FDKM Youth Krav Maga

FDKM Youth Krav Maga introduces kids and teens to Krav Maga, self defense, and self-protection as a system, not an add-on fitness class. Participants practice fighting and combat skills, including striking and counterattacks, defending against all types of unarmed attacks, releases from all types of grabs and holds, defending against threats and attacks with all kinds of weapons, and defending themselves on the ground. The program also adapts the adult Krav Maga curriculum for a younger audience and includes situational and environmental awareness, as well as communication, conflict resolution, decision-making, and stress management so youth understand when and how to use their skills and when and how to stand up for others.

• Ages: 6–17 years old

All Youth members start with a trial 3-class pass. First Defense Krav Maga notes 2025 as its 15th year of helping students develop a mindset of preparedness and the skills to keep them safe, and describes itself as Northern Virginia's leading Krav Maga school where instructors, students, and staff come together to build a supportive community around shared goals. The school states that Krav Maga provides a workout that is second to none and quickly equips students with practical skills to prevent, control, defuse and resolve conflicts and defend against physical threats and attacks, and that it frequently holds specialty workshops on topics from related fields. It also states that when students train with First Defense they are training with instructors who are certified by Eyal Yanilov and the Krav Maga Global (KMG) Global Instructor Team, and that it has some of the highest ranked instructors on the East Coast.

The leadership team for FDKM Youth Krav Maga includes Nick Masi as Lead Instructor, Paul Apostolescu as Senior Instructor, Chris Murphy as Senior Instructor, and Bridget Anderson as Youth Instructor. All of First Defense’s Instructors and Assistant Instructors participate in FDKM Instructor Certification Training as well as through Krav Maga Global and have trained directly under Eyal Yanilov and the KMG Global Instructor Team. Nick Masi is ranked Expert 3 in KMG under Eyal, has completed additional KMG teaching certifications for Law Enforcement, Women, Combat and Fighting, Kids, and Mental Conditioning/Combat Mindset, and holds a 4th degree black belt in Shuai-chiao under Dr. Chi-hsiu Daniel Weng. Paul Apostolescu received his Instructor certification in 2014, currently holds the rank of Expert level 1, and has completed additional KMG certification in Combat & Fighting. Chris Murphy is ranked Expert 1 in KMG, is certified to teach adults and kids, and has completed additional training through KMG in Law Enforcement tactics and Mental Conditioning. Other listed staff certifications include Ground Force Method Level 1 Instructor, Flexible Steel Instructor Level 1, and CPI Certified Instructor - Associate Mental Health First Aider.

First Defense Krav Maga is closely associated with Krav Maga Global (KMG), which it describes as the internationally recognized leading Krav Maga organization, and notes that the lead instructor served as KMG's US Coordinator and on the National Team of Experts. The program materials state that students who begin training start gaining practical self defense moves and tactics, fitness, agility and flexibility, confidence, strength and stamina, decision-making skills and clarity, and a welcoming, like-minded community. Testimonials from participants and parents describe the instruction as excellent, thorough, professional, patient, and fun, and note small class sizes, top quality classes, and an environment that former military students describe as realistic compared with many MMA and BJJ gyms.

Last updated July 18, 2026.