Krav Maga Institute, New York

Krav Maga may be a battle-tested art developed for the Israeli Defense Force, but its practical self-defense tactics benefit soldier and civilian alike. This broad appeal is reflected in the teaching staff at the International Krav Maga Federation–certified Krav Maga Institute NYC, which includes an amateur-boxing champion, an active US Marine, and a PhD in genetics. As profiled in the New York Times, they introduce the martial art in beginner-friendly classes, demonstrating how it takes advantage of an individual's natural instincts to create devastating counterattacks meant to incapacitate an opponent as quickly as possible. Techniques include many responses to modern attacks, such as assaults involving guns, knives, or Tumblr pages filled with really gross pictures. Women's only classes are on their way; in the meantime, instructors recommend that ladies consider coed classes to practice their moves against beefier opponents. In addition to normal classes, instructors also host special workshops that supplement their curriculum, such as a bar-fighting seminar in which students learn how to fend off unexpected attacks from flagpoles.