Krav Maga Self-Defense and Kickboxing in Norwich Connecticut

Imagine living your life knowing you were expertly trained to deal with any attack, and in better shape than
you ever though possible.
Welcome to Krav Maga.

"I have been involved in many sports but this really has been great for all around conditioning."

Dr. Steven Green, 54 years old, Norwich

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"I have been taking martial arts for several years and I have been extremely impressed with what it has done for me. My strength, flexibility and endurance have all significantly improved. I have been involved in many sports but this really has been great for all around conditioning. Learning new physical maneuvers involved in a new form gives a real sense of accomplishment.

Mr. McShane and his staff are experts at what they do and are very understanding and patient teachers. The people that I have met through martial arts have been the best. I look forward to going every week."

Do any of these describe you?

You want to feel better and get in shape.
You’ve tried running, the gym, cardio-kickboxing - but you didn’t get the results you wanted and it got boring.
You were into martial arts as a kid and want to get back to it, but you're not into wearing a baggy white gi.
With kids and work, it's hard to find time to get and stay in shape.
You're serious about learning real self-defense.
You need to burn off stress.
New Years Resolutions have NEVER worked out.
You need a compelling reason to quit bad habits.
You're sick of the treadmill.
You're frustrated because exercise has never seemed to work out, and you're still paying for that unused gym membership.
You need to get around some positive people.
You just want to have some fun.
...and hitting stuff sounds like that kind of fun.

America's Best Defense.

The ABD System combines the best striking techniques from Muay Thai and boxing with battle-tested Krav Maga (Israeli military self-defense) AND fitness principles to give you the best, most interesting workout you've ever experienced. With America's Best Defense, you get:

...Krav Maga. As one of the hottest adult martial arts out there, Krav Maga is a modern-day system taken directly from the Israeli military. The techniques of Krav Maga follow Bruce Lee's philosophy: to paraphrase, 'If it works, use it. If it doesn't, lose it.' Krav Maga self-defense is easy for beginners to learn, and uses the body's natural reactions to set up realistic and devastating fighting techniques. If you missed it, Krav Maga was recently featured on the History Channel's 'Human Weapon' series, and 'Fight Quest' on Discovery. Just do a search on youtube for it. It's easy, fun, and IT WORKS.
...Muay Thai Kickboxing. This IS NOT CARDIO KICKBOXING! No tights, no aerobics, no bad 135bpm workout music. If you follow Mixed Martial Arts, you've certainly heard of Muay Thai, Thailand's cultural kickboxing system. For striking, Muay Thai is one of the most effective systems available, and has gotten extremely popular in America over the last 5 years. Using the body's 8 major weapons (both hands, elbows, knees, and feet), Muay Thai's strikes are legendary. With America's Best Defense, you get the best of Muay Thai kickboxing without ever having to get in the ring.
... An Effective, Full-Body Workout that will leave you feeling accomplished, after every class. ABD improves flexibility, tone, endurance, and energy, and burns up to 900 calories per hour. It's not uncommon for students to lose 10lbs. in their first month. Some have lost as much as 50lbs in under six months.
... Proven Self-Defense Principles designed to keep you safe. With ABD, our Krav Maga system is continually improved so you're always getting the latest in martial arts tactics and development.
... The Motivation of a structured system to keep you seeing progress. This is where other exercise systems may have failed you. At America’s Best Defense, you have someone helping you, guiding you, and the support of other students just like you. In short, accountability. We help to build you from within, to create self-discipline so strong you won't need anyone else to push you.
... A Friendly, Safe Workout Environment. We have great people training here at ABD, and a safe facility to keep you in 'fighting shape.' Our students are comprised of Doctors, Police Officers, Nurses, Coast Guard and Navy personnel, Engineers, and all sorts of professionals.
... The Attention of Full-time, Professional Instructors. This is important - at America’s Best Defense, teaching is our only job. Our instructors are not distracted by dayjobs - this means better quality instruction for you.
... A Fun Activity for YOU. It's time you can take for yourself, to vent frustrations and feel great, every week. You get to hit stuff HARD in this class. It's difficult NOT to feel better afterward.
... A Way To Meet New Friends. You'll surround yourself with motivated, like-minded people that will push you to try your best.
... Improved Energy. Working out keeps your body and mind balanced and gives you more energy at work and home. Would increased energy help you get more done?
... Goals, Short and Long-Term, with an emphasis placed on personal achievement. If you aren't a goal-oriented person, would it help you to become one? Martial Arts is one of the best ways to learn the habit of Setting Goals.
... less of a waistline.

