STATEN ISLAND, NY – Staten Island’s Joan & Alan Bernikow Jewish Community Center (JCC), Sea View, is now offering Krav Maga classes to help Staten Islanders protect themselves against the upsurge in anti-Semitic incidents in New York City.

Krav Maga is a martial art that “focuses on the instincts and practical techniques for hand-to-hand combat. Unlike many other martial arts, which focus on form, Krav Maga emphasizes preparation for the real world situation.

JCC’s Krav Maga classes will teach participants about fighting stances, attacks and defenses, according to Allison Cohen, JJC Director of Marketing and Communications Joan & Alan Bernikow. The program will also provide learners with techniques for self-defense when faced with weapons, such as knives, bats, and close-range firearms, as well as threats from multiple attackers.

“While the recent increase in violent incidents against Jews is heartbreaking, we know there is work we can do to help make our community a safer place for all. This includes not only speaking out against hatred, but also empowering people to protect themselves, ”said Orit Lender, CEO of the JCC.

Although the JCC has been asked to offer Krav Maga classes in response to anti-Semitic acts across the city and country, the organization said the classes are open to anyone who wishes to learn self-defense techniques, citing their “benefits for stability, flexibility, coordination, cardiovascular health and mental well-being.”

The JCC currently offers eight-week Krav Maga classes, along with walk-in options, at its Bernikow building on Manor Road.

Multi-week sessions cost $ 240 for members and $ 280 for non-members, for one class per week, Sunday or Wednesday. The cost is $ 420 for members and $ 490 for non-members for two classes per week, Sunday and Wednesday.

Classes for women are available from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm Sunday, and classes for men are also available on Sunday from 9:30 am to 11:00 am They run until August 29th. General courses are available from 7:00 am to 8:30 am Wednesday afternoons and until September 1st.

Classes are open to learners of all ages. Discounts are available when registering multiple family members.

Anyone interested in Krav Maga JCC courses can register at https://www.sijcc.org/.