire families for many years. Testimonials also state that California Defense Academy offers a welcoming environment, knowledgeable instructors with a combination of martial arts backgrounds, practical self-defense using real life situations and circumstances, and engaging staff who make every student feel involved. One testimonial describes the training as practical hands-on self-defense with real world scenarios that teach students to think strategically for situations that might actually take place in today’s society.
Last updated July 31, 2026.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Join Us for our 2026 Summer Camp starting July 13th!
• Price: Exclusive Online Offers Free Trial Class FREE / 1 Class
California Defense Academy states that it is about more than just teaching self defense, with a goal to help each individual reach their absolute highest potential. The academy offers an academic achievement program, a belt system that teaches about goal setting and overcoming obstacles, and a student of the month program that recognizes outstanding character. Individuals of all ages in Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, and Wildomar trust the professional, encouraging, and dedicated instructors to guide them in their Krav Maga journey.
Head Instructor Ericka Howard has trained in martial arts for the entirety of her life, beginning at 3 years old in Shorin Ryu karate, where she trained from ages 3–12 and earned her black belt. She then focused on Krav Maga from ages 12–16, training multiple times per week, and joined the instructor team as an assistant instructor at 16. After studying kinesiology at California State University San Marcos, she began training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, became an ISSA certified personal trainer, earned her 1st Dan Krav Maga Instructor certification (1 of only 11 women at the time), and a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu blue belt. In July of 2016, West Coast Krav Maga Wildomar was opened and the keys were handed over, and Ericka now serves as California Defense Academy Head Instructor.
Krav Maga at California Defense Academy is described as simple, aggressive, and easy to learn, with the number one goal being to go home safe, and it is taught off of principles versus techniques to create a simpler, more refined system that is easy to remember under stress. The academy notes that it is providing the Inland Empire with the top choice for Krav Maga and offers an exclusive online free trial class.
Parent and student testimonials describe Ericka as a world class instructor who is sharp, aggressive, articulate, and highly educated in the field of self defense, and as a quality instructor, life coach, and role model who has trained entire families for many years. Testimonials also state that California Defense Academy offers a welcoming environment, knowledgeable instructors with a combination of martial arts backgrounds, practical self-defense using real life situations and circumstances, and engaging staff who make every student feel involved. One testimonial describes the training as practical hands-on self-defense with real world scenarios that teach students to think strategically for situations that might actually take place in today’s society.
Last updated July 31, 2026.
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