California Defense Academy

California Defense Academy offers Tiny Krav for 3 to 4 year olds, Kids Krav for 5 to 6 year olds, Youth Krav Maga for 7 to 12 year olds, and Teen and Adult Krav Maga for ages 13 and up. Tiny Krav includes identifying colors, following directions, increasing memory, counting, taking turns, gross motor skills, basic strikes, blocks, and stranger danger. Kids Krav teaches verbal boundaries, physical boundaries, and basic self defense through drills and fun activities, and Youth Krav Maga focuses on avoiding fights and handling bullying and self-defense situations.

Programs

• Tiny Krav — 3 to 4 year olds · Kids Krav Maga class that helps children identify colors, follow directions, increase memory, count, take turns, and work on gross motor skills, basic strikes, blocks, and stranger danger.
• Kids Krav — 5 to 6 year olds · Kids Krav Maga class that teaches verbal boundaries, physical boundaries, and basic self defense through drills and fun activities.
• Youth Krav Maga — 7 to 12 year olds · Kids martial arts program focused on avoiding fights and helping children deal with bullying and self-defense situations.
• Teen and Adult Krav Maga — 13 and up · Self-defense and fitness classes for teens and adults of all fitness levels.
• Krav Fitness — Self-defense training with a focus on burning calories and getting in shape.
• Private Lessons — Individualized training program built around the student's unique goals.

At a glance

• Ages: 3–18 years old

About the provider

Ericka Howard is the head instructor of California Defense Academy. She has trained in martial arts since she was 3 years old. She earned her 1st Dan Krav Maga Instructor certification, described as 1 of only 11 women at the time, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu blue belt, and an ISSA certified personal trainer credential. The academy says it helps kids and teens from around Murrieta with real-world self-defense skills, confidence, and perseverance, and serves Murrieta, Menifee, Wildomar, Temecula, and Lake Elsinore.

• Corporate Training — Training focused on effective self-defense strategies for women in the community.

Unlimited classes are included in all programs except the 3 and 4 year olds. The site recommends a minimum of 2 to 3 classes per week. If a student has an injury, instructors may offer suggestions and modifications, and students may skip techniques or exercises they cannot do.

Last updated October 29, 2026.