MMA, BJJ & Self Defense Classes in Mesa with
Faction Combat Gym
KRAV MAGA • MMA • BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU • BOXING • KICKBOXING
Combatives & Street Self-Defense
Combatives & Krav Maga Self-Defense Classes in Mesa/Gilbert
Real World Practical Self-Defense
Combatives Classes for Adults (ages 13+)
At Faction Combat, our Combatives and Street Self-Defense program in Mesa, Arizona teaches practical self-defense for real-world situations using proven techniques from Krav Maga, MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and Muay Thai. This program is designed for real-life encounters, not sport competition, and focuses on situational awareness, de-escalation, striking, grappling, weapons defense, and multiple attacker scenarios. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn self-defense or an experienced martial artist looking for practical application, our Combatives program teaches you how to protect yourself in unpredictable situations.
There’s no other dedicated Combatives & Krav Maga self defense gyms north, east or south of our location making Faction Combat the top choice for Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, and San Tan Valley residents.
What Is Combatives Training?
Combatives is a practical self-defense training system focused on real-world situations rather than sport competition. While sport martial arts have rules, weight classes, referees, and time limits, real-world self-defense does not. Combatives training focuses on awareness, avoidance, de-escalation, and when necessary, effective techniques to escape and get to safety. Combatives training isn't "better" than sport training, the objectives are simply different. Combatives is simply a distilled version of other martial arts that is adapted to street use with a focus on survival rather than merely "winning", and is intentionally kept simple and quick to learn.
Our Combatives program at Faction Combat teaches students how to defend themselves in common real-life situations such as aggressive confrontations, grabs, chokes, tackles, ground attacks, and weapon threats. Training includes striking, clinch work, takedown defense, ground escapes, and scenario-based training so students can apply techniques under pressure.
This program is designed for adults and teens in Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, and the East Valley who want practical self-defense training, improved confidence, and the ability to protect themselves and their families.
MMA for Street Self-Defense
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has proven to be one of the most effective combat systems because it combines striking, wrestling, and ground fighting into one complete system, and is frequently pressure tested in the cage. In a real self-defense situation, you do not get to choose whether a fight stays standing or goes to the ground, which is why our Combatives program uses MMA-based training adapted for street self-defense.
Students learn how to:
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Defend against punches and strikes
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Control an attacker in the clinch
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Defend takedowns
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Escape from the ground
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Get back to their feet safely
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Create an opportunity to escape
This is why many people describe our program as “MMA for the street.” We take proven techniques from MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, boxing, and Muay Thai and adapt them specifically for real-world self-defense situations where there are no rules.
How Our Program Uses Krav Maga
Krav Maga is known as a practical self-defense system designed for real-world situations, and it is one of the influences in our Combatives program. However, our program does not rely on Krav Maga alone. Instead, we combine Krav Maga concepts with proven techniques from MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, boxing, and Muay Thai to create a well-rounded self-defense system.
Traditional Krav Maga often focuses heavily on self-defense scenarios and weapon defenses, which are important, but without live training, timing, and resistance, techniques can be difficult to apply under pressure. Our approach combines Krav Maga self-defense concepts with live drilling, pad work, positional training, and controlled sparring so students learn how to apply techniques against resistance.
This combination of Krav Maga concepts and MMA-based training helps students develop practical self-defense skills that can be applied in real-world situations.
Disciplines Used in Our Combatives Program
Our Combatives and Street Self-Defense program is influenced by multiple proven martial arts systems, including:
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Kembativz Brand training methods & principles
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Boxing
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Wrestling
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Krav Maga
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Martial Blade Concepts (weapons defense training)
By combining these disciplines, students learn how to defend themselves in all ranges of a fight, including standing, clinch, and ground situations, as well as weapon defense and multiple attacker strategies.
Weapons Defense Training
Real-world self-defense includes understanding how to respond to weapon threats. Our Combatives program includes training concepts for dealing with common weapon threats such as knives, blunt objects, and firearms. Training focuses on awareness, avoidance, escape, and last-resort defensive techniques when escape is not immediately possible.
Weapons defense training is taught in a controlled and safe environment with a focus on decision-making, positioning, and escape rather than unrealistic or flashy techniques.
Beginner Self-Defense Classes in Mesa
Many people who join our self-defense classes have no previous martial arts experience. Our Combatives program is beginner-friendly and designed to teach fundamental self-defense skills step-by-step in a structured and supportive environment.
Our Beginner Self-Defense Classes are a great option for those that live in Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Apache Junction and STV.
Students build confidence, improve fitness, and learn practical self-defense skills while training at their own pace.
For your first class wear gym attire and bring a water bottle, a positive attitutde and a willingness to learn.
Women’s Self-Defense Classes in Mesa
Many women join our Combatives program to learn practical self-defense, build confidence, and improve fitness. Training includes awareness, boundary setting, striking, escapes from grabs and holds, and strategies for creating an opportunity to escape and get to safety.
Our goal is to provide a supportive training environment where women can learn practical self-defense skills in a structured and encouraging class.
