Yes, parents are strongly encouraged to stay to watch their child train in our Kids Martial Arts classes! We have seating areas available so you can observe your child’s progress and cheer them on. There are some classes where we ask parents to participate (such as stripe testing, rank promotions, and board breaking classes), but we communicate this in advance to allow parents to plan accordingly.

While parents are not required to stay during  most classes, many enjoy seeing their child’s growth in real time. If you choose to step away, rest assured that our instructors create a safe, structured, and positive environment for every student.

No, students don’t need to be fit to start martial arts training! Our Kids Martial Arts, Teen Krav Maga, and Adult Krav Maga programs are designed to meet you where you are, regardless of your current fitness level. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone looking to take their fitness to the next level, martial arts training provides a supportive and gradual way to improve your physical health.

Our experienced instructors guide students step by step, ensuring exercises and techniques are adjusted to your abilities. As you train, you’ll naturally build strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination while learning valuable self-defense skills.

The most important thing is to take that first step — you don’t need to be in shape to start; you’ll get in shape as you go!

Yes! We offer a free introductory class for all of our martial arts programs, giving students the chance to try an actual class.

During an intro session, students get a tour of the dojo, learn basic stances and strikes, and meet the students and instructors who will be part of your training journey.

Contact us to book your free introductory class today!

Yes! Krav Maga emphasizes techniques that are based on the human body’s natural movements and that are accessible to the average person — not just athletes. This makes it a great option for martial arts and self-defense training for everyone, regardless of age, gender, fitness, or prior training experience.

We use belts as a physical representation of progress made throughout your training. Our curriculum is taught in three-month rotations with a stripe test at the end of every month. At the end of every quarter, eligible students are promoted to their next rank.

If the idea of tests makes you nervous, don’t stress! While stripe tests are designed to assess progress, we’re firm believers that progress is personal and our instructors partner with you to achieve your goals every step of the way.

Getting started with martial arts training at America’s Best Defense is simple! Here’s how:

1. Schedule Your Free Intro Class
   
   We offer a free trial class for all new students. During the intro session, you’ll tour the dojo, meet our instructors, and experience a beginner-friendly class tailored to your needs.
2. Sign Up for the Introductory Program
   
   After your trial class, you can join our introductory program for just $129. This includes your first month of unlimited training and a uniform (for kids) or T-shirt (for teens and adults).
3. Start Training!
   
   Once enrolled, you’ll have access to our full schedule of classes, which you can attend as often as you’d like. Our instructors will support you every step of the way.

Ready to take the first step? Contact us today to book your free intro class and begin your martial arts journey!

The journey to become a black belt is different for everyone; each student has unique strengths and specific challenges they may have to overcome.

While there’s no guaranteed timeline when it comes to earning a black belt, on average it takes:

• 4 years to become a Junior Black Belt in our Kids Martial Arts program
• 6 years to become a 1st-Degree Black Belt in Our Kids Martial Arts program
• 4 years to become a 1st-Degree Black Belt in our Teen Krav Maga and Adult Krav Maga programs

One of the best parts of training at an America’s Best Defense school is that your tuition covers unlimited training!

We ask that students attend at least two classes per week to keep up with the curriculum, but many of our students train more often to get more value out of their membership!

Yes, martial arts training is safe when practiced in a controlled and supervised environment like ours. At America’s Best Defense, safety is a top priority, and we take several steps to ensure a positive and injury-free experience for all students:

• Qualified Instructors: All of our instructors are experienced professionals trained in teaching martial arts safely and effectively to students of all ages and skill levels.
• Age-Appropriate Curriculum: Techniques and exercises are tailored to suit the physical and developmental needs of each age group, from kids to adults.
• Protective Equipment: We provide or recommend the use of protective gear, such as gloves, shin guards, and helmets, to minimize risk during training.
• Controlled Environment: Classes are conducted in a structured manner with close instructor supervision to prevent injuries and ensure proper technique.
• Focus on Progress: Students are guided through training at a pace that matches their abilities, helping them build strength, skills, and confidence safely over time.

With these measures in place, students can enjoy the benefits of martial arts training while feeling secure and supported every step of the way.

