MMA, BJJ & Self Defense Classes in Mesa with
Faction Combatives & Combat Sports
KRAV MAGA • MMA • BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU • BOXING • KICKBOXING
COMBATIVES / KRAV MAGA
Krav Maga Combatives Self-Defense Classes in Mesa/Gilbert
COMBATIVES
Krav Maga Self Defense Classes for Adults (ages 13+)
In the Combatives classes, students (ages 13+) will learn practical self defense based on proven combative systems such as Krav Maga and Kembativz. We also utilize street oriented skills and techniques from Wrestling, BJJ, MMA, Boxing, Muay Thai and Escrima. Our focus is to develop your ability to respond to any attack with decisive speed and aggression. We accomplish this by teaching you strikes and techniques that are gross motor and easily utilized under stress. Skills that don't require you to be bigger and stronger than your attacker to effectively defend yourself.
Classes explore various strikes, defenses against common attacks, and weapons defense. During the beginning of each class is an intense fitness oriented warmup focused around strikes or particular combative skills. Classes generally conclude with a burnout designed to exhaust you physically and mentally as you attempt to recall the skills you learned that day. This is a great class to learn realistic self-defense while additionally improving your overall fitness.
There’s no other dedicated Krav Maga self defense gyms east or south of our location making Faction Combat the top choice for Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, and San Tan Valley residents.
Krav Maga Classes Program
Self-Defense Classes in East Mesa Curriculum
Combatives / Krav Maga Overview
At Faction Combat in East Mesa, our Krav Maga program builds practical self-defense skills step by step. Each class mixes striking, drills, and scenario training so you leave with usable tools.
What You’ll Learn:
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Striking Fundamentals: Powerful punches, elbows, knees, and kicks adapted for street defense in Mesa & Gilbert.
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Escapes & Counters: Simple ways to break free from wrist grabs, chokes, and holds.
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Weapon Defenses: Learn how to respond against knives, sticks, and blunt objects.
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Multiple Attacker Scenarios: Train strategies to survive when outnumbered.
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Stress Training: Practice under pressure so skills hold up in real situations.
Each week, the lesson plan rotates through these key areas, ensuring consistent progress. Whether you’re from Mesa, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, or San Tan Valley, you’ll get the same structured, beginner-friendly path to confidence.
Krav Maga Classes Lesson Plan
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Introduction: Kembativz Principles
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Lesson 1: Hand Strikes #1 - Basic Striking
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Lesson 2: Hand Choke Defense
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Lesson 3: Blunt Weapon / Stick Defense
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Lesson 4: Ground - Standing Attacker
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Lesson 5: Combo Striking / Pre-Emption Sequences
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Lesson 6: Grab and Clinch Defenses
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Lesson 7: Edged Weapon / Knife Attack - Low Line
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Lesson 8: Ground - Mount Defense
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Lesson 9: Hand Strikes #2 - Basic Striking
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Lesson 10: Standing - Side Headlock Defense
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Lesson 11: Edged Weapon / Knife Attack - High Line
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Lesson 12: Ground - Side Headlock Defense
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Lesson 13: Guillotine Defense
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Lesson 14: Kicks - Basic Striking
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Lesson 15: Bear Hug Defense
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Lesson 16: Gun Defense
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Lesson 17: Ground - Guard Defense
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Lesson 18: Rear Naked Choke (RNC) Defense
Krav Maga Promo Video
Weapon Self Defense Classes in Mesa / Gilbert AZ
Combatives / Krav Maga Testimonials
What Students are Saying About our Krav Maga Classes in Gilbert / Mesa
I've been attending the Combatives (Krav Maga based) class for over a month now. Not only is the facility nice, but Steve is one of the best martial art instructors I've ever come across... In combatives, we work on everything from disarming knives/guns to stand-up game, ground and pound, submissions and more. Everything is practical and designed to help train you for handling dangerous situations.
- Ryan S. from Mesa, AZ
Steve is hands-down the best martial arts instructor that I've come across, and I have experience with a few prior. I say that not only due to his knowledge, which seems extensive, but due to his approach, attitude and demeanor. He's approachable, he listens, he's pragmatic, and he's empathetic....And while Steve draws upon numerous martial arts during his combatives instructions, like Krav Maga, you can also attend other classes at Faction if you want to, including Muay Thai, Thai boxing, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ).
- Patrick K. from Gilbert, AZ
I've been coming to the Combatives/ Krav Maga class for 2 consecutive weeks now, after having a free week a few months ago I decided to sign up. The atmosphere is awesome, the teachers are super knowledgeable and encouraging and I feel very comfortable and safe. Honestly I couldn't recommend this place enough. As a woman looking to learn self defense I can personally say it's exactly what I needed.
- Rae from Queen Creek, AZ
We have trained more than 1500 East Valley locals in MMA, BJJ & Self-Defense.
Try a Free Krav Maga Class and experience Faction Combat yourself!
Combatives / Krav Maga Instructor
Certified Kembativz & Krav Maga Coaches
Steve DeArmond
Combatives / Krav Maga Head Coach
Coach Steve is a lifelong martial artist with over 25 years of training and teaching experience. After earning black belts in Mixed Martial Arts disciplines including Taekwondo, Karate, Hapkido, and Kung Fu, he turned his focus to real-world combatives and self-defense.