Both my husband and I have noticed a greater level of confidence in myself.

Megin Sechen (Black Belt and mother of 2), Baltic CT

"Sensei McShane -

"After watching (my son's) classes, I often thought about trying martial arts myself. When Andrew signed up, I decided to give it a try. As nervous as I was, you and your staff made me feel comfortable. Over the past few months, I have noticed so many changes in myself. I definitely enjoy the workout. You push me to do things I never thought I could or would do. Both my husband and I have noticed a greater level of confidence in myself. I wish that I had known the self-defense techniques years ago.

Thank you again for all you, Mr. Hesser and the rest of the staff have done for my family."

Eastern Connecticut State University Professor:
"ABD has changed the way I teach..."

Professor Flood had more to say: (Press Play Below)

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"I tried running and going to the gym..."

Elizabeth Burke-Roberts, Nurse at Norwich Pediatric Group

Master Instructor - Charlie McShane

5th Degree Black Belt in ABD system under Paul Garcia
4th Degree Master Instructor, Pyong Hwa Kunin Tang Soo Do under Grandmaster Steve Voelker
Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Marcio Stambowsky
Certified Level 1 Krav Maga Instructor, Krav Maga Alliance (4/12)
Certified CT707 Israeli Special Forces Krav Maga Instructor under Nir Maman (9/9/12)
Certified Level 1 Muay Thai Instructor under Master Tran (11/09)
Certified F.I.G.H.T. Israeli Martial Arts Instructor (10/08)
Brown Belt in Judo at Norwich Judo Dojo

Sensei McShane is a Level 1 Instructor in Tran's Muay Thai

With over 20 years of experience, Mr. McShane has traveled all over the US and to England to study and compete in martial arts, as well as learn modern teaching and motivational techniques.

Competitive Achievements:

1999 ITSDMGKF World Championships, Watford, England - Gold Medalist: Lightweight Sparring
2003 IGTSDA World Championships, London, England - Gold Medalist: Weapons, Gold Medalist: Team Forms
2003 AAU US National Jiu-Jitsu Gold Medalist, Lightweight Gi Division, Houston Texas
2003 AAU US National Jiu-Jitsu Gold Medalist, Lightweight No-Gi, Houston Texas
2003 AAU US National Jiu-Jitsu Gold Medalist, Lightweight Traditional, Houston Texas

Rickson Gracie & Charlie McShane, 2005

Sensei McShane has also instructed the Hartford Police in unarmed techniques, as well as taught a self-defense course at the Navy Base in Groton. He has taught martial arts to thousands of New London county students at ABD Norwich since 2002.

As a full-time, professional martial artist since 1996, Sensei McShane has trained with instructors like Royce Gracie, Helio Gracie, Rickson Gracie, Rodrigo Gracie, Ryron Gracie, Rener Gracie, Master Hung Tran, Mike Lee Kanarek, Eddie Bravo, and top USJA instructors Bill Montgomery and Joan Love.

Sensei McShane is a "Competent Communicator", Awarded by Toastmasters International for public speaking. He also hosted the local TV show "Enter the Dojo."

