Practical Self-Defense is our Mission
105+
Reviews
From families and students
like you... and counting
5 out of 5
Rating
Average Customer
Satisfaction Rating
2432
Happy Customers
Students
Trained!
Testimonials
"David is the only certified Krav Maga instructor in all Hampton Road area. I have visited two so called Krav Maga school and I can tell you that the instructors did not know Krav. I have be training in Krav Maga for 10 years and know what real Krav is, cannot wait for David to open up his new place."
Adam K. | Member
"I have trained with David locally and in Israel for a few years. His knowledge, work ethic, and teaching strategies are unsurpassed anywhere in the local area. Highly recommended. If you want to be the best, you have to surround yourself with the best!"
Billy D. | Member
"Highly recommend. Every class is beneficial and a great way to get in shape. David and Sara are very professional and great at what they do!"
David M. | Member
Testimonials
"David is the only certified Krav Maga instructor in all Hampton Road area. I have visited two so called Krav Maga school and I can tell you that the instructors did not know Krav. I have be training in Krav Maga for 10 years and know what real Krav is, cannot wait for David to open up his new place."
Adam K. | Member
"I have trained with David locally and in Israel for a few years. His knowledge, work ethic, and teaching strategies are unsurpassed anywhere in the local area. Highly recommended. If you want to be the best, you have to surround yourself with the best!"
Billy D. | Member
"Highly recommend. Every class is beneficial and a great way to get in shape. David and Sara are very professional and great at what they do!"
David M. | Member
Why Choose Katalyst Krav Maga in Virginia Beach?
At Katalyst Krav Maga, we offer real-world self-defense training designed for adults who want to be ready for the unexpected. Unlike jiu-jitsu, which focuses on ground grappling, or kickboxing, which centers on sport striking, our program includes striking, weapons defense, wrestling, and verbal de-escalation—because real violence doesn’t follow rules.
Our classes use a constraint-led approach (CLA) that builds skills through realistic, goal-driven drills. You’ll learn to adapt under pressure in a progressive way that meets you where you are—no experience required. We incorporate resistance throughout each class, helping you develop timing, decision-making, and control in situations that feel real but stay safe. This isn’t about belts or points. It’s self-defense that actually prepares you for real life.
Why Choose Katalyst Krav Maga in Virginia Beach?
At Katalyst Krav Maga, we offer real-world self-defense training designed for adults who want to be ready for the unexpected. Unlike jiu-jitsu, which focuses on ground grappling, or kickboxing, which centers on sport striking, our program includes striking, weapons defense, wrestling, and verbal de-escalation—because real violence doesn’t follow rules.
Our classes use a constraint-led approach (CLA) that builds skills through realistic, goal-driven drills. You’ll learn to adapt under pressure in a progressive way that meets you where you are—no experience required. We incorporate resistance throughout each class, helping you develop timing, decision-making, and control in situations that feel real but stay safe. It’s self-defense that actually prepares you for real life.
Modern Learning
At Katalyst, our approach creates realistic, variable-rich training environments that challenge students to think, move, and adapt under pressure. Instead of memorizing techniques, you develop instinctive, functional skills that transfer directly to real-world self-defense situations.
Community Atmosphere
Our school is more than an institution; it's a community that fosters positive values, creating an environment where personal growth is encouraged and celebrated.
Versatile Goals
Whether your aim is fitness, self-improvement, or self-defense, our program is designed to meet diverse objectives.
Modern Approach
At Katalyst, our approach creates realistic, variable-rich training environments that challenge students to think, move, and adapt under pressure. Instead of memorizing techniques, you develop instinctive, functional skills that transfer directly to real-world self-defense situations.
Community Atmosphere
Katalyst is more than a gym—it’s a community of unique characters who enjoy the grind of skill development, embrace hard work, and know how to laugh along the way. We don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we take our training seriously, showing up with purpose, pushing each other, and growing together every step of the way
Versatile Goals
Our classes bring together a diverse group, elite military professionals, police officers, dedicated martial artists, soccer moms, older guys, and teens—all training side by side. Their goals may differ, but they’re united by a shared drive: the commitment to protect themselves and those they care about.
Martial Arts Classes For Virginia Beach Families
What sets us apart is our focused, no-nonsense approach: we offer a range of programs that keep you moving with purpose, sharpen your mindset, build real confidence, and improve your fitness—all while teaching you how to protect yourself effectively.
