Private Self-Defense Training in San Francisco
One-on-one coaching at Forge, built around your goals, your experience level, and your schedule. No prior experience required.
How it Works
1. Tell us about yourself. Use the contact form and include four things: your age (or your child's), how many people will be training, what you want to get out of it, and any injuries or physical limitations. If you have preferred days and times, add those too. That's everything we need to match you with the right instructor.
2. We introduce you to your instructor. Most self-defense and Krav Maga requests go to Moses. Striking and kickboxing requests go to Xavier. Other Forge instructors take on private students when the fit is right. We'll connect you by email.
3. You and your instructor handle the rest. Scheduling, frequency, and payment are worked out directly between you and your instructor. Forge doesn't sit in the middle, which means fewer delays and a plan that fits both of you.
Pricing
Rates are set by each instructor and reflect seniority. Expect about $100 per hour for most Forge instructors and up to $200 per hour for our most senior coaches. Lessons run 55 minutes. You pay your instructor directly.
Your instructors
Moses is a graduate-level Krav Maga instructor and one of the most senior coaches at Forge. He teaches the majority of our self-defense private lessons.
Xavier is Forge's kickboxing and striking coach. He is a long-time martial artist with a broad background across multiple disciplines.
You're welcome to request a specific instructor. If you don't have a preference, we'll match you based on your goals.
Who Private Lessons Are For
Complete beginners
Many private students have never trained before. A private lesson is a slower, lower-pressure way to start, especially if group classes feel intimidating.
Busy professionals
Focused coaching on a schedule that works around travel, family, and long work weeks.
Women seeking practical self-defense
Scenario-based training in awareness, boundary setting, striking, escapes, and staying composed under pressure. The goal isn't fear. It's being harder to intimidate.
Teenagers and college-bound students
Practical skills for public transit, travel, campus life, and living independently. We have no hard minimum age. Your teen should be reasonably mature, focused, respectful, and curious, and able to handle adult conversations about real-world violence.
Experienced martial artists
Coaching that blends Krav Maga with Dutch Kickboxing, clinch work, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals, and Pekiti Tirsia Kali for a more integrated self-defense approach.
Current Forge members
Level test prep, sparring, technical sticking points, or simply faster progress with individual attention.
What Happens in a Private Lesson
Every lesson is adjusted to the student. Depending on your goals, a session might cover footwork and movement, striking fundamentals, defensive reactions, pad work, clinch or grappling, scenario drills, or pressure exercises. Some students want hard, physically demanding training. Others want to feel safer and more prepared. Your instructor will calibrate intensity to your experience, fitness, and comfort level.
Private Lessons vs. Group Classes
Group classes give you consistency, repetition, community, and a rotating set of training partners. Private lessons give you individual attention, faster progress, flexible scheduling, and a comfortable entry point for nervous beginners. Many students combine both, and we'll help you figure out which mix makes sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a private lesson?
Fill out the contact form with your age, group size, goals, and any injuries or limitations. We'll introduce you to an instructor by email, and you'll schedule directly with them.
How much do private lessons cost?
About $100 per hour for most instructors, up to $200 per hour for the most senior. Rates are set by the instructor.
How long is a lesson?
55 minutes.
How do I pay?
Directly to your instructor. Forge doesn't process private lesson payments.
Do I need a Forge membership?
No. Private lessons are open to anyone.
Can I request a specific instructor?
Yes. Mention it in your inquiry. Otherwise we'll match you based on your goals.
How soon can I start?
That depends on your instructor's availability. Including your preferred days and times in your inquiry speeds things up.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Work that out with your instructor directly.
Do I need prior experience?
No. Many private students are complete beginners.
Am I too old or out of shape to start?
No. Lessons are adapted to the individual.
Are private lessons intense?
They can be, but they don't have to be. Intensity is adjusted to your goals, experience, and comfort level.
Do you offer private lessons for teenagers?
Yes. There's no hard minimum age, but your teen should be mature, focused, respectful, and able to engage in adult conversations about real-world violence.
Can I train with a friend or partner?
Yes. Small-group sessions are available. Tell us how many people when you reach out, and your instructor will set the rate.
Do you teach weapon defense?
Yes, with strong fundamentals and safety first.
Where are lessons held?
Forge Krav Maga, 539 Gough Street, Hayes Valley, San Francisco.
Small Group & Corporate Training
Forge also runs private group and corporate self-defense training for companies, leadership teams, college groups, wellness programs, friend groups, and security teams, either at Forge or onsite at your location.
Who Forge Is Probably Not For
Forge is built for practical self-defense, skill development, and long-term growth. If you're looking for military roleplay, unrealistic disarm choreography, ego-driven fight culture, performative toughness, or cardio classes disguised as self-defense, we're probably not the right fit.
Start Training
If you're interested in private self-defense training in San Francisco, reach out and tell us a little about your goals, experience level, and scheduling needs. We'll help you figure out whether private lessons, group classes, or a combination of both makes the most sense.