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Self-Defense · Kids · Fitness

Real self‑defense. Collinsville.

Learn to protect yourself and your family with skills that work under stress, taught at your pace. No experience or fitness needed, and your first class is free.

Book your free class Get more information See class times

123 W Main St, Collinsville, IL 62234 · formerly Metro Krav Maga & Kickboxing

Wingate Institute certified senior instructors

Krav Maga Universal 3rd degree black belts

23 years US Army service

Ages 3 to adult kids, teen and adult classes

Programs in Collinsville

Find your class

Four programs, one approach: practical skills, taught at your pace and level.

An instructor takes a student to the ground during an adult Krav Maga class, alongside groups drilling palm strikes and close-quarters defences.

Adult & Teen Self-Defense

Teens & adults · all levels

Practical self-defense for teens and adults at any fitness level: how to spot, avoid and escape real threats. Built on Krav Maga, the system used by military and police worldwide.

More about Adult & Teen Self-Defense

Krav Maga is a modern, practical, and highly effective self-defense system developed to help people protect themselves in real-life situations. It was developed by Imi Lichtenfeld, beginning in the 1930s, and later taught to Israel's defence forces. It has since grown into one of the most widely respected self-defense systems in the world.

By the 1970s it was being taught to civilians, and it is now used globally by military units, law enforcement agencies, and everyday individuals seeking real-world protection. What sets Krav Maga apart is its simplicity and effectiveness.

The techniques are based on natural human instincts, allowing students to learn quickly and respond efficiently under stress. It’s designed to work in a wide variety of scenarios, from common street encounters to high-threat situations, without relying on complicated choreography or sport-based rules. There are no competitions, point systems, or fancy moves—just direct, functional techniques aimed at survival and safety.

At Confluence Krav Maga, our Teens and Adults train in a full, authentic Krav Maga program. Our certified instructors trained at the Wingate Institute in Netanya, Israel, home of the world's first Krav Maga instructor course. Our curriculum not only teaches powerful self-defense tactics, but also the mindset, awareness, and principles necessary to stay safe in an unpredictable world.

Whether you're looking to gain confidence, protect yourself and your loved ones, or simply get in great shape, this program offers an exciting and supportive environment where you'll be challenged, empowered, and welcomed. No matter your age, experience level, or physical condition—this system is for everyone.

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Two children in headgear and boxing gloves spar while classmates train behind them, with younger groups sitting on the mat listening to an instructor.

Kids Self-Defense & Confidence

Ages 3–12

Self-defense and confidence for ages 3–12, in three age groups: handling bullying, staying safe, and building respect, focus and discipline.

  • Tiny Champs Ages 3–4
  • Little Champions Ages 5–6
  • Youth Ages 7–12
More about Kids Self-Defense & Confidence

Our kids Krav Maga program is specifically designed for children ages 3 to 12, providing them with real-world, practical self-defense skills in a safe, supportive, and high-energy environment.

Through age-appropriate training in Krav Maga, a modern self-defense system, and dynamic Kickboxing techniques, students learn how to protect themselves both physically and mentally from common threats such as bullying, peer pressure, and even potential online dangers. This program not only equips pre-teens with powerful striking and movement skills through Kickboxing, but it also builds a strong foundation of awareness, confidence, and resilience.

Every class is paired with our comprehensive character development curriculum, focusing on essential life values like respect, self-discipline, perseverance, leadership, and focus. These core values are woven into the training, helping students grow into well-rounded individuals both on and off the mats.

Our experienced instructors create a kid-friendly atmosphere where learning is fun, empowering, and inclusive. Students enjoy the exciting workouts and challenges, while parents appreciate watching their children gain confidence, increase their physical fitness, and consistently demonstrate strong, positive behavior at home and in school.

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Four people hold a push-up position in a row on the floor during a group fitness class.

Group Fitness

Everyone · novice to veteran

Group fitness classes—dumbbells, boot camps, boxing and kickboxing, Cage Fitness, and more—building the movement and cardio-respiratory endurance self-protection depends on, for novices and veterans alike.

More about Group Fitness

Your ability to protect yourself & your loved ones relies directly on your ability to move and on your Cardio-respiratory Endurance. We've got dumbbells, boot camps, boxing & kickboxing, Cage Fitness, and more! Whether you're a novice or a veteran of fitness, we have something for you! Make the decision today to enhance your life in a great way!

