About Us

I first heard about KM from a friend a few years ago, I was intrigued and thought it might be something I’d like to try. Well, fast forward a couple of years and I discovered OA KM, So a recently divorced friend and I signed up for a few trial classes. Woah. I LOVED it! Typically, I get bored after working out, doing the same thing all the time. And yes, I want to be fit, but the gym, including “cross-fit”, never kept my attention more than a couple of weeks to the longest, a few months. THIS IS DIFFERENT. It gives me a Purpose To Train: I’m training so I don’t have to walk around in fear waiting for some bad guy to take me, my kids, or my life. It’s Empowering: As a woman, I am often concerned that I will end up in a situation that I am woefully unprepared for. I am more prepared now than ever. It’s Engaging and Never Boring: Each class is always different from the last. LD makes sure the warmups challenge us, often with some friendly competition, and doesn’t mind if we need to scale or modify an exercise so we can complete it. I have never felt like I’m being judged for my lack of skill or ability. Instead, we all encourage one another to get better, stronger, faster! Finally, it has impacted my entire life. I feel physically, mentally and emotionally stronger. My confidence has improved, and I realize I am discovering and growing a personal strength I only ever saw glimpses of in the past.

This place is epic. LD is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and experienced as a dual black belt in Krav Maga and Dutch kickboxing. I am a front line psychiatric nurse practitioner frequently exposed to all kinds of violent situations. I love the family I have found at OA Krav Maga and am -so- excited about this outlet to expand my defense knowledge and improve my sense of personal safety. LD will teach you how to respond to the worst imaginable situations, when lives are threatened. Thank you LD for offering your much needed gifts to our community! My life has been positively transformed by OA KM. Highly recommend this training for anyone wishing to learn how to preserve life! I will be back for years to explore everything this place has to offer.

Joining OA Krav Maga has been one of the best decisions I have made for myself and my family. I have learned so much already after only a couple of months. There is a community here. We are all here to learn and help each other be better and do better. LD is, hands down, one of the best instructors I have had. I have taken TCCC courses, run Wilderness Survival scenarios, and been involved in Wilderness Trauma First Aid classes, and his level of professionalism, kindness, and butt kicking encouragement matches everyone of those. I am proud to be a student here and would encourage everyone to try it!

This place is beyond amazing!! If you want to learn to protect yourself and your loved ones, this is definitely the place. Come check it out and be trained to expect the unexpected!

LOVE training here with Mr. Thomas. As a beginner and a woman, learning about Krav Maga, kickboxing, etc. was out of my comfort zone and it was very important for me to find a place where I felt comfortable. This location is highly professional, communicative, clean, and friendly. Not only am I learning how to protect myself, but it is a great all-body workout and confidence booster. Evenings spent here are always the highlight of my week.

The instructor, David, is very approachable, friendly, and a proven expert. The classes manage to be both serious and fun, plus you'll get a great workout. You'll learn invaluable self-defense skills while also becoming part of a great community. Everyone, of all ages and walks of life, should learn Krav Maga; and you have one of the world's few black belts teaching it right here in Auburn, Alabama.

Finally, we have a dedicated Krav Maga studio here. The instructor is great, has an extensive background in military combatants straining, law enforcement, medical delivery and training along with his extensive education, proficiency, training, and teaching in Krav Maga. Coming to the studio is like a meeting of friends and family. I highly recommend this studio and instructor to anyone interested in learning or continuing their education in Krav Maga.

I am 74 years old and although I had a martial arts background in Shotokan karate, I did not begin Krav Maga and Kapap training until I was 66. After achieving advanced status I began receiving instruction from Mr. Thomas. No matter how well I felt I had developed a technique, Mr. Thomas was always able to find ways to improve each technique to make me faster, stronger, and more efficient. As important as these qualities are, I am most grateful for his mentorship and encouragement. He never treated me like a senior citizen but, rather, like any other advanced kravist always requiring my best effort. Due in part to his instruction and encouragement, I will be testing for E-1 (Black Belt) later this year.

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Thomas for several years now. Being an assistant instructor myself I’ve gotten to watch him teach and been taught by him. Mr. Thomas is without a doubt a very good instructor. He is very thorough and detailed. He goes over the technique explaining things as he goes along. He’s giving of himself. I’ve seen this many times after class has been over, he has stayed to help students that had questions, or didn’t quite grasp the technique shown. I have nothing but the upmost respect for him.

I am a new student at the school. I have been looking for a good Krav school for years and I can say with confidence this is this place. The instructor LD is awesome and the real deal. Not just certified as an instructor like some places, he holds a black belt in the art. The knowledge and atmosphere is excellent. I have tried other arts and schools and I have never felt like I fit. I fit here. I waited 3 months to make the call and try it. I now regret that as it’s a great place. If you are questioning if you should try it or not I can say go for it. It was the best decision I’ve made in a while.

As a petite woman who had previously found herself in, let’s say a precarious position, I had lost a lot of self confidence. I was welcomed in to a safe environment where immediately some of my fears were addressed regarding past situations. LD teaches from a place of understanding, knowledge, and patience. In a very short time I’m already feeling more confident. Being older I felt soft and I already feel stronger. I feel like in a real world self-defense scenario I have more tools to protect myself. Definitely a class for any skill level, so I would not let a novice status be a deterrent in trying these classes out!

I was surprised to learn that this place had opened in Auburn as I have been interested in participating in and learning the skills that are taught here for some time. LD , the owner and instructor, is a widely experienced practitioner both in the school/instruction setting and in real-life application through his military and law enforcement service. LD structures the classes so that each student gets the most benefit for their time by both the lesson plan and by the pairing of students as partners based on their experience, needs, and skills. I have been attending this program since March (4 months) and have learned a great deal that will be able to apply to the protection of my family should I ever find myself in an unfortunate situation. This class also provides an opportunity for physical activity which is something I also needed as I have not had success sticking with exercise programs and I work at a desk all-day. I would highly recommend giving the school a go if your have been considering an education in how to be prepared to make it home from an unfortunate encounter. One important distinction that I would like to share that sets the curriculum of this school apart from other similar schools is that this school teaches you skills that are designed for use in real-life scenarios where-as other schools or disciplines are more focused on teaching the skills that one would need to win a competition with another student/practitioner. Both approaches can be beneficial to you when you need them, but the former is more realistic.

Excellent workout and instruction! Highly recommend to develop defensive and offensive skills. Diverse group of students with many veterans. Several options for classes and packages for every budget.