This program is a great supplemental option to our Women's Kickboxing program.
Why Combatives Training Is Different From Sport Martial Arts
Sport martial arts are excellent for fitness, competition, and skill development, but real-world self-defense has different goals. Sport fighting has rules, referees, and weight classes, while real-world self-defense can involve weapons, multiple attackers, and unpredictable environments.
Combatives training focuses on awareness, avoidance, escape, and practical techniques that can be used in real-life situations rather than techniques designed only for competition. An easy way to look at it is Combatives is a 2 year degree designed to give you the basics adapted for street use quickly. The sport programs like MMA, BJJ and Kickboxing are 4 year degrees to build your expertise within a given field. They aren't in opposition to each other, but rather, they are complimentary.
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Weapon Self Defense Classes in Mesa / Gilbert AZ
Combatives & Krav Maga Testimonials
What Students are Saying About our Self Defense Classes in Mesa / Gilbert
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
Little Rae of Sunshine
2019-11-22
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.
Dr. Al
2025-02-17
An amazing combat gym with expert coached for all disciplines. Our kids have been training here for years and love everything about it! We will be members here for life!
Buckeye Bruce
2018-01-31
Steve and his crew are knowledgeable, caring and fun to learn from. He makes it an enjoyable experience no matter the ability, age or condition of the student. Learning many attributes on self defense and self reliance.
Alvaro Arizmendi
2024-08-23
Great combination of classes and times to adapt to anyone’s schedule. Coaches and students are great!
Randy Lebreche
2021-11-23
I don’t know what to say. This place is awesome and the people are friendly and professional. I will definitely keep going back.
Cynthia Kurtz
2020-02-09
I had been searching for a class for my 9 year old to attend that would allow him the opportunity to learn life skills and discipline all while having fun. He has only been going for a few weeks but absolutely loves it. Maiston is his teacher and he works so well with the kids. Thank you Faction Combative for being just what my son has been looking for and needing!
Long Benjamin Nguyen
2024-08-23
I have been a member of Faction Combative since February. In my experience, this MMA gym stands out for its exceptional community and training environment. The instructors and fellow members foster a supportive, family-like atmosphere where everyone looks out for each other. Additionally, the gym offers outstanding value, with rates that are more affordable than other MMA facilities in the area. I highly recommend Faction Combative to anyone seeking high-quality MMA training in a welcoming and encouraging setting.
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We have trained more than 1500 East Valley locals in MMA, BJJ & Self-Defense.
Try a Free Combatives Class and experience Faction Combat yourself!
Combatives Instructors
Certified Kembativz & Krav Maga Coaches
Steve DeArmond
Combatives - Street Self Defense 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 by booking your free Krav Maga trial class at Faction Combat today.
Self Defense & Krav Maga FAQ
Common Questions About our Self-Defense Classes
What is the best self-defense class in Mesa, Arizona?
The best self-defense class is one that teaches practical techniques that work in real-life situations. At Faction Combat, our Combatives and Krav Maga program teaches real-world self-defense using techniques from MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, boxing, and Muay Thai, along with weapons defense and situational awareness. Our goal is to help students learn how to protect themselves and get to safety in real-world situations.
What is the difference between Krav Maga and MMA for self-defense?
Krav Maga is a self-defense system designed for real-world situations, including weapons defense and multiple attackers, while MMA is a combat sport that combines striking and grappling. Both have strengths, which is why our Combatives program combines Krav Maga concepts with MMA-based training so students learn how to apply techniques against resistance in realistic situations.
Do I need experience to start self-defense classes?
No experience is needed to start self-defense classes at Faction Combat. Our beginner self-defense classes are designed for people with no previous martial arts experience. We teach fundamentals step-by-step in a structured and supportive environment so students can build confidence and skills safely.
Do you offer women’s self-defense classes?
Yes, many women train in our Combatives and self-defense program to learn practical self-defense, build confidence, and improve fitness. We provide a supportive training environment where women can learn striking, escapes, and real-world self-defense strategies.
Do you teach weapons defense training?
Yes, our Combatives program includes training concepts for dealing with common weapon threats such as knives, blunt objects, and firearms. Training focuses on awareness, escape, positioning, and last-resort defensive techniques when escape is not immediately possible.
How long does it take to learn self-defense?
Self-defense is a skill that improves over time with training, but most students begin learning useful self-defense skills within their first few months of training. The most important thing is consistent training and learning how to stay calm and make good decisions under pressure. The whole purpose of Combatives is to teach someone to effectively defend themselves in as short a time as possible.
Is Krav Maga effective in real-life situations?
Krav Maga can be effective for real-life self-defense, especially when combined with live training, timing, and resistance. Our program combines Krav Maga concepts with MMA-based training so students learn how to apply techniques in realistic situations.
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 Me
Krav Maga & Self-Defense Classes Near You
Krav Maga & Street Self Defense Classes in Mesa, Arizona
Centrally located off the US 60 in East Mesa
Krav Maga & Street 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 & Street 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 & Street 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 & Street 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 & Street 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