About Krav Maga Detroit
Real Self-Defense. Real Confidence. Real Results.
At Krav Maga Detroit, we believe everyone deserves the confidence that comes from knowing how to protect themselves and the people they love
Since 2005, we’ve helped thousands of adults, teens, children, and professionals throughout Metro Detroit develop practical self-defense skills that work in the real world—not just in a training environment.
Located in Troy, Michigan, we are one of the region’s premier Krav Maga training centers, offering authentic instruction for individuals of every age, fitness level, and experience. Whether your goal is personal protection, improved fitness, increased confidence, or simply challenging yourself, you’ll find expert instruction and an incredibly supportive community waiting for you.
Your journey starts with one class—and could change your life.
We don't teach students how to fight.
We teach them how to survive.
Our Mission
To help ordinary people become safer, stronger, and more confident through practical, reality-based self-defense training.
Self-defense is about much more than punches and kicks. It’s about awareness, decision-making under stress, confidence, discipline, and the ability to react when seconds matter.
- Confidence under pressure
- Mental toughness
- Situational awareness
- Real-world defensive skills
- Physical fitness
- Lifelong discipline
Meet Our Instructors
Pawel Cichowlas
Owner • Lead Instructor • 3rd Degree Black Belt
Krav Maga Detroit is led by Pawel Cichowlas, one of the Midwest’s most experienced Krav Maga instructors.
Originally from Poland, Pawel moved to the United States in 1996 and has dedicated his life to teaching authentic Krav Maga. As a 3rd Degree Black Belt Instructor.
Pawel has trained under internationally recognized Krav Maga experts and continually advances his education to ensure students receive the highest level of instruction available.
His passion isn’t simply teaching techniques—it’s helping people become stronger, safer, and more confident every day.
Certified To Train:
- Civilians
- Law Enforcement
- Military Personnel
- Children
Extensive Experience:
- Hand-to-hand combat
- Defensive tactics
- Weapons defense
- Firearms defense
- Knife defense
- Blunt weapon defense
- Active threat response
- Fitness instruction
- Movie fight choreography
Lisa Cichowlas
Co-Owner • Instructor
Lisa Cichowlas plays an essential role in creating the welcoming, supportive culture that defines Krav Maga Detroit.
As both instructor and co-owner, Lisa helps students of every background feel comfortable from the moment they walk through the door. Her encouragement, leadership, and dedication help make Krav Maga Detroit feel like family.
Why Families Across Metro Detroit Choose Krav Maga Detroit
Authentic Krav Maga Training
Krav Maga was developed for real-world survival—not tournaments or point fighting. Our training focuses on practical techniques that prepare you for situations you could actually encounter, including:
- Punches and Strikes
- Knife Threats
- Chokes and Grabs
- Firearm Threats
- Ground Attacks
- Blunt Weapon Attacks
- Multiple Attackers
- Situational Awareness
Every technique is simple, effective, and designed to work under stress.
Expert Instruction
Our instructors don’t simply demonstrate techniques—they coach, encourage, and develop every student individually.
Whether it’s your first class or you’ve trained for years, you’ll receive personalized instruction that helps you improve safely and consistently.
A Community That Supports You
Walking into a martial arts school can feel intimidating. That’s why we’ve built a culture where everyone belongs.
You’ll train alongside professionals, parents, first responders, college students, teenagers, retirees, and complete beginners—all working toward the same goal of becoming stronger together.
No Intimidation
No egos
Just people helping people improve.
Fitness With Purpose
Forget boring workouts. Every class builds:
- Functional Strength
- Mobility
- Cardiovascular Endurance
- Speed
- Agility
- Coordination
You’ll burn calories, improve conditioning, and leave every class knowing you’ve learned skills that could truly make a difference.
Programs for Every Stage of Life
Adult Krav Maga
Develop practical self-defense skills while improving your fitness, confidence, and mental resilience. Perfect for beginners and experienced martial artists alike.
Kids Krav Maga
Kids have fun while learning valuable life skills they’ll carry with them forever. Our youth program helps children develop:
- Confidence
- Discipline
- Anti-bullying Skills
- Respect
- Focus
- Stranger Awareness
Women’s Self-Defense
Designed specifically around real-world situations women may encounter, these classes teach practical techniques that build confidence, awareness, and personal safety.
Endurance & PT
High-energy conditioning classes designed to improve strength, endurance, speed, and overall athletic performance.
What Makes Krav Maga Different?
Unlike traditional martial arts, Krav Maga isn’t built around forms, tournaments, or scoring points. It was designed for one purpose:
Helping ordinary people survive dangerous situations.
The techniques are practical, effective, and designed for people of all sizes, ages, and athletic abilities.
Training Emphasizes
- Natural Body Movements
- Rapid Decision-making
- Immediate Threat Neutralization
- Escape Whenever Possible
- Realistic Scenarios
- Continuous Adaptation
More Than Self-Defense
Students often join because they want to learn how to protect themselves. They stay because they discover so much more. The transformation extends far beyond the training floor.
- Greater self-confidence
- Better physical fitness
- Improved mental resilience
- Lasting friendships
- Stress relief
- Increased discipline
- A healthier lifestyle
Serving Metro Detroit Since 2005
For over two decades, Krav Maga Detroit has been helping people throughout Southeast Michigan become more confident, capable, and prepared.
Thousands of students have trusted us with their self-defense training, fitness goals, and personal development.
Our reputation has been built one student at a time through exceptional instruction, genuine relationships, and a commitment to excellence.
Proudly Serving
- Troy
- Sterling Heights
- Birmingham
- Madison Heights
- Clawson
- Auburn Hills
- Rochester Hills
- Metro Detroit
- Bloomfield Hills
- Southeast Michigan
- Royal Oak
Train with confidence. Protect what matters. Become your strongest self.
Experience the Difference
Whether you’re looking to protect yourself, improve your fitness, build confidence, or challenge yourself in a supportive environment, Krav Maga Detroit is ready to help you take the first step.
No previous martial arts experience is necessary.
Our instructors will guide you every step of the way.
Come experience why Krav Maga Detroit has become one of Michigan’s most trusted names in self-defense training.
Schedule your FREE introductory class today
And discover what you’re truly capable of.
Reserve Your FREE Class
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