Strike First Krav Maga

Specialties

Our style of teaching is focused primarily on building self defense and fighting skills. There is a lot of intense exercise that we embed into our drills which allow us to test our techniques under stress and duress. In addition to learning a martial art skill that could potentially save your life, you will also get a great workout!

The mission of Strike First is to provide training to its students by promoting development of technique, improvement of reaction time, and the building of physical and mental confidence in everyday life. Strike First teaches true and authentic Krav Maga that has been handed down through strong lines of skilled instructors and commanders.

Classes are held 6 days a week — Monday through Saturday. Beginners are required to schedule an introduction class with an instructor before joining our Tier 1 class. We currently offer a Tier 2 class for more advanced students and sparring class for those interested in full contact kickboxing.

Strike First students are considered family and are treated with dignity and respect at all times. Each skill level is approached on an individual basis with the philosophy of building strengths and correcting weaknesses. All students are expected to push themselves and achieve positive goals while attending class and in the community. Strike First strives towards the goal of building a better society in which people can live without fear of falling helpless to the oppression crime and violence.

History

Established in 2012.

Ilya Akhter had always wanted to follow his dream of opening a Krav Maga school in Boston since his days of service in the IDF. Upon returning home to America, he decided to pursue this goal by partnering up with Adam Gleason who had been studying Krav Maga since 2007.

Having already been hired to teach Krav Maga to children attending the Shaloh House in Brighton, Ilya had negotiated space there in which he and Adam could begin teaching their curriculum to adults. In 2012, Strike opened its doors offering classes two days a week.

Shortly after, SFKM had opened its own studio in Allston and is now offering a full schedule of adults and kids classes. Specialty seminars featuring specific topics relating to self defense (such as carjacking and women’s self-​defense) are regularly held. The school has also brought in instructors from other styles of martial arts to present special seminars outside of the normal Krav curriculum practiced at SFKM.

Meet the Business Owner

Adam and Ilya S.

Business Owner

Adam Gleason brings years of Krav Maga, Kung Fu, and kickboxing experience to Strike First. Having trained since 2005, he has developed a passion for learning and teaching self-​defense skills. After 12 years at Father Bill’s & Mainspring, Adam left his supervisor position to teach Krav Maga full time. He has been training in Krav Maga since 2007, earned a Krav Maga Black Belt in 2015, and holds a 1 – 0 winning record competitive amateur kickboxing.

Ilya Akhter was born in the Ukraine and raised in the United States. He began Combat Sambo and Systema training at the age of eight. Ilya joined the Israeli Defense Force where he was able to further his training in self-​defense systems. As a sergeant in an anti-​terrorist special forces unit, Ilya has extensive training in Krav Maga which was a vital asset to his service. In March of 2012, he partnered with Adam Gleason and opened the Strike First Krav Maga program.