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  • Krav Maga vs. Boxing: Unveiling the Differences

    In the realm of combat sports and self-defense systems, two disciplines stand out for their unique approaches: Krav Maga and boxing. Both are formidable in their own right, but they cater to different goals and situations. Let's delve into the world of Krav Maga and boxing to understand the key distinctions between these two powerful martial arts. Roots and Origins: Boxing: With a rich history dating back centuries, boxing has evolved into a well-defined sport with established rules and techniques. Boxers have honed their skills in the ring, perfecting the art of delivering precise punches while avoiding their opponent's blows. Krav Maga: In stark contrast, Krav Maga is a modern ....

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  • Building Confidence in Kids through Krav Maga: A Path to Bully-Proofing, Academic Success, and Fearless Exploration

    In today's world, nurturing a child's confidence is one of the most valuable gifts you can provide. As a parent, you want your child to be safe, excel academically, and have the courage to embrace life's challenges. Enter Krav Maga – a self-defense system that not only equips kids with essential life skills but also empowers them to face life's obstacles head-on. Krav Maga: More Than Self-Defense Krav Maga is more than just a form of self-defense; it's a comprehensive discipline that can transform your child's life in several ways. Let's delve into how Krav Maga can be a game-changer for kids, particularly in the Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, and Wildomar areas. 1. ....

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  • Krav Maga: Why It's the Most Practical Martial Art for Self-Defense

    In a world where personal safety and security are increasingly concerns, many turn to martial arts for self-defense skills. Among the various styles, Krav Maga stands out as perhaps the most practical and effective form of self-defense, designed not just for physical fitness but for real-life application. Here's why Krav Maga is often considered the best choice for those seeking practical self-defense skills. Origins in Real-World Conflict Krav Maga, which means "contact combat" in Hebrew, was developed in the 1940s by Imi Lichtenfeld to train the Israel Defense Forces. Its roots in military use have shaped Krav Maga into a no-nonsense approach to self-defense, focusing on practical ....

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  • Boosting Your Child's Situational Awareness: Fun Games with Powerful Impact

    Navigating the complexities of parenting, we often find ourselves amidst a myriad of decisions - from choosing the right school to enrolling our little ones in extracurricular activities. One such activity that is gaining significant traction, especially in our community, is Krav Maga. While its roots are in self-defense, the principles of Krav Maga extend far beyond just physical combat. At the heart of Krav Maga lies the essence of situational awareness. Building this awareness in our children is not about creating an atmosphere of fear but fostering a world where they stride with confidence. Imagine a world where they not only defend themselves but are also acutely aware of their ....

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  • The Ultimate Krav Maga Self-Defense Tool: Awareness of Your Surroundings

    Hey there, As a Krav Maga and self-defense expert, I've been privileged to train countless individuals in the art of defending themselves. But before we delve into complex maneuvers or techniques, there's one fundamental principle of self defense I'd love for you to understand: the unparalleled power of situational awareness. Truly, it's the first line of defense in any encounter. 1. Recognize Threats Before They Recognize You: The best defense is to not be there! Before any physical altercation, the most crucial moment is the one where you spot a potential threat. By being aware of your surroundings, you can identify and avoid dangerous situations before they escalate. 2. ....

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  • Krav Maga vs. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: A Deep Dive Into Two Dynamic Self-Defense Arts

    Hello there, self-defense enthusiasts! Whether you're a seasoned martial artist looking to add a new discipline to your repertoire or a beginner trying to choose the right art for you, this article has you covered. We'll delve deep into the characteristics, strengths, and market perceptions of two incredibly popular martial arts: Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Let's get started! 1. Origins and Philosophy Krav Maga Origin:Developed in the 1930s-1940s in Czechoslovakia and Israel. Philosophy:Krav Maga is designed for real-world self-defense. It emphasizes neutralizing threats as quickly and efficiently as possible, even if that means striking to targets such as eyes, nose, ....

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  • Unlocking the Power Within: Transform Your Teen’s Life with Krav Maga in Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, and Wildomar!