Martial arts training offers a wide range of physical, mental, and social benefits for students of all ages:

• Physical Benefits: Improve strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, and coordination while achieving personal fitness goals.
• Mental Benefits: Develop discipline, focus, and resilience, helping students manage stress and face challenges with confidence.
• Social Benefits: Build lasting friendships, experience a sense of belonging, and be part of a supportive community that uplifts and motivates each other.
• Self-Defense Skills: Learn practical techniques to protect yourself and your loved ones in real-life situations.
• Character Development: Cultivate essential life skills like respect, responsibility, and perseverance that carry over into everyday life.

Whether you’re looking to boost your fitness, develop confidence, or simply have fun in a welcoming environment, martial arts training has something to offer everyone.

Martial arts students at America’s Best Defense learn much more than physical techniques. In our Kids Martial Arts program, students develop discipline, focus, and confidence while learning American Kenpo Karate. They learn forms, sparring, and practical self-defense in a fun and structured environment.

In our Teen Krav Maga and Adult Krav Maga programs, students learn instinctive self-defense techniques that emphasize practicality and effectiveness in real-world scenarios. Across all programs, students build resilience, character, and the skills to succeed both on and off the mats.

For your first martial arts class at America’s Best Defense, all you need is a positive attitude and comfortable athletic clothing!

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Wear comfortable, breathable athletic clothes that allow for movement (T-shirt, athletic pants, shorts, etc.)
• Barefoot training is standard, so no special footwear is needed!

We’ll provide any necessary equipment for your first class, and once enrolled, your uniform or T-shirt is included in your introductory program.

Don’t worry about bringing anything else—just show up ready to have fun and start your martial arts journey!

Krav Maga is a form of martial arts that emphasizes practicality and effectiveness in real-life self-defense scenarios.

Originally developed for the Israeli military by Imi Lichtenfeld, Krav Maga is used by law enforcement agencies and armed forces around the world. After retirement from the Israeli Defensive Force, Lichtenfeld adapted his curriculum to teach Krav Maga to civilians.

Krav Maga, which means “contact combat” in Hebrew, is a simple, aggressive, easy-to-learn and easy-to-remember system of self-defense. With roots in the most effective and practical techniques of traditional martial arts like Judo, Boxing, and Karate, Krav Maga curriculum is continuously evolving to address the dangers of modern life.

Learn more about our Teen Krav Maga and Adult Krav Maga programs.

Our martial arts programs for kids, teens, and adults are tailored to meet the needs of each age group.

In our Kids Martial Arts program, students learn American Kenpo Karate, blended with a little influence from Taekwondo. Our classes emphasize the structure and discipline of traditional martial arts systems while teaching practical self-defense skills in an age-appropriate format.

Our teen and adult students learn Krav Maga, a self-defense system originating from Israel. Designed to be effective for all body types and physical ability levels, Krav Maga emphasizes simple techniques based on instinctual reactions that are easier to remember under the pressure of a physical confrontation.

We offer classes 6 days a week at various times to meet the needs of our students. With morning and afternoon/evening classes, there’s an option for every schedule.

Find the full class schedule for each location:

• Franklin
• Mansfield
• North Attleboro
• Shrewsbury

We offer classes out of four convenient locations:

• Franklin, MA
• Mansfield, MA
• North Attleboro, MA (HQ)
• Shrewsbury, MA

No, Kids Martial Arts training does not encourage aggression or bullying. In fact, it teaches the opposite.

At America’s Best Defense, we emphasize respect, discipline, and self-control in every class. Kids learn that martial arts is a tool for self-defense and self-improvement—not for harming others.

Our instructors also work closely with parents to reinforce these positive behaviors, ensuring that students use their skills responsibly and treat others with kindness.

Yes, Kids Martial Arts classes can significantly improve your child’s focus!

Our classes are structured to help students develop attention to detail, concentration, and the ability to follow instructions. Activities like learning forms, practicing self-defense techniques, and earning belt ranks encourage kids to set goals and stay engaged.

For children with ADHD or other attention challenges, martial arts provides a dynamic and rewarding way to build focus in a supportive environment. Many parents notice improvements in their child’s ability to stay on task both at home and at school.