EVIDENCE:

John Anthony: co-founder of Sportsense / 35 years old

Priscilla Migliaccio: owner of Hidden Acres Family Campground / Preston CT

Chuck Sarette: Electric Boat / 26 years old

Marianna Ibarra: 25 years old, Norwich

Scott Chalfant: co-founder of Sportsense / 34 years old / Andover

Brian Tuttle: Fireman / 25 years old / Taftville

Steve Hanerfeld: Millstone / 30 years old / Niantic

Kip Piscatelli: Mohegan Sun / 30 years old / Norwich

Scott Harris: Stats - Electric Boat / 43 years old / Norwich

"Who knew that I would love martial arts so much?"

Sensei McShane, I'm so glad we found your school. Both me and Seth are loving. And thanks for kicking my bootay every Tuesday and Thursday morning. I look forward to the classes. Who knew that I would love martial arts so much? I should've started this years ago!! :)

Melissa Tamborra, Norwich CT

"I can’t believe how fast the weight is coming off."

30lbs. in four months (not typical).

Sensei McShane,
Thank you for taking me on as a student. In just 4 months time I’ve come halfway to my weight loss goal. I’ve lost a total of almost 30 pounds of my 60 pound goal. I can’t believe how fast the weight is coming off. I’m also more motivated at work and around the house. I have much more energy and feel great! I wish I found you America’s Best Defense years ago!

Jason Pawloski, Brooklyn CT

"At 37 years old, I feel that I am the most fit I have been in my entire life."

I have been a student at America’s Best Defense for 2 years. I started as a parent sitting in the waiting area watching my 2 boys take class. My interest started in taking the adult class for fitness. I wanted to lose weight and to gain more energy. My husband wanted me to join to learn self defense. As a social worker for adults with severe mental health problems, many are homeless, as I am known to walk to a car with a person living in it and offer services, I work with male sex offenders, active substance abusers, I make DCF referrals and continue to work with the parents after the child had been taken away, etc. I never know what I will walk into and I am also a supervisor.

I never imagined that I would gain much more than fitness and self defense being a part of ABD. The most amazing part of the school is the people. Sensei McShane, Sensei Fritz, Mr. Ayala, Mrs. Cedio, and all of the students is what makes the school different from anything that I have ever been a part of before. From the moment I walked onto the mat as a white belt I felt welcomed by the senior belts teaching and assisting me and always wanting to be a partner. I feel that the people I have met here at the school are lifelong friends. All of the instructors take the time to give me feedback so I can become better, with experience comes confidence. That is what I have learned through my time as a student.

I have learned that I am stronger than I could have ever imagined. And I just don’t mean in strength, but of course that too. At 37 years old, I feel that I am the most fit I have been in my entire life. I am able to keep up with my 2 very active boys and that is so important. What I have learned at ABD makes me a better person, a better mother, a better supervisor, and a better me all around. I am very grateful to be a part of America’s Best Defense.

Holly Fish
Norwich, CT

"Here was a woman who didn’t even know me but yet was
encouraging me to keep going..."

Hello fellow martial artists. My name is Rosa and I started the Krav Maga / Muay Thai class about a month ago, after not training for a few years. I can talk to you about all the wonderful things I’m learning, but instead and with your indulgence what I would like to talk to you about is the heart of a martial artist. I had forgotten that true martial artists are a rare breed. I was reminded of that the first day I took class.

My first class turned out to be a stripe day class. Not sure if I would have shown up if I had known. It was a fast paced class. Here is where I was reminded of the heart of a martial artist. I was struggling a little with some of the exercises we had to do and the young woman whom I was paired with help me and encourage me to do better. What I heard from her was “come on you can do it, give me one more”. Now here was a woman who didn’t even know me but yet was encouraging me to keep going. And that’s what I mean by the heart of a martial artist. From the lowest belt to the highest belt you will always be encouraged and helped to give more when you think you have nothing more to give. A martial artist will pat you in the back when you have gone the extra mile and will pick you up and help you go that extra mile if you can’t do it on your own.

I had lost myself for a little while, but little by little in class I am finding the woman I use to be. Martial Arts: the one thing in this world that hasn’t disappointed me.

Heart: that’s what part of martial arts is all about. It’s hard to succeed in martial arts if you don’t have the heart.

Thanks for reading.

