From upcoming seminars and holiday closures to inspiring student stories and instructor insights, here’s everything you need to know for a strong, safe, and successful summer on the mats at America’s Best Defense Mansfield!
Class Announcements
Congratulations to Our Newest Black Belts!
We’re proud to recognize the newest additions to our Black Belt family! Reaching this milestone is no small feat—it takes years of dedication, hard work, and personal growth. Every student who earns their black belt embodies the values we teach on the mat: perseverance, focus, and the relentless drive to improve.
To everyone who tested: your instructors, training partners, and community are proud of you. You’ve earned more than a belt—you’ve proven to yourself what you’re capable of!
Graduation: June 18-20
It’s the end of our quarterly curriculum rotation, so students with three or more stripes (six stripes for brown belt and higher) are eligible to be promoted to their next rank this week!
- Teen & Adult Krav Maga Graduations will be held during normal class times on Wednesday, June 18th and Thursday, June 19th
- Kids Graduation will be held on Friday, June 20th, with our School’s Out Celebration to follow!
Buddy Week: June 23-26
Students can bring a friend to class! Guests are welcome in our Basic/Beginner sessions—this is a great chance to introduce someone to martial arts in a fun, supportive environment.
Buddies can register ahead of time here.
Fourth of July Break: June 28 – July 4
America’s Best Defense Mansfield will be closed from June 28 through July 4 for our annual Fourth of July break. Enjoy the holiday with your family and get ready to jump back in refreshed!
Summer Schedule Begins July 7
We’ll reopen on Monday, July 7 with our updated summer schedule. Keep an eye out for changes in class times and formats to make the most of your training this season.
Student Spotlight: Michael Posk, Krav Maga Dad
For Michael Posk, training in Krav Maga at America’s Best Defense Mansfield started off as a practical decision—but it quickly became so much more.
“I was traveling the world for work, and I wanted some way to protect myself if I needed to,” he says. “If somebody wanted to rob me, they can take my money. But if they wanted to take my life, I want to get back to my family.”
Michael describes Krav Maga as a workout like no other: “It’s high-intensity interval training, but you’re able to push your heart rate to a level you never would on a treadmill or elliptical.”
But what stands out most to him is the community and constant growth: “Everyone here wants everyone to succeed. Whether I’m training with a yellow belt or a black belt, I’m always learning.”
And as a dad?
“Krav Maga gives you that desire to continuously improve. And you can translate that to pretty much anything in your life—being a parent, your career, anything. You should always be trying to improve.”
Share the Mats This Summer
Want to share martial arts with a friend or family member? Stop by the front desk or speak to an instructor to take advantage of one of our summer specials!
Summer Referral Special
Know someone who could benefit from martial arts? Invite them to train!
New students referred by a current member can sign up for 6 weeks of training for just $129—and you’ll both be kicking off something great.
Family Members Train Free All Summer
Now’s the perfect time to make martial arts a family affair. In July and August, family members of current students can train for FREE in our beginner programs. Whether it’s Krav Maga for adults or Karate for kids, you’ll grow stronger—together.
Sensei Says: Why Training as a Family Matters
Every year, we invite family members of current students to train for free over the summer—and for good reason! As Sensei Matt Nordberg puts it: “A family that kicks together sticks together!”
He’s speaking from personal experience.
“My whole family trained. I tested for my Jr. Black Belt the same day my dad tested for his 1st Degree Black Belt. The day itself was long and kind of boring—but looking back, it’s a really cool memory we share. My sister earned her black belt. My brother earned his 2nd Degree. It gave us something to talk about and connect over.”
As an instructor, Sensei Nordberg sees those same benefits play out on the mat every week.
“The kids who have family members who train are usually the most skilled, the most motivated, and the ones who have the most fun. It becomes a shared experience, and that makes overcoming challenges so much easier.”
Even if you’re just testing it out for the summer, now’s the perfect time to give it a try. As Sensei Nordberg puts it, “a little bit of training goes a long way.”
Have questions? Talk to an instructor and we’ll help you get started!
Featured Blog: How Taekwondo Shaped Our Kids Martial Arts Program
While America’s Best Defense isn’t a Taekwondo school, this traditional martial art played a big role in shaping our Kids Martial Arts curriculum.
In fact, our founder Master Paul Garcia began his journey in Taekwondo back in 1980—and its influence can still be seen today in the discipline, athletic movement, and striking techniques we teach Little Dragons and Karate Kids.
Want to learn more about how we’ve blended the best parts of Taekwondo with the real-world self-defense of American Kenpo for a complete kids martial arts program? Read the full article here.
Upcoming Events
Kids Martial Arts Demo at Boyden Library | July 8
Join us for a free, age-specific introduction to martial arts at the Boyden Library in Foxborough. No experience necessary!
Seminar Schedule:
- 10:30-11:00 AM: Ages 4-6 (Register Here)
- 11:00-11:30AM: Ages 7-12 (Register Here)
Narragansett Summer Running Festival | July 13
We’ll be sponsoring this awesome event with a booth, giveaways, and self-defense demos focused on safety for runners. Come say hi! Click here for more information.
Mansfield Family Fun Night | July 15
Catch Team ABD at this huge local celebration! We’ll have live demos, giveaways, and plenty of swag at our booth. Click here for more information.
Strikes & Sangria - Ladies Night Out | July 18
Save the date for our Ladies Night Out event at 6:30 PM on July 18th! This laid-back martial arts class followed by a fun social gathering is the perfect way to introduce your friends and family to martial arts!
Attendees can expect a beginner-friendly martial arts class where they’ll learn basic striking and self-defense techniques. Students can sign up at the front desk and non-students can register online here.
Kickstart Days | July 17-19
Interested in martial arts for yourself or your child? Come to one of our Kickstart Days on July 17th, 18th, or 19th!
In this laid-back, open house-style event, students and guests can experience a low-key martial arts class and explore all ABD Mansfield has to offer! Non-students can register here.
Schedule:
- July 17th at 7:00 PM: Teen & Adult Krav Maga
- July 18th at 5:00 PM: Kids Martial Arts (ages 5+)
- July 19th at 8:00 AM: Teen & Adult Krav Maga
- July 19th at 9:15 AM: Kids Martial Arts (ages 5+)
Bearcroft Swim Club Safety Talk | July 22
We’re visiting Bearcroft to share practical safety tips with members—focusing on awareness, prevention, and simple strategies for everyday situations.
