Some Self-Defense Classes Focus on Dance, Fitness

About a dozen adults and children commanded the crab pose and tried out ground-fighting moves, including kicks.

They were taking part in a demonstration of Capoiera Fitness. Masada has modified the Brazilian martial art into a fitness class at the Pikesville studio.

And it was all being done to the smooth rhythm of Latin music.

Sunday was a stormy and rainy day, but on the third floor of 1414 Reisterstown Road, Masada welcomed about 100 interested Pikesville-area residents and Masada members.

The studio offered hot dogs and other lunch items, as well as a sampling of the courses offered.

Masada Tactical, owned by BK Blankchtein, a former member of the special forces for the Israel Defense Forces, teaches self defense and fitness to adults and children.

Its instructors also train law enforcement, military and hospital personnel on skills that keep them safe on the job.

Following is a list of some courses available at Masada, located at 1414 Reisterstown Rd, Pikesville:

• Yoga
• Youth Beginner
• Youth Intermediate
• Ground Fight
• Cardio Fight
• Weapons

Upcoming seminars include:

Carjacking Defense Seminar with Ernie Kirk—6-9 p.m. Sept. 5. This course is open to all members and guests, and costs $50 per person. An RSVP is required. Please call Masada Tactical at 410-415-6015 to register.

Law Enforcement, Military and Tactical Ground Survival Seminar—Sept. 23. Learn skills that keep officers safe on the street. This course is open to current, sworn officers and active military only. It's free for Masada members, and $35 for guests. RSVP is required.

For more information on classes, seminars and membership, call 410-415-6015. Or visit MasadaTactical's website.