A new martial arts studio in Manassas aims to help victims of assault overcome insecurities and vulnerabilities and move forward with their lives.
American Drengr Krav Maga, at 10079 #7 Market Circle, in Manassas, will open in Hastings Marketplace on May 28, 2022. A ribbon-cutting will be held at 11 a.m., followed by self-defense demonstrations for women and children and a gun defense seminar.
According to the business, Krav Maga is not a traditional martial art. Originating in pre-World War II Europe and developed for training the Israeli Defense Forces and Security Forces, Krav Maga is a self-defense and striking system.
The business will provide self-defense training for those ages three and up. “We help children learn to focus, listen, be aware and defend against bullies or other types of potential threats. Adults learn mindset, situational awareness, and self-defense techniques,” said Sharon K Fontanella, the business founder. “Our motto is “get home safely.” Honor, courage, and respect are embedded in everything we teach and do.”
Fontanella and her husband are trainers and emphasize it is not a sports competition but is only for self-defense. Both are in their mid-sixties and have trained Krav Maga for over three years. The couple offers training to groups like Realtors, home school, and church groups.
First-time business owners, the couple utilized the help of their students in the area who specialize in specific areas. One is a marketing professional. Another is a photographer, while another is an IT specialist and salesperson. “We could not do this without a team of people passionate about what we are about,” Fontanella told Potomac Local News.
The business has welcomed more than 70 students, including more than 20 women who attended a recent self-defense seminar. The studio aims to enroll 100 students in 100 days from the time of its grand opening celebration later this month. By June 2023, the business hopes to have more than 200 students.
The school will be open for business Monday through Friday from 2 until 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until noon and is closed Sundays.