    Do you feel a stirring passion to see your teenager thrive, to witness them develop into strong, confident, and resilient individuals? Raising a teenager is no easy feat, with worries about their safety, self-esteem, fitness, and social life often clouding your mind. If you’re searching for an encompassing solution, something to ignite a fire within them, let me introduce you to the transformative power of Krav Maga, especially for those residing in Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, and Wildomar! Unleashing Physical Vigor: Krav Maga is not just a workout; it’s a revelation of physical potential! If the sedentary lifestyle of your teen worries you, let Krav Maga be the catalyst ....

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  • Confidence Building 101

    Confidence Building 101: Krav Maga, Self-Defense and Your Child Hello awesome parents of Murrieta, Wildomar, and Lake Elsinore! Ever wondered how to give your child an extra boost of confidence that will spill over into every aspect of their lives? Let's talk about a superpower that goes beyond the academic achievements and the trophies on their shelf. Let's talk about Krav Maga, self-defense, and the incredible impact it can have on your child's self-esteem. Unleashing the Krav Maga Confidence Krav Maga - it might sound like something from a secret superhero training manual, and you wouldn't be entirely wrong! This dynamic form of self-defense, originated from the Israeli military, is ....

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  • Krav Maga versus Karate...What's the Difference?

    Hello there, passionate martial arts enthusiast! I see you’re standing at the crossroads of Krav Maga and Karate, wondering which path to take. Allow me to be your guide on this thrilling journey as we dive deep into the heart of these two fascinating martial arts. Origin Stories: From the Streets to the Dojo Karate, with its deep-rooted history, hails from the sun-soaked islands of Okinawa, Japan. Picture ancient masters training by the sea, their kata sequences flowing with the rhythm of the waves. It’s a martial art that integrates mind, body, and spirit. Krav Maga, on the other hand, was birthed from the turbulent streets of Bratislava in the 1930s. Imi Lichtenfeld, its ....

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  • Why Choose Our Krav Maga Martial Arts School in Murrieta, CA?

    Hello, dear reader! If you've found yourself on this page, you might be asking, "Why should I choose California Defense Academy for Krav Maga training in Murrieta?" Well, I'm thrilled to guide you through the remarkable aspects of our school. Join me as we unpack the reasons that make us stand out: 1. Our Incomparable Instructors The heart of any martial arts school lies in its instructors, and we are privileged to boast one of the most experienced instructors in Murrieta. Her passion for Krav Maga isn't just about technique; it's about molding you into a confident, empowered individual. Under Ericka's guidance, you'll find not just a teacher but a mentor dedicated to your personal ....

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  • Empowerment and Safety with Krav Maga in Murrieta, CA

    Sunny Southern California seamlessly blends urban sophistication with scenic wine country vibes. However, amidst this daily hustle and beauty, we understand the importance of personal safety and confidence in our surroundings. Why Krav Maga? Krav Maga isn't just another martial art. It's a transformative self-defense system sculpted from real-world confrontations. For those navigating the urban terrains of Southern California, especially during late work nights or unfamiliar territories, Krav Maga offers not just techniques but an entire mindset. This system zeroes in on the real challenges of personal safety, teaching swift, smart, and effective responses. Krav Maga: Beyond ....

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  • Cultivating a Positive Attitude in Your Child Through Krav Maga

    Cultivating a Positive Attitude in Your Child Through Krav Maga As a parent, you play a crucial role in shaping your child's outlook on life. One of the most important things you can do for your child is to help them cultivate a positive attitude. A positive mindset is a powerful tool that can greatly influence your child's mental health, relationships, academic success, and overall well-being. And guess what? Martial arts, specifically Krav Maga, can be an incredible catalyst for this transformation. The Power of Krav Maga Krav Maga is not just any martial arts. It is a self-defense system developed for the Israeli military that combines techniques from boxing, wrestling, ....

