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.
Takes about 30 seconds — pick a day next, or ask Ben to call you instead.
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 escalates, you wouldn't freeze.
That's exactly what Krav Maga trains. Not techniques for the gym — responses for the moment when it matters. You'll learn to read a situation before it turns, 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.
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 what students learn everywhere else this training happens.
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 thrown 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 exploit an attacker's weak points with efficient, fight-ending technique — starting with fundamentals, then building toward dynamic, reality-based drills.
Reading a situation early and creating distance before it turns physical.
Efficient, fight-ending strikes and defences against common attacks.
Breaking free from grabs, chokes, and holds — regardless of size or strength.
Recognising and responding to weapon threats as part of the core curriculum.
Defending and getting back to your feet if a situation goes to the ground.
Dynamic, reality-based drills that build toward defending realistic, chaotic scenarios.
Verbal and positional tools to avoid a confrontation before it starts.
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, passionate about Krav Maga and known for making complete beginners feel genuinely welcome from their very first session. His focus is practical technique you actually understand, not movements you just repeat.
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.
Meet the full KMG NZ instructor network →
The most common reason people join. You'll stay because the training delivers on that — and because of the people you train alongside.
Many students work in healthcare, security, and other roles where physical confrontation is a real possibility. The training's focus on de-escalation is especially relevant to your day-to-day.
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.
Turn up 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.
Takes about 30 seconds — pick a day next, or ask Ben to call you instead.