Bay Area Weekend Events: Krav Maga class, gourmet ramen pop-up

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- We've partnered with the team at Hoodline - the hyperlocal neighborhood website to find weekend activities in and around the Bay Area.

Learn Krav Maga-Style Self-Defense

The owner of Krav Maga SF says he remembers what it felt like to be vulnerable, it's how he started his journey exploring martial arts and Krav Maga. "I grew up in a very bad part of L.A., Lakewood, right on the border of Orange County. I didn't know how to fight, I've never been a big guy, and I got picked on a lot," said Barny Foland. "Krav Maga has given me the confidence to be able to walk down the street and know that, whatever comes at me, I can defend myself."

Krav Maga SF in the Polk Gulch neighborhood boasts 12,000 square feet, four training rooms and 60 classes a week. The center is the only authorized Krav Maga Worldwide School in the Bay Area, and has been open since 1999. It also represents a dream for Foland.

Krav Maga has its roots in the Israeli Military and incorporates elements of street fighting. When watching a sparring match you'll notice a certain efficiency, and perhaps a brutality that may be missing from some styles of martial arts. "Krav Maga is about things that can really happen to you on the street, whether it's a choke, a head lock, a bear hug, somebody grabbing you and throwing you to the ground, jumping on top of you, getting in between your legs," said Foland. "It's about how to deal with all of these situations easily and simply."

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Krav Maga SF is offering a seