Combat Club by KMI — Local services in New York

I don’t have kids myself, but if I did, I would 100% put them through KMI’s Combat Club.

What stood out to me the most is how intentionally small the classes are. The instructors don’t just run kids through the motions—they really get to know each child, tailoring the training to their personality, strengths, and areas for growth. It’s not just about kicking and punching (though they definitely learn solid hybrid martial arts techniques). It’s about practical, real-world self-defense: how to handle bullying, how to communicate clearly during conflict, even how to move safely and confidently through crowded places like the NYC subway.

What’s equally impressive is how much focus they place on life skills. The kids aren't just learning how to protect themselves—they're learning how to speak up, how to lead, how to tell their own stories with confidence. They build self-discipline and focus through hands-on drills and challenges, and they’re regularly given opportunities to step into leadership roles, no matter their age or experience level.

Every kid I’ve seen come through Combat Club leaves a little taller (not just physically), with more confidence, perseverance, and social ease. It’s not some watered-down martial arts class for kids—it’s a thoughtfully structured program that actually helps them grow into stronger, more capable people.

If you’re looking for something meaningful for your child—something that blends movement, mindset, and...

My son has been attending this martial arts school for about six months now, and honestly, I’m VERY impressed. What started as a way to burn off his excess energy has turned into something much more valuable. He’s learning practical martial arts and self defense techniques, but the real changes I’ve noticed are in his everyday behavior, new friends and self-confidence. His fitness and eating has improved obviously, he’s stronger and more coordinated than before. But what surprises me is how the life skills training has carried over into school and home. His self-confidence when speaking to adults is completely different now, and his focus during homework has actually gotten better. The instructors somehow weave in lessons about selfdiscipline and even public speaking through the physical training. I’m starting to think this approach of learning through physical means might be the future for how kids absorb important concepts. My son remembers lessons about focus, respect and leadership because he’s practiced them at school and home. He comes home excited to show me new techniques and talks about helping younger students in class. I’d highly recommend this place to other parents. It’s not just martial arts, it’s a different way of teaching kids life skills they’ll actually...

The Combat Club at KMI is a black belt school that offers self-defense training for kids and teens.

The program focuses on self-defense alongside essential life skills like respect, concentration, self-confidence, self-discipline, having a resilient mindset, and how to overcome real-world challenges and adversity.

The instructors are passionate about raising strong adults and work with kids on a daily basis.

The classes are designed to provide the tools needed to overcome real-world challenges in a safe, social, and supportive environment.

Kids and youth are not only taught to physically protect themselves, they learn life skills like self-confidence, resilience, hard work, discipline, respect, personal responsibility, conflict communication, social skills, and dealing with...