You want to know that if something happened, you'd be ready — not panicking. That's what training at Hastings' only Krav Maga club gives you: practical, real-world self-defence — no sport rules, no belts, just skills that work when it matters.
Book Your First Class Opens our booking calendar in a new tab — takes about 30 seconds.
You're not here to become a fighter. You're here because you want to feel less vulnerable — to know that if something happened, a grab, a shove, a threat that turns serious, you wouldn't freeze.
That's exactly what Krav Maga trains, and it's what sets it apart from other adult martial arts classes in Hastings and Napier. Not techniques for the gym — responses for the moment when it matters. You'll learn to read a situation before it turns physical, and to act decisively if it does. That shift in how you carry yourself is something you'll notice within weeks.
In brief: the system behind it is Krav Maga Global — used in over 60 countries, led internationally by Eyal Yanilov, who trained directly under Imi Lichtenfeld, the founder of Krav Maga. In Hastings and Napier, that's taught by Instructor Ben.
Real practical skills, no experience needed. You don't need a martial arts background to start. Training is built to take complete beginners to genuinely capable, step by step, with no prior fitness or fighting experience required.
A system trained the same way in over 60 countries. Every class follows the same practical curriculum used internationally. What you learn in your first month is exactly what students are learning in KMG clubs around the world.
Skills that build quickly, taught safely. Most students notice a real shift in confidence within the first few weeks. Contact and pressure build progressively, so you're never put into something you're not ready for.
An instructor who's done the work himself. Ben trained and was assessed to the same international standard used everywhere this system is taught — so you're learning the real thing, not a local variation.
Strength and size don't matter here. You'll learn to use an attacker's weak points against them with efficient, fight-ending technique, starting with fundamentals and building toward dynamic, reality-based drills that prepare you for real situations.
Reading a situation early and creating distance before it turns physical. Knowing what to look for is often the most important skill you'll develop.
Efficient, fight-ending strikes and defences against the most common real-world attacks, chosen because they work under pressure, not because they look impressive.
Breaking free from grabs, chokes, and holds, regardless of your size or strength compared to an attacker.
Recognising and responding to weapon threats is part of the core curriculum, not an advanced add-on.
Defending yourself and getting back to your feet if a situation goes to the ground.
Dynamic, reality-based drills that build toward defending realistic, chaotic scenarios: the kind you'd actually face, not controlled gym exercises.
Verbal and positional tools to avoid a confrontation before it starts. Leaving without a fight is always the best outcome.
Applying the same principles when someone with you needs protecting too.
Real skills.
Real confidence.
Self defence for the real world.
Instructor Ben Van Heerden is a certified KMG instructor, known for making complete beginners feel genuinely welcome from their very first session. His focus is on practical technique you actually understand, not movements you just repeat until they feel mechanical.
Ben is assessed and certified by Krav Maga Global — the same organisation that certifies instructors across 60+ countries — which makes KMG Hastings the only Krav Maga Global-certified club training students from Hastings, Napier, and the wider Hawke's Bay region.
Book Your First Class
That nagging feeling that you'd freeze if something happened — that's exactly what this training is built to fix, whatever brought you here.
If your work, travel, or daily routine puts you somewhere confrontation is a real possibility, the training's focus on de-escalation and control is especially useful.
Maybe other gyms felt too casual or too competitive. This is structured, demanding, and worth the effort.
"I started my martial arts journey over 35 years ago, but I have never felt as empowered as with Ben's way of teaching Krav Maga."
"An excellent Krav Maga self defense club. Great instructor, great group of like minded people!"
"Really great people, great vibe, and great coaching. Such good lessons."
"Great bunch of people, who have heaps of fun while learning essential self defense skills! A brilliant club!"
No paperwork, no pressure. Here's what the first steps look like.
Pick Tuesday or Thursday and book online — takes about 30 seconds.
Come along in comfortable clothes. You'll train alongside the group from your very first class.
Unlimited Tuesday and Thursday sessions, no lock-in — cancel any time.
Book your first session with Instructor Ben. No experience needed.
Book Your First Class Opens our booking calendar in a new tab — takes about 30 seconds.