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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
I teach simple, effective self-defense drawn from the martial arts and combatives systems I’ve studied, including Krav Maga, Escrima, and general combatives. With over 14 years in business, I focus on what *you* need: your goals, background, strengths, and any physical limitations.
Rather than forcing a single style, I tailor lessons to real-world situations, such as:
- Defending against unarmed attacks
- Responding to weapons-based attacks
- Using a knife, club, cane, or improvised weapon
- Escaping common grabs and holds
I offer one-on-one training at my home gym in Antioch, and on-site seminars for organizations of all sizes. My priority is showing everyday people that, regardless of age, size, or experience, you can learn a few key concepts and techniques to protect yourself.
Discounts are available for law enforcement, military, and first responders.
Overview
Hired 42 times
Serves Antioch, IL
Background checked
1 employee
14 years in business
Business hours
Sun10:00 am - 12:00 pmMon6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2020
2019
2017
Services offered
Learning goals
Level of experience
Interested in the following discipline(s)
Mixed Martial Arts
Boxing
Karate
Krav Maga
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Excellent 4.9
35 reviews
5
91%
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9%
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Read reviews that mention:
LenThomas W.
Jun 3, 2026
Peter is the best! Working with him has helped me become significantly more confident in a variety of situations, both on and off the ice.
Peter taught me how to protect myself in numerous one-on-one scenarios, whether being confronted face-to-face or attacked from behind. He was meticulous in explaining proper techniques and helping me understand how to recognize and respond to a wide range of holds, grabs, and attacks. His attention to detail ensured that I not only learned the movements but also understood the reasoning behind them.
Our training sessions were built around realistic, real-life scenarios. Through consistent repetition and practice, the techniques became second nature, creating muscle memory that allowed me to react instinctively when needed. The training was both educational and physically demanding, providing an excellent workout while building practical self-defense skills.
As I transitioned into junior hockey, Peter also provided valuable instruction on protecting myself during hockey fights, as well as effective defensive and offensive techniques specific to the sport. His guidance gave me an added level of confidence and preparedness on the ice.
Peter has been a huge part of my personal growth and development. Beyond teaching self-defense, he helped instill confidence, awareness, and discipline that I carry with me every day. I am extremely grateful for his mentorship and appreciate everything he has done for me.
Dorothy K.
Jan 23, 2017
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Hired on Thumbtack
Peter made the class very fun and very educational! We are an insurance office with 7 women working all hours of the night sometimes. He and his wife really made the class light-hearted, but still stressed the importance of safety and using every day objects as weapons to defend ourselves. I highly recommend this session, Peter is very knowledgeable about self-defense and the best methods to use to stay safe!
Private Self Defense Lessons
Kathleen C.
Feb 11, 2019
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Hired on Thumbtack
My daughter and I went for a class with Peter and learned a lot about defending ourselves. He taught us practical defense techniques that help us to feel safer. We are recommending to our friends.
Private Self Defense Lessons
Lisa B.
Mar 21, 2017
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Hired on Thumbtack
This was a great experience and customized for our family's needs. We learned a lot about basic selfdefense without having to commit to a martial arts program. Peter is an excellent and patient teacher.
Private Self Defense Lessons
Alex A.
Mar 20, 2019
•
Hired on Thumbtack
The instructor is knowledgeable about effective real-world self-defense tactics, and does a good job teaching how to use them!
Private Self Defense Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Peter Honigmann, Jr
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I offer very reasonable rates, which will depend on the number of students (from individuals, families to small groups of friends) how often the student wants to train, the length of the training session, if the student is seeking beginner or advanced training, and whether the student wants to pay per class or pay in advance for a number of sessions.
I also offer reasonably priced seminar training (from 1 to 8 hour sessions) for groups and corporations.
Please contact me with the specifics of what you are looking for and I will respond quickly with a personalized quote.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I like to talk with my students regarding their background in martial arts and self-defense (if any), and then discuss their goals. I believe that tailoring the class to meet a client's needs is the most effective way to teach self-defense.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been involved in martial arts since I was 15. Over the past 30 years I have trained extensively in kenpo karate under three different instructors, had several years of krav maga training, as well as several years learning escrima/kali/arnis. Along the way I have also spent time training in boxing, aikido, and muay thai. I continue to train with different high level instructors in kali, hapkido and practical street combatives so that I can hone my own skills.
I am very interested in defenses against weapon based attacks (knives, guns and clubs), since they are used so often in street attacks. Defending against weapons is one of the most difficult skills a person can learn, but I teach simple defenses that can be readily learned through regular practice.