Rosa Fontanez
Ledyard, Connecticut

"I wanted to do something to both challenge myself and get in shape."

I've always wanted to get seriously into a martial art. I did Judo many years ago, and for one reason or another, never got back into it. I wanted to do something to both challenge myself and get in shape. I found both at ABD with the Krav Maga, Muay Thai and BJJ. I've done gyms before, but the missing element there for me was the camaraderie. At ABD, you are surrounded by your fellow students all working towards the same goals; everybody supporting and pushing each other to do their best.

Matt Zupka, Norwich CT

Why martial arts?

As a 50 year old, I've come to recognize the benefits, and necessity of physical fitness and good health. While I've tried to remain active, I was ready for a change from my typical gym work outs. The rigor, and discipline of martial arts training offered the challenge I was after. Additionally, my son has been training for many years, and I've witnessed all the positive things it has done for him, beyond just physical fitness. Training together with him has also offered us a unique bonding experience, which is so important between a father and his teenage son.

Why ABD Norwich?

That decision was easy. Having watched my son train at this school for over five years, I've come to recognize what a unique place it is. Sensei McShane has created a environment and a teaching style that motivate students to excel. He does this without intimidation, or being judgmental. No matter what your skill level, he, and all his instructors, provide a supportive and positive atmosphere that make you want to train harder and do better. All that they ask is that you give it your best. Their attitude, coupled with the natural camaraderie amongst the students creates the motivation to push yourself ever higher.

Thanks -

John Kremer
Bozrah, Connecticut

"I have lost between 75 and 100 Lbs and 6 to 8 inches off my waist line..."

ABD has been one of the best experiences of my life. I have always been a bigger person. I have thought about martial arts growing up and thought I could never do it. It got worse as I grew up. Being over weight was a damper on things my entire life. I didn't have the drive and didn't believe in myself.

Now at 32 years old and 345lbs, I said enough is enough. I need to do something.... I joined the gym and ABD. I had no clue what I was in for but determined to change my life for the better.

Starting out was a tough task. You have to want it. It is hard work but when you see the results it is stunning and you get hooked. A few of the best things I have accomplished from my new life at ABD are self-motivation, discipline, and losing weight. These are a couple of things you may say you want from starting martial arts. Well let me tell you... when all of these traits start to become a part of you, there are no words to explain it. It is a good feeling and it's unbelievable when it actually happens. It's one thing to say it but when you notice how it effects your everyday life, its speechless.

I know I could have never made it this far without the staff and other students in class that want the same things I want. Everyone in class works at their own pace and helps one another understand and helps motivate each other. The staff will take their time and explain in detail which is great because everyone learns at their own pace.

One more thing I have taken from ABD is my body change. I have lost between 75 and 100 Lbs and 6 to 8 inches off my waist line. Im not perfect but have a lot more confidence now. I am starting to walk with my head high because of my accomplishments.

I would recommend ABD to anyone and everyone. Give it a try... if I could do it anyone can do it. I want to say thanks to the staff and students at ABD - you're awesome.

Chris R.

"I'm very glad I found your school and look forward to my future training."

Sensei McShane,

I have to compliment you on the wonderful job you have done in creating America's Best Defense in Norwich. As a new student I've been extremely impressed with you, your students and staff. Every student I've worked out with has been gracious and patient in helping me get up to speed with the correct way to perform strikes, hold pads and generally provide great encouragement during my workouts.

You and your instructors are equally impressive. As a certified teacher, I understand the challenge of working with 10-20, or more, students' different personalities, abilities, and motivations. You and your instructors all have the "heart of a teacher", always finding the positives and pushing us to do better. I'm very glad I found your school and look forward to my future training.

Paul Heely
Norwich, CT

"Your program pushed me physically more than anything other
exercise program I have started..."

I just wanted to say thank you again for a great year-and-a-half of training. Your program pushed me physically more than anything other exercise program I have started, and learn a lot about myself (the good and the bad).

