October 15, 2026
Krav Maga-The Israeli Self-Defense Martial Art
Class Description
Effective self-defense isn’t just about knowing how to fight. It’s understanding how violence actually happens, how to avoid it when possible, and how to act decisively when you can’t.
This class will focus on both the theory and practice of Krav Maga, a modern practical self-defense system. We’ll explore what makes self-defense different from traditional martial arts or competitive fighting, including situational awareness, recognizing potential threats, de-escalation, and understanding how real-world confrontations can develop.
We’ll also dive into the history and development of Krav Maga, from its origins to the practical self-defense system it has become today. We’ll discuss why Krav Maga approaches violence differently and how its history helped shape its emphasis on simplicity, efficiency, and responding effectively under stress.
Of course, we’re not going to spend the entire class sitting and talking. We’ll get up and learn a handful of basic, practical techniques that anyone can use, regardless of previous experience, athletic ability, or fitness level.
We’ll finish by putting those ideas into action, working through a few fundamental Krav Maga techniques and showing how the principles discussed throughout the class translate into practical self-defense.
Speaker Bio
Aaron Binik-Thomas is an Israeli-American entrepreneur, IDF veteran, and owner of Cincinnati Krav Maga. He served as a combat soldier in the51st Battalion of the Golani Brigade, where his experiences helped shape his perspective on situational awareness, preparedness, and personal responsibility.
Today, Aaron leads a team of experienced instructors providing practical, real-world self-defense training to adults, teens, children, businesses, and community organizations throughout Greater Cincinnati.
A father of three, Aaron is also a writer and community advocate with a strong belief in empowering individuals with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to protect themselves and those around them.
JACK ATHERTON studied history at Yale and law and journalism at Columbia. After practicing law in Manhattan he switched careers and anchored, reported and did political commentary for television stations in San Antonio, Miami, Cincinnati and Dayton. Since retiring Jack has written two novels and two books of political and social history, all available on Amazon. He can now be heard Wednesday mornings on 55KRC’s Brian Thomas show and on a podcast called The Big Picture with Jack Atherton. Jack and his wife Aymsley live in Middletown with two cats, missing their far-flung two daughters.