Krav Maga
Krav Maga classes at Apex Combat & Fitness in San Jose teach practical, reality-based self-defense through our signature Unified Combatives for Self Defense (UCSD) curriculum. Built upon the principles established by Imi Sde-Or (Lichtenfeld) and further refined and expanded worldwide by Eyal Yanilov, Krav Maga emphasizes simplicity, efficiency, and adaptability to help students recognize danger, avoid conflict whenever possible, and respond decisively when necessary. Rather than focusing on competition, Krav Maga develops natural movements, situational awareness, simultaneous defense and counterattack, and rapid escape—skills that translate directly to real-world self-defense.
At Apex Combat & Fitness, these proven principles serve as the foundation of UCSD, an integrated self-defense system that combines the powerful striking of Krav Maga, the control, leverage, joint locks, escapes, and redirection techniques of Hapkido, and the practical weapon skills, timing, coordination, and movement of Escrima. By blending these complementary disciplines, students receive comprehensive self-defense training that prepares them for realistic situations, including common assaults, multiple attackers, weapon threats, and third-party protection of family, friends, or coworkers.
Our San Jose self-defense program is designed for adults, college students, professionals, parents, and motivated teenagers seeking practical skills they can rely on in everyday life. Whether you are completely new to martial arts or have years of experience, UCSD provides a safe, supportive environment where students build confidence, improve situational awareness, enhance physical fitness, develop sound decision-making under pressure, and gain the ability to protect themselves and those around them.
Chief Instructor Ev Pepper earned his 4th Degree Krav Maga Black Belt under Darren Levine and Eyal Yanilov, preserving the direct lineage of Imi Sde-Or while expanding it through decades of experience in Hapkido, Escrima, and close-quarters combat instruction. The result is a modern, reality-based self-defense program that combines proven techniques with practical application, empowering students with the confidence, judgment, and skills to stay safe in the real world.