The part of your program that I believe sets it apart from most others is the few minutes at the end of class to reflect on the history, stories, and topics you find to encompass a new way of thinking which hopefully leads to some form of self-betterment not only physically buy personally and mentally as well.

Since you spoke of the topic about not letting a failure stop you from a goal, and the student who has taken the BB test twice, I have thought about one of my favorite quotes.

"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat." ~ Teddy Roosevelt

I hope that my new professional path will eventually allow me the time to dedicate myself to the program again.

Thank you again and to all of the Instructors

Kyle Bernard

Brooklyn, CT

"I don't get bored from it like I did with ALL the other workouts I have done..."

I have trained at ABD Norwich for 3 months now. When I first started looking for a school to train at I was a little hesitant. I had never trained in a martial art and at 30 I figured I was too old to start, that most people training had started as kids. I was also unsure as to what art to train. I found ABD online and recognized Muay Thai as the striking style most used by MMA fighters and that caught my attention. Also, I had heard of Krav Maga, and as a Correctional Officer, knew that the best, no nonsense type of self defense would probably be what was best for me.

From the "quick start class" I knew right away that I was going to love training at ABD Norwich. The instruction was helpful and I didn't feel like I was "jumping into the deep end." My first class also happened to be the first class for a few other people in my age range, so I was not alone in that regard either.

Not only do I look forward to class every week to learn more, but the work out is great and I don't get bored from it like I did with ALL the other workouts I have done. When it's been a few days since my last class, I can't wait to get to the next one.

Troy Wood
Danielson, CT

"The first thing in a long time that keeps me going back to workout and exercise..."

After years of occasionally considering getting back into martial arts, the Krav Maga and Muay Thai offerings that ABD provides met just what I was looking for (in addition to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu).

The positive culture of the school stands out immediately after joining and is reemphasized in every class. The mix of calisthenics and self-defense gives me workouts that rival anything I've had in the military, with positive reinforcement that acknowledges varying levels of ability.

Besides that, the classes are the first thing in a long time that keeps me going back to workout and exercise, while learning effective martial arts and developing a much stronger desire to continue pursuing self-defense.

Finally, Sensei McShane and all the instructors are always doing their best to improve the curriculum, assist students, and remain concerned for the progress of everybody.

ABD has set the bar for martial arts for me as far as what I expect in a quality school with the right culture and attitude.

Dan Gackowski
US Navy

"Learn some self-defense and get the body in shape for Spring
when my workload starts."

- Jeff Keefe, GS Flatwork LLC, Uncasville CT

"That was my goal when I first called America's Best Defense for a tryout in December 2009. I do concrete construction for a living and keeping in shape is a must for me in the off season and at 46 years old, it was time to make some better habits.

The workouts are way beyond what I was doing on my own and always changing. You will not get bored here. The students are supportive of on another and this pushes you to do more which creates a great workout environment.

Sensei McShane and his assistants are excellent, patient teachers and stress the proper form and technique of each move. I would highly recommend ABD to anyone reading this. You will get in better shape, learn self-defense as were my goals, and something I was not expecting, with the philosophy taught here, perhaps become a better person."

"Don't tell yourself why you shouldn't, ask yourself why haven't you been."

"ABD has helped my family build stronger as a group and as individuals. My 6 yo Sonitah is a shy timid little girl but once that uniform is on she is a "ninja in training" her confidence sky rockets and she is ready to go.

Speaking for myself as a 33 y/o man... Training has given me some of the energy I have lost through the years and my health. I haven't felt better in years. The enviroment you are sorrounded with is full of energy and possitive reinforcement. Don't tell yourself why you shouldn't, ask yourself why haven't you been.

Thank you Sensei McShane and ABD.

Shawn Shook
Norwich, Connecticut

The workouts are challenging, fun, and very original.

ABD is a great place to test yourself. The workouts are challenging, fun, and very original. If you are a person who likes to work out in a positive environment, ABD is for you.

Americas Best Defense is the sole reason that I am Muay Thai till I die!

