Force Defense and Fitness

Force Defense and Fitness operates out of 624 Main Street (lower level) in Holden, Massachusetts. They offer four distinct programs: Krav Maga, Fitness Kickboxing, Kids Martial Arts, and Yoga classes designed for all skill levels and ages.

No experience required. This isn't a gatekeeping operation. Whether you've never thrown a punch or trained for years, classes scale to where you are. Their stated mission is making classes accessible to all skills and abilities—meet students where they are, help them improve step by step.

"Our pledge is to make your success a priority from day one. People train for many different reasons. We're here to understand yours and help you achieve it."

Their flagship offering. Krav Maga—originally developed as the official fighting system of the Israeli Defense Forces—teaches instinctual movements for real-world self-defense in any situation. Classes deliver:

• •Functional fitness results: Total-body workouts that blend efficiency and speed without preparing you for bench press competitions. Instead, functional strength that carries into daily life.
• •Self-defense fundamentals: Improved reaction time, situational awareness, powerful strikes, and control from start to finish
• •Realistic training: Classes simulate chaotic environments and push you to use your body in ways typical gym workouts never demand

Expect to burn fat, build lean muscle, flatten your core, and develop agility and coordination.

High-energy workouts that blend striking and self-defense with fat-burning results. Key facts:

• •Calorie burn: Up to 1000 calories per hour
• •Community-focused: Classes build around supporting each other. You'll work with the same group week to week, building friendships and accountability
• •Consistent variety: Each class differs from the last to avoid plateaus and keep you motivated
• •Real results: Sustainable weight loss, improved strength and muscle tone, boosted cardiovascular health

Uses a blend of traditional Kenpo and modern-day martial arts techniques. The program targets:

• •Physical development: Lifelong habits of physical activity, strength and coordination, self-defense basics
• •Character building: Respect for others, discipline and perseverance, focus and attention to detail, leadership and communication skills
• •Practical life tools: Preparation for challenges like peer pressure and bullies, self-confidence that carries into adulthood

Boys and girls of all ages and experience levels can enroll.

Certified instructors lead classes designed for all ages and fitness levels. Benefits include:

• •Improved flexibility and strength
• •Cardiovascular health improvements
• •Stress reduction
• •Personal goal achievement

Testimonials highlight instructors by name—Tonya and Cam are specifically mentioned for their energy and motivation. Reviews emphasize:

• •Knowledge and technique focus: Instructors ensure proper form and explain the "why" and "when" behind techniques
• •Scaling ability: Instructors adjust difficulty up or down to match each person, whether they're starting fresh or already experienced
• •Motivation: Consistently noted as genuinely enthusiastic and invested in student progress

• •"Went with the goal to lose weight and learn self defense. Ended up losing weight, becoming hooked and making great friends. Very comfortable atmosphere and very friendly." — R.C. Thomas
• •"A wealth of knowledge, positive attitude and the ability to scale up or down the training to accommodate each person. It doesn't matter if you have never thrown a punch or are a Master." — G. Abrams
• •"Always a great workout with knowledgeable instructors making sure you are using the proper techniques. I highly recommend this school for anyone looking to get into better shape and learn how to defend yourself." — P. Harrington
• •"Having people that provide the energy and enthusiasm to keep me motivated is key. Tonya and Cam do just that, they make it so you want to go." — H. Parker
• •"The instructors are highly motivated and enormously skilled. Their focus upon not only technique but also the 'WHY' and 'WHEN' was huge." — S. McKinley

The school values martial arts training as a transformative practice that builds discipline, strength, and impacts all aspects of life—from career to personal relationships.