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A coach holds focus mitts for a young kickboxer in pink gloves during class.

Kickboxing

Everyone · novice to veteran

Boxing's punching power combined with the kicking techniques of martial arts, taught by an Olympic kickboxing coach. Hard work, and genuinely good fun.

More about Kickboxing

This is a fun class which combines the strong punching power of boxing with strong kicking techniques of martial arts. It’s been estimated that a kickboxing workout will typically burn 600 to 800 calories per hour.

This class is taught and directed by US Kickboxing Olympic Coach Tom Whitaker, who has 26 years’ experience training everyone from beginners to Olympic athletes.

Book a free class

Your first class

What to expect

What is Krav Maga?

A self-defense system built for real situations rather than sport. You learn to recognise danger early, get away safely, and defend yourself when you have to. It's used by military and police worldwide, and taught here for everyday people.

Is my first class really free?

Yes. Book your first class online and come train with us.

What should I wear?

Comfortable, well-fitting clothes you can move in.

When should I arrive?

Please arrive 10 minutes before your class starts.

Do I need experience or to be in shape?

No. Classes are for all levels. No matter your age, experience level, or physical condition, self-defense is for everyone.

What ages do you teach?

Our Adult & Teen Self-Defense program is for teens and adults of every level. Our kids program starts at age 3, with separate groups for ages 3–4, 5–6 and 7–12.

Schedule

Class times

The next fortnight, straight from our booking system. Your first class is free.

TodaySep 25

  • 4:00 PMKrav Maga - Youth
  • 4:45 PMLittle Champions

MondaySep 28

  • 4:00 PMLittle Champions
  • 4:45 PMYouth Kickboxing
  • 5:45 PMBlack Belts - Kickboxing & Sparring
  • 5:45 PMWeight Lifting
  • 5:45 PMFight Team
  • 6:30 PMKrav Maga - Adult - Ground

TuesdaySep 29

  • 4:30 PMTiny Champs
  • 5:00 PMBlack Belts - Krav Maga
  • 5:00 PMLittle Champions
  • 6:00 PMKrav Maga - Youth
  • 6:00 PMFight Team
  • 7:30 PMKrav Maga - Adult - Self Defense

WednesdaySep 30

  • 4:00 PMLittle Champions
  • 4:45 PMYouth Kickboxing
  • 5:45 PMWeight Lifting
  • 5:45 PMFight Team
  • 5:45 PMBlack Belts - Kickboxing & Sparring

ThursdayOct 1

  • 4:30 PMTiny Champs
  • 5:00 PMBlack Belts - Krav Maga
  • 5:00 PMLittle Champions
  • 6:00 PMKrav Maga - Youth
  • 6:00 PMFight Team
  • 7:30 PMKrav Maga - Adult - Self Defense

Friday, Oct 2

  • 4:00 PMKrav Maga - Youth
  • 4:45 PMLittle Champions
  • 5:30 PMBlack Belt Boot Camp

Monday, Oct 5

  • 4:00 PMLittle Champions
  • 4:45 PMYouth Kickboxing
  • 5:45 PMBlack Belts - Kickboxing & Sparring
  • 5:45 PMWeight Lifting
  • 5:45 PMFight Team
  • 6:30 PMKrav Maga - Adult - Ground

Tuesday, Oct 6

  • 4:30 PMTiny Champs
  • 5:00 PMLittle Champions
  • 5:00 PMBlack Belts - Krav Maga
  • 6:00 PMFight Team
  • 6:00 PMKrav Maga - Youth
  • 7:30 PMKrav Maga - Adult - Self Defense

Wednesday, Oct 7

  • 4:00 PMLittle Champions
  • 4:45 PMYouth Kickboxing
  • 5:45 PMBlack Belts - Kickboxing & Sparring
  • 5:45 PMWeight Lifting
  • 5:45 PMFight Team

Thursday, Oct 8

  • 4:30 PMTiny Champs
  • 5:00 PMBlack Belts - Krav Maga
  • 5:00 PMLittle Champions
  • 6:00 PMKrav Maga - Youth
  • 6:00 PMFight Team
  • 7:30 PMKrav Maga - Adult - Self Defense

On the mat

Training and competition

A kickboxer in pink gloves throws a punch at focus mitts held by a coach A kickboxer wearing several championship belts, draped in an American flag beside a ring

Instructors

Your instructors

All three hold instructor credentials from the Wingate Institute in Netanya, Israel.

