About
FDKM Youth Krav Maga introduces students to Krav Maga, self-defense, and self-protection skills. The program covers fighting and combat skills, including striking and defending strikes, releases from holds and grabs, and defending themselves on the ground. FDKM's Youth Krav Maga program adapts the adult Krav Maga curriculum for a younger audience, and all Youth members start out with a trial 3-class pass.
• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Schedule: 4-week Intro Course
Children in FDKM Youth Krav Maga learn and develop a basic self-defense skill set including striking and defending strikes, releases from holds and grabs, situational and environmental awareness, defending themselves on the ground, and when and how to stand up for others. Students also learn and develop skills around communication, conflict resolution, decision-making, and stress management. First Defense teaches Krav Maga as a system, not an add-on fitness class, and frequently holds specialty workshops on topics from related fields.
First Defense has been instructing men and women of all ages and abilities in Krav Maga for more than a decade. First Defense is closely associated with Krav Maga Global (KMG), and First Defense instructors are certified through Eyal Yanilov and the KMG Global Instructor Team. First Defense has some of the highest ranked instructors on the East Coast and has a direct connection to the roots of Krav Maga through its affiliation with KMG.
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. The leadership team includes Nick Masi as Lead Instructor, Paul Apostolescu as Senior Instructor, Chris Murphy as Senior Instructor, and Bridget Anderson as Youth Instructor. The lead instructor served as KMG's US Coordinator and on the National Team of Experts. Nick Masi has been teaching Krav Maga in the Washington, DC area since 2004, is currently ranked Expert 3 in KMG under Eyal Yanilov, has been a member of the US National Team for Krav Maga Global, has completed multiple KMG teaching certifications in areas including Law Enforcement, Women, Combat and Fighting, Kids, and Mental Conditioning/Combat Mindset, and earned his 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 and 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. Pat Hards completed the KMG GIC in May 2015, Bouba Ballo is a Certified KMG Instructor, Darryl Johnson has completed his KMG GIC 1 and GIC 2 and holds the KMG rank of G2, and Samuel Murphy holds a rank of Expert 1 and is certified to teach both youth and adults.
Parent and student feedback about First Defense includes comments such as, “This was excellent...definitely planning on signing up to learn more. I can't stop thinking about what I learned already” from Audrey and “I would definitely recommend First Defense to anyone who's interested in studying krav. I haven't studied the other styles but Nick and the other instructors are great - they know their stuff and are extremely patient” from Becca H. Other comments include “Truly impressive! Just one hour and I got hooked” from Giovanni, “Nick Masi runs an awesome Krav Maga program! Classes are small and thorough, professional and most of all: fun!” from M.D, and “Fantastic place. The classes are top quality and the teachers will really help their students learn. Highly Recommended” from Michael W. Another reviewer, Scott S., states, “First Defense is great environment to train in. Being a former Marine I've always had an interest in Krav Maga/Combatives/etc, and I dont go wanting for realism during lessons, which is a pitfall at many MMA and BJJ gyms. You cant really beat the economy of price and involvement. I find that I can always ...Read More.”
Last updated January 9, 2026.
• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Schedule: 4-week Intro Course
Children in FDKM Youth Krav Maga learn and develop a basic self-defense skill set including striking and defending strikes, releases from holds and grabs, situational and environmental awareness, defending themselves on the ground, and when and how to stand up for others. Students also learn and develop skills around communication, conflict resolution, decision-making, and stress management. First Defense teaches Krav Maga as a system, not an add-on fitness class, and frequently holds specialty workshops on topics from related fields.
First Defense has been instructing men and women of all ages and abilities in Krav Maga for more than a decade. First Defense is closely associated with Krav Maga Global (KMG), and First Defense instructors are certified through Eyal Yanilov and the KMG Global Instructor Team. First Defense has some of the highest ranked instructors on the East Coast and has a direct connection to the roots of Krav Maga through its affiliation with KMG.
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. The leadership team includes Nick Masi as Lead Instructor, Paul Apostolescu as Senior Instructor, Chris Murphy as Senior Instructor, and Bridget Anderson as Youth Instructor. The lead instructor served as KMG's US Coordinator and on the National Team of Experts. Nick Masi has been teaching Krav Maga in the Washington, DC area since 2004, is currently ranked Expert 3 in KMG under Eyal Yanilov, has been a member of the US National Team for Krav Maga Global, has completed multiple KMG teaching certifications in areas including Law Enforcement, Women, Combat and Fighting, Kids, and Mental Conditioning/Combat Mindset, and earned his 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 and 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. Pat Hards completed the KMG GIC in May 2015, Bouba Ballo is a Certified KMG Instructor, Darryl Johnson has completed his KMG GIC 1 and GIC 2 and holds the KMG rank of G2, and Samuel Murphy holds a rank of Expert 1 and is certified to teach both youth and adults.
Parent and student feedback about First Defense includes comments such as, “This was excellent...definitely planning on signing up to learn more. I can't stop thinking about what I learned already” from Audrey and “I would definitely recommend First Defense to anyone who's interested in studying krav. I haven't studied the other styles but Nick and the other instructors are great - they know their stuff and are extremely patient” from Becca H. Other comments include “Truly impressive! Just one hour and I got hooked” from Giovanni, “Nick Masi runs an awesome Krav Maga program! Classes are small and thorough, professional and most of all: fun!” from M.D, and “Fantastic place. The classes are top quality and the teachers will really help their students learn. Highly Recommended” from Michael W. Another reviewer, Scott S., states, “First Defense is great environment to train in. Being a former Marine I've always had an interest in Krav Maga/Combatives/etc, and I dont go wanting for realism during lessons, which is a pitfall at many MMA and BJJ gyms. You cant really beat the economy of price and involvement. I find that I can always ...Read More.”
Last updated January 9, 2026.
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