Adult Krav Maga
Krav Maga originated from Israel for military use, melds boxing, wrestling, Judo, and Jiu-Jitsu, focusing on practical self-defense techniques for real threats, including weapons and grappling.
Adult Krav Maga
Krav Maga originated from Israel for military use, melds boxing, wrestling, Judo, and Jiu-Jitsu, focusing on practical self-defense techniques for real threats, including weapons and grappling.
Supplemental Classes
We offer grappling and sparring classes twice a week, along with 30-minute Fighter Fitness sessions five times a week—all included with your Katalyst membership—to keep your foundational self-defense skills sharp and your conditioning at its peak.
Supplemental Classes
We offer grappling and sparring classes twice a week, along with 30-minute Fighter Fitness sessions five times a week—all included with your Katalyst membership—to keep your foundational self-defense skills sharp and your conditioning at its peak.
How to Get Started
Like what you see so far? Here is how you can get more information about
our programs, pricing, schedules, as well as how to get started.
Access our Free
Starter Kit
Access Our Free Starter Kit for the Intro Beginner Krav Maga Video Series.
Join us for an
Assessment Class
Come join us for an assessment class to experience first hand what we are all about. Our instructor will work with you to figure out which program will help you reach your goals.
Sign up for one of our martial arts classes
Whether your aim is fitness, self-improvement, or self-defense, our program is designed to meet diverse objectives.
How to Get Started
Like what you see so far? Here is how you can get more information about
our programs, pricing, schedules, as well as how to get started.
Access our Free
Starter Kit
Access Our Free Starter Kit for the Intro Beginner Krav Maga Video Series.
Join us for an
Assessment Class
Come join us for an assessment class to experience first hand what we are all about. Our instructor will work with you to figure out which program will help you reach your goals.
Sign up for one of our martial arts classes
Whether your aim is fitness, self-improvement, or self-defense, our program is designed to meet diverse objectives.
Why the Virginia Beach Community
Loves
Our Martial Arts Classes
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great teachers. Supportive classmatesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I love it here. Everyone is super friendly and encouraging. Plus it gives you more real world scenarios instead of some martial arts that are just for tournamentsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great training through well-developed classes. Good vibe as the students are here to learn while also having fun.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great gym! Excellent instructors! No matter what your skill level, you will feel comfortable and confident in the instructions you receive. Classes are blended well to be inclusive of all ages and skill sets.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been taking classes at Katalyst for a little over a month now, and I’m definitely glad I made the decision to join. I don’t have much of a background in martial arts, but I can see that there’s something to offer here for both experienced and inexperienced people. The coaches are all very professional and knowledgeable- David clearly knows what he is doing and has done a good job of building a positive environment to train in. I look forward to continuing my training hereTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely incredible facility and instructors. In just a month of hard work, I already feel so much more comfortable, self-confident, and knowledgeable. I couldn’t recommend Katalyst and this fabulous team of people moreTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been training with David for over a year. Not only has the community been such a blessing to me, but the training itself has improved my self-confidence, posture, and overall mentality towards life. I believe this is due to David & Sara’s values when running their business. For instance, classes include more than martial arts defensive tactics; they include self-awareness, situational awareness, “Stop the Bleed” courses, team building, Virginia’s laws around self-defense, and basic anatomy. He values ensuring students understand the “why” behind what he does. During our class recap, he explains his methods of teaching and how his personal learning experiences contribute to who he is as an instructor and what he teaches in the gym. I’m so thankful for the community and instructors at Katalyst!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I started at Katalyst a little over a year and half ago with martial arts experience. From the very first day I felt welcomed and challenged to push my limits. David is a top notch very knowledgeable instructor who takes an individualised approach with each and every student with years of experience as well as his coaching assistants. Katalyst is home to people of all ages, backrounds and skill levels. I also like how the classes include beginners and advanced students to share knowledge! In the time I've spent I have not only benifited physically but mentally as well gaining experience and confidence. Weather you are an absolute beginner or an experienced martial artist and self defense practitioner this is the place to be! Much love❤️Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My husband and I are new, and we are enjoying our classes so far. We are learning a lot and we look forward to our next class. Everyone is very friendly and very welcoming.Load more