Steve is a Black Belt in Krav Maga (2020) and a Certified Instructor in both Martial Blade Concepts (MBC) and Kelly McCann’s Kembativz system. He is the only instructor in Arizona certified in both MBC and Kembativz, with additional instructor-level certifications in Edged and Stick Combatives as well as Ground Combatives.
Over the years, Steve has trained directly with leading experts such as Michael Janich (MBC) and Kelly McCann (Kembativz), traveling nationally to sharpen his skills and bring cutting-edge knowledge back to East Mesa.
Today, Steve manages the Faction Combat system, teaching Krav Maga, Combatives, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Self-Defense. He continues his own training while helping students across Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, and San Tan Valley build confidence and prepare for real-world situations.
Train directly with Coach Steve — book your free Krav Maga trial class at Faction Combat today.
FAQ
Common Questions About our Self-Defense Classes
How long are the Krav Maga Self-Defense classes?
Our Combatives & Krav Maga Self-Defense classes typically run about 60 mins and begin with a technique oriented warm-up that leads into a topic or skill to be developed and often ends with a burnout.
Do I need prior martial arts experience to start?
We welcome students of any level, beginner through advanced. Students of every level will find improvement and development. Those that are new to Krav Maga will be focusing on developing their basics for self-defense. Those that are Intermediate to Advanced will learn higher level skills and often do more intense Combatives training and sparring to hone their skills under stress.
What should I wear?
For your first class, athletic attire will work just fine. No additional gear is needed for your first class. For continued Krav Maga training, for men, it is highly recommended to invest in an athletic cup. To take your Self Defense training to a higher level, eventually you will want to invest in a mouthguard, MMA gloves and shin guards.
What is Krav Maga and how is it different from MMA or BJJ?
If your interest is specifically in self-defense as quickly as possible, then the Combatives/Krav Maga program is what you are likely looking for. The entire focus of this program is self-defense. Our Krav Maga program is different than most. Our program is a Combatives program that doesn't exclusively use Krav Maga, but rather uses it as a foundation. We only care about what works against a resistant opponent in an open world environment, regardless of size and strength. So we are heavily influenced by various martial arts including BJJ, MMA, Wrestling, and Kickboxing. This makes this program and excellent Basics program getting started. You build a foundation while learning how to apply your skills to the street, and you can further refine your specific areas of focus within our Combat Sports as a specialty.
Are Krav Maga techniques realistic under pressure?
This is one of those things that sets us apart from a typical Krav Maga gym. Although we teach effective techniques that are tested under pressure and proven in the domain of Combatives and Combat Sports like MMA and BJJ. We rely far less on techniques and more on principles. Principles are concepts that we teach that can be applied regardless of the situation. As the famous Master Combatives instructor Kelly McCann (Kembativz) puts it, "Techniques fail under stress, while Principles do not".
What are the benefits of training Krav Maga / Combatives?
The benefit to training Krav Maga, and especially a system like ours that isn't so rigidly attached to a particular system, is you will learn how to effectively defend yourself in a real situation. Combatives systems like Kembativz and Krav Maga are designed for the every man. They are systems designed to teach anyone, regardless of size, strength or skill to better defend themselves in the shortest amount of time possible. Not everyone can be built like Jon Jones, but everyone should know how to defend themselves and their loved ones. A byproduct benefit of this kind of training is it does get you in better shape as well.
How often should I attend to see real progress?
Any Self Defense training is better than no training at all. However, it is highly recommended to attend atleast twice per week to see consistent progress. If you attend more, you will accelerate your Combatives training.
Best Self Defense Classes in Arizona?
Of course we believe we offer the best Krav Maga Self Defense classes in Arizona. Not only because we are highly confident in our instructors, but because the people that train with us are amazing! The students that train with us are friendly, welcoming, hard-working and helpful. We are a community that trains hard and has fun, on and off the mats. Even if you don't train with us, there are absolutely other amazing gyms and instructors in Arizona. Find a facility that has highly knowledgeable instructors and an awesome community like ours, and you can't go wrong.
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Serving & Training Near
Krav Maga Self-Defense Classes Near You
Krav Maga Self Defense Classes in Mesa, Arizona
Centrally located off the US 60 in East Mesa
Krav Maga Self Defense Classes near Gilbert, Arizona
Located North East of Gilbert in East Mesa just off the US 60, where the US 60 and Loop 202 meet
Krav Maga Self Defense Classes near Queen Creek (QC), Arizona
Located North West of Queen Creek in East Mesa just off the US 60, where the US 60 and Loop 202 meet
Krav Maga Self Defense Classes near San Tan Valley (STV), Arizona
Located North West of San Tan Valley in East Mesa just off the US 60, where the US 60 and Loop 202 meet
Krav Maga Self Defense Classes near Apache Junction (AJ), Arizona
Located West of Apache Junction in East Mesa just off the US 60, where the US 60 and Loop 202 meet
Krav Maga Self Defense Classes near Tempe, Arizona
Located East of Tempe in East Mesa just off the US 60, where the US 60 and Loop 202 meet