Richard Franklin

Richard Franklin

  • 3rd Degree Black Belt from Krav Maga Universal
  • Certified Senior Instructor from Wingate Institute in Netanya, Israel
  • Apache Knife Fighting Instructor
  • SRCTD Tactical Handgun Instructor
  • NRA Basic Pistol Instructor
  • NRA Range Safety Officer
Michael Berentz

Michael Berentz

  • US Army Retired 23 Years
  • 3rd Degree Black Belt from Krav Maga Universal
  • Certified Senior Instructor from Wingate Institute in Netanya, Israel
  • Apache Knife Fighting Instructor
  • Certified in Krav Maga Security and Executive protection
  • NRA Basic Pistol Instructor
  • NRA Range Safety Officer
Tommy D. Whitaker

Tommy D. Whitaker

  • 6th Degree Black Belt in American Karate
  • 4th Degree Black Belt in Krav Maga from ICS in Tel Aviv, Israel
  • Coaching Degree in Krav Maga from Wingate Institute in Netanya, Israel
  • National Trainer of Instructors through Krav Maga Universal
  • Olympic Kickboxing Coach for Team USA Kickboxing
  • Combat Knife Instructor
  • Former Head of Security at Excalibur Night Club, 1995–2002
  • 1996 St. Louis Heavyweight Golden Gloves Boxing Champion
  • 1997 USA-KIA United States Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion
  • 1997–1999 Heavyweight Fighter for the Coors Light World Class Professional Kickboxing Team

Reviews

What members say

Great knowledgeable team. It is obvious that the instructors love what they do. They take the time to give individual guidance during classes and the classes are well worth the cost. Much more affordable than I had imagined. Would 100% recommend 5/5 stars

Holly Bilchik Facebook review

Effective self defense. This is the real deal taught by experienced certified instructors. The atmosphere is welcoming. The teaching is geared to helping you learn and improve based upon your pace and level.

John Johnson Google review

Hands down the best gym to learn self defense skills! The instructors are amazing, knowledgeable, and have a passion to teach and help others. Can’t recommend a batter place!

Michael Cushing Facebook review

I have been attending classes here for the past 5 years. I have gained so much more confidence in myself. The instructors take the time to work with you and with any shortfalls you may have... whether it be physical or otherwise. I look forward to our classes and the great friends I have made over the years. If you want to become more confident in your everyday life, if you want to feel safer in your everyday life and if you want to learn how to defend yourself should that happen, then you need to come join us! First class is always free!

Evelyn Broussard Google review

I started the program earlier this year and am so happy I did. The instructors are amazing, and I’ve made some of the best friendships since starting. Not only am I learning how to protect myself, but it’s been such an improvement for me mentally and physically. I started with no experience in defense and very little physical endurance, and the instructors and students have all been so helpful in guiding me along the way.

Hayley Prager Google review

Tom and family works hard for the students. Make it fun for the kids. Very dedicated to their students. The students have respect for all instructors. They will have respect when they are done.

Ray Kidwell Metro Krav Maga & Kickboxing member (now Confluence Krav Maga)

This school has done wonders for my son. His discipline and focus have dramatically improved.

Kelly Murray Metro Krav Maga & Kickboxing member (now Confluence Krav Maga)

I have been going there for years and years and have never had one complaint about it. It is great for the family or anyone. I really recommend coming it helped me with my behavior.

kalyn sweeney winters Metro Krav Maga & Kickboxing member (now Confluence Krav Maga)

Great place to train! Very practical approach to self defense. And very family oriented.

Rick Goforth Metro Krav Maga & Kickboxing member (now Confluence Krav Maga)

Great place for the whole family.

Brad Bagwell Metro Krav Maga & Kickboxing member (now Confluence Krav Maga)

Train with us? Leave a Google review or review us on Facebook.

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Address
123 W Main St
Collinsville, IL 62234
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