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  • Emotional Intelligence on the Mat: Leadership Lessons from Krav Maga at the California Defense Academy

    In the bustling world of leadership, Daniel Goleman's concept of Emotional Intelligence (EI) serves as a beacon, guiding leaders towards more empathetic and effective practices. As an avid Krav Maga practitioner at the California Defense Academy, I've noticed remarkable parallels between the tenets of this martial art and Goleman’s principles. This synergy provides insightful lessons for those looking to enhance their leadership abilities. **Self-Awareness:** At the heart of Krav Maga is self-awareness - understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and capabilities. Each kick, punch, and defense maneuver requires a high degree of self-awareness. The same applies to leadership. A ....

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  • Stepping into Leadership: Krav Maga Principles for Effective Leadership

    When Dale Carnegie penned his timeless advice on winning friends and influencing people, he may not have envisaged its application in a Krav Maga training facility. Yet, as practitioners at California Defense Academy would attest, the parallels are strikingly clear. Leadership, much like Krav Maga, relies on a deep understanding of oneself, of others, and of the intricate dance of interaction between the two. Here, we draw on Carnegie’s principles and our training experiences to explore the fusion of leadership and Krav Maga. **Show Genuine Interest:** Carnegie's first principle, showing genuine interest in others, is the bedrock of good leadership. This resonates with us here at ....

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  • 7 Habits of Authentic Leaders

    In today's fast-paced, rapidly evolving business world, the essence of leadership has transcended beyond mere command and control. Often we times find ourselves straddling the divide between traditional expectations of leadership and the emerging need for a more humanistic approach. Stephen Covey's celebrated "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" can serve as a valuable framework to navigate this journey of leadership transformation. 1. **Be Proactive:** Leadership begins with responsibility. A leader is not simply a reactor to circumstances, but a shaper of circumstances. Authentic leaders embrace this responsibility, cultivating an attitude of proactivity. They recognize their ....

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  • Lessons from Krav Maga for Business Leaders

    In the heart-pounding rush of a Krav Maga drill, there's an electrifying moment that stands out. It's the instant where you're under pressure, your adrenaline surges, and yet, within this storm, your mind must remain a sanctuary of calm. It's where you make decisions - split-second decisions that could spell the difference between success and failure, between vulnerability and victory. Welcome to the California Defense Academy - the training ground where martial art meets life lessons. Krav Maga, an Israeli martial art developed for the real-world, is no mere showcase of physical prowess. It is a school of thought, a place where the mind is honed just as much as the body. And for business ....

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  • Empower Your Child with Self-Defense: The Ultimate Safety and Protection Toolbox

    Hello, savvy parents! In a world that's rapidly spinning on the axis of uncertainty, there's one thing we as parents aim for - the safety and wellbeing of our kids. We can't always be there to stand guard over our little ones. So, how do we equip our children to become their own superheroes? Here's where self-defense classes come to the rescue, teaching our children more than just karate chops and high kicks. Picture this. Your child, confident, strong, and secure, ready to face the world with a super-powered toolkit at their disposal. Sounds like a scene from a comic book, right? Well, let's turn this imagery into reality! Let's talk about why self-defense is the ultimate tool in your ....

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  • The Paradox of Leadership: Navigating Strength and Vulnerability

    It's a clear, breezy morning. The kind of morning that makes you feel like anything is possible. But for John, a seasoned executive at a thriving tech company, something feels off. He finds himself staring into his steaming cup of coffee, lost in thought. You see, John is at the peak of his career. He's successful, respected, and remarkably effective at what he does. But he's also hit a roadblock that seems insurmountable. The higher he climbs, the more isolated he feels. John is facing the paradox of leadership, a struggle many leaders grapple with as they ascend the corporate ladder. This paradox hinges on the delicate balance between showing strength and admitting vulnerability, a ....

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  • Building Cooperation in Kids Through Krav Maga: A Parent's Guide

    As we navigate the unique journey of raising kids, one thing we universally strive for is nurturing well-rounded, cooperative, and empathetic individuals. An unexpected but incredibly effective tool in character development is participating in kids' martial arts, specifically Krav Maga. Krav Maga, a martial art form with roots in Israel, isn’t just about self-defense. It offers a broad canvas of lessons that promote cooperation, leadership, and a deeper understanding of community values. But how exactly does Krav Maga do this? 1. Fostering Teamwork: Krav Maga classes require students to work together during training exercises. These activities are designed to nurture ....