Matt Frank
New London, CT

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is it okay that I have no experience?
Yes. We always have beginners coming in, and we'll show you the kickboxing and Krav Maga basics first so you can comfortably keep up with class.

Sounds pretty intense:
It’s a good, thorough workout, that’s for sure. But my classes have a supportive and fun atmosphere that makes them a great time. No barking drill-instructors here, just a lot of like-minded people achieving their goals together.

Is America’s Best Defense a Licensed Martial Arts School?
Yes. Our State of Connecticut Health Club License is #HCL.0000754. Many martial arts schools are unlicensed! If this is important to you, make sure you ask at any school you visit.

Will I be getting hit?
Our classes are very SAFE. We use pads, shields, and safety equipment constantly, and the injury rate is VERY low.

I want to compete in Muay Thai/MMA. Do you have a fight team?
We have a couple students who fight but honestly, competition is not our focus. If you are serious about fighting, check out our friends at Strikezone MMA.

What kind of people get involved in this? Just shaved-head, tattooed MMA guys?
No - we have nurses. Doctors. Police officers. Physician’s Assistants. Casino workers. College students. Interface Analysts. High School Teachers. House Moms. Engineers. Pipe Fitters. People from all different walks of life benefit from classes at America’s Best Defense.

Am I Too Old?
Too old to get in shape, learn self-defense, and feel great? Is there an age limit on that? Not that I’ve ever heard of.

Are Classes Co-Ed?
Yes, all of our classes are for men and women. We feel, especially for self-defense, it’s important to work with a variety of partners to promote realistic training. This results in higher confidence in our students, which makes you less of a target.

I have previous injuries.
Does that count me out? No. We can always modify what you do to work around previous injuries, and you’ll NEVER be asked to work through any kind of pain.

How much does it cost?
We have different options to choose from, but most professional martial arts schools in the area charge between 99 and 199 per month. We find ourselves somewhere in the middle.

Is your program right for everyone?
No. Our program is designed for people who are serious about getting in shape and developing confidence. We’re not a sport school. We don’t really do tournaments. I don’t train cage-fighters, and our environment is not gym-like. I also don’t teach traditional karate or cardio-kickboxing. If our program isn’t right for you, I’d be more than happy to recommend other programs in the area that would be a better fit.

How Do I Get Started?

Getting started is simple.

Simply fill in your information below, and one of my staff members will get back to you as soon as possible.

At that point, we will schedule a QUICK START APPOINTMENT.

The Quick Start Appointment will let us do 2 things:

1) It will give you a chance to see exactly how we can help you achieve your goals and how we work with our students,

and…

2) We’ll teach you all the basics you need to comfortably join the group class.

IN YOUR QUICK START CLASS, you will:

Learn the Basics of Movement: 4 Key Steps to moving defensively,
Learn to Maximize Your Power: It doesn’t take muscle to hit hard. We’ll show you how.

Learn Basic Kickboxing Punches,
Learn Muay Thai Knee Strikes,
Learn A Basic Kick,
Link these techniques into Practical Combinations,
A Krav Maga self-defense technique against a common attack situation,
AND Experience part of an ABD workout. You’ll break a sweat and have fun kicking and punching some pads.

All of this for 14.95.

Keep in mind, this Quick Start Program is available so we can make sure my program is right for you first. You won’t be committing to anything.

Also, this program is popular right now, and my appointment book fills up fast. The sooner you fill in your info and reserve a spot, the better.

So again, please fill in your info below and be as detailed as you can. I’d like to meet you and find the best way to help you with your goals.

Charlie McShane

Master Instructor
America's Best Defense LLC
433 West Main Street
Norwich, Connecticut 06360
860-889-1818

All material on this site copyright © 2012 America’s Best Defense, LLC.
All rights reserved. Material may not be used or reprinted for any reason
without prior written authorization from America’s Best Defense, LLC.

Imagine living your life knowing you were expertly trained to deal with any attack, and in better shape than you ever though possible. Welcome to Krav Maga.