Effective Self-Defense In Boston

Reality-based self-defense (RBSD) is a modern approach to personal protection that emphasizes authenticity, relevance, and adaptability. Unlike traditional martial arts, which may prioritize form, tradition, or sport, RBSD focuses on equipping individuals with practical skills to survive violent encounters in the real world. This method of training is grounded in real-life scenarios, often drawn from criminal case studies, surveillance footage, and firsthand accounts of violence, making it a highly dynamic and responsive system tailored to modern threats. The RBSD system we teach at our training center is Krav Maga, a system based on natural, instinctive and intuitive movements i.e., what you will do when attacked rather than what you may want to do or think you will do. Head Trainer Gershon Ben Keren has been training in the system since 1993 and is a 5th Degree Black Belt in the method/approach.

One of the core principles of reality-based self-defense is that of context. We teach practitioners to learn how to assess their environment, recognize pre-incident indicators of violence, and understand the psychology of both the victim and the aggressor. Our physical training makes use of verbal de-escalation – where appropriate - to defuse situations before they escalate. Unlike systems that concentrate solely on physical techniques, our approach to reality-based self-defense and Krav Maga acknowledges that awareness and decision-making play a crucial role in our personal safety. Being able to spot potential threats and danger in order to avoid having to deal with physical violence is viewed as the most effective form of self-protection and self-defense.

Krav Maga is characterized by simple, high-percentage techniques that work under stress. These are often gross motor movements designed to be effective even when the body is adrenalized, and fine motor skills are compromised. Our Krav Maga techniques and solutions to violence are taught with the understanding that a real violent encounter will likely be fast, chaotic, and involve a high level of fear and unpredictability. Because of this, scenario training is commonly used to simulate the conditions of real violence, often incorporating stress drills, protective gear, and role-playing to help trainees become accustomed to pressure and uncertainty.

Importantly, those who train with us are taught the legal implications of using force, including what constitutes reasonable force under self-defense laws. This element is critical because an inappropriate or excessive response to a threat can result in legal consequences. Our self-defense/Krav Maga training aims to cultivate not just physical capability but also judgment and restraint, emphasizing that self-defense is as much about escaping danger as it is about neutralizing it. Another distinguishing feature of RBSD (Reality Based Self-Defense) is its adaptability to the individual. Rather than requiring years of training to become proficient, Krav Maga techniques and solutions are designed to quickly give people functional skills that can be used immediately.

If you are an organization that is looking to bring physical self-defense training to your members, please contact us regarding your requirements by clicking here. If you are an individual looking for ongoing training you can sign up for one of our beginner classes using the form below.