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  • Discovering Your 'Why': Key Takeaways and Action Steps from "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek

    Here at California Defense Academy, we believe that martial arts training isn't just about physical strength and agility. It's equally about fostering leadership and character development within each one of our students. Krav Maga, the martial art we proudly teach, doesn't just equip you with self-defense skills; it's a journey that molds you into a resilient, confident, and compassionate leader. In our academy, we align our teachings with powerful insights from thought leaders like Simon Sinek. Today, I want to share some key takeaways from Sinek's inspiring book "Start with Why." Just as Sinek explores the power of 'Why' in leadership, we emphasize understanding the 'Why' behind your ....

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  • Why Krav Maga in Murrieta is The Best Martial Art for Adults – Let’s Talk Fitness and Beyond!

    Hey there, my fitness-loving friend! I know we're always on the hunt for fresh and fun ways to stay fit, so I’ve got to tell you about this cool martial art - Krav Maga! It's the kind of workout that keeps you on your toes, and I genuinely think it might be the best martial art for adults. So, why Krav Maga? First off, the self-defense aspect is top-notch. It's all about real-life, practical skills that help you protect yourself and the people you care about. Feels good to know you could handle yourself if ever you needed to, right? The fitness part of Krav Maga is a total game-changer too. You know how we get bored doing the same gym routines over and over? Well, that's ....

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  • The Ideal Martial Art for Kids in Murrieta, CA

    As parents, we often find ourselves worrying about how to provide the best for our children, how to arm them with life skills, resilience, and confidence to face the world outside. Today, we're going to explore why Krav Maga is the perfect choice of martial art for children in Murrieta, CA, and how it offers much more than just physical self-defense techniques. What is Krav Maga? Before we delve into why Krav Maga is ideal for kids, let's understand what it is. Born from the need for survival during the tumultuous times of the mid-20th century, Krav Maga is a practical self-defense system. It focuses on neutralizing threats as quickly as possible using instinctual movements, making ....

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  • The Top 5 Benefits of Kids Krav Maga: Empowering Self-Defense for Murrieta's Youth

    The decision to enroll your child in Krav Maga training involves different factors for every parent. Some people enroll their child in martial arts just for something fun to do or because your child shows an interest in self defense. For some parents it’s to put their child in something that will keep them physically active. For other parents the decision to start self-defense training comes from fear or trauma . Maybe your child has been attacked or bullied and you are starting to see a change in their personality… All of these reasons to start training are valid and important. The benefits of our Youth Krav Maga Self Defense program fit all of these forms of motivation. ....

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  • Survival Signals from "The Gift Of Fear"

    This month our Theme / Book of the month is The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker. Within it he talks about Survival Signals. These signals are critical because self defense is not just about fighting. It’s about how we carry ourselves, are awareness of our surroundings, our ability to reach people and situations, and so much more… Here are a few of the signals that predators give to betray their intentions and things to be on the lookout for: Forced Teaming Forced Teaming is when someone tries to make you feel like you're in the 'same boat' as them, giving you the feeling that you should help each other. Sharing a predicament like waiting for the bus, being ....

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  • Is Krav Maga OK to teach kids?

    Here at California Defense Academy, we get questions from a lot of concerned parents who want to know if their kids will be able to learn Krav Maga, and more importantly if it’s safe for them to learn in the first place. These are good questions, but the answers might be simpler than you’d think. Thousands of kids all over the world benefit from learning Krav Maga every day, and your son or daughter might just be ready to join them.Krav Maga for kidsis a safe, fun and beneficial practice for your kids to learn, and here are some of the reasons why. Kids Are in Good Hands The most important thing to know is that, far from being a dangerous undertaking, Krav Maga is actually ....

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  • Building Focus In Kids through Martial Arts

    Many children have trouble paying attention-- some more than others. While nearly all children and teens struggle with feeling distracted at times, about 20% have at least moderate difficulties with inattention and distractibility and 4-5% have severe difficulties. It’s important to note that sometimes, just being part of this fast-paced media-saturated world can be a challenge. There is so much to look at and hear! Many people believe that when kids aren’t paying attention, they are doing this on purpose- but this is typically not the case. Focus issues are real and valid. (1) Tune into basics: If your child is hungry, tired, thirsty, worried or sick-- these are all ....

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  • Confidence Comes From Experience

    Someone asked me how to help her child become more confident– especially given that she felt she lacks confidence as well. A lack of self-confidence comes in many shapes and forms, and learning how to build confidence is an ongoing project for most of us – we are all a work in progress! You can’t will yourself to be confident. There’s no trick. There’s no magic button (as much as we all wish there was). Confidence comes from time and experience - but there are a number of things you can do to build your (or your Child's) confidence and a few ways that training martial arts can help to increase it as well. Some of them are just small changes to your frame ....

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  • The Benefits of Training Krav Maga go Far beyond just Physical

    Discover the scientific facts about the positive link between movement and self-esteem, and help your child discover just how many amazing things their body can do. The feel-good factor Let’s start with the basics: why is it important to exercise? The benefits of exercising include improvements to self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as a reduction in stress. The relationship between physical exercise and mental health is undeniable. So, if your child is exercising regularly, they're likely to feel better about themselves and their body, regardless of whether the exercise is changing their shape. Plenty of studies have proven that regular exercise improves ....

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  • Five Skills That Save Lives

    While there are many skills and intentions that can save your life in a violent encounter or scenario, these five reign supreme. Situational Awareness: Training your mind to observe your environment, the context of the world around you at any one time, and what seems out of place can save your life. Knowing how many and where the exits are in any given facility and understanding how to extricate yourself (meaning via route) from any location you occupy up to several miles can save lives. What improvised weapons are around you, and how can you solve almost any problem as it arises? Learn to become more situationally aware. Body Coordination: The ability to move the body in a ....

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  • Join Us for the Best Martial Arts in Murrieta

    Welcome To Our New Website! We’re Proud To Serve Murrieta, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore and Menifee with Krav Maga! At California Defense Academy, we are working hard to go above and beyond for every person who walks through our doors. And you could be next! We are offering Murrieta, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore and Menifee a hands-on approach to Martial Arts. And you don’t need any prior experience to succeed! Come visit us at California Defense Academy and see for yourself what makes us the best Krav Maga studio in town. Just fill out the "Request Information" form on the side of the page and stop in for a visit today! And don't forget to click below to visit us on our social ....

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Character Development & Self-Defense for All Ages

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Jeric Sorrell

I believe that California Defense Academy has some of the top talent in the self defense world. Ericka is a world class instructor who is sharp, aggressive, articulate, and highly educated in the field of self defense.

CDA is great for the experienced and inexperienced alike. They craft each instruction to match the skill level of their students and it's probably the most fun you can have burning calories and building muscle.

My problem with many martial arts is that they simply are not practical on the streets. CDA is highly practical. They give real world scenarios that you COULD find yourself in. This training is made to keep you and your family safe.

ThisIs Me

Ms Erika is a quality instructor, life coach, and a true inspiration in life, family, and friendship. My husband, our two daughters and me, all trained with Ms. Erika for many years. Love her drive, her honesty, her character; she was, and still is, an excellent role model for our daughters growing up. She has helped shaped the young women they have developed into. I thank her for coming into our lives; it has been a blessing in so many ways.

Chelle Chambliss

I enrolled my son in classes at California Defense Academy and I can not speak highly enough of this school. They offer a welcoming environment and knowledgeable instructors with a combination of martial arts backgrounds. They use real life situations and circumstances to teach practical self-defense while also actively working on character building. Ms Ericka and all the staff are engaging and make every student feel involved and my son is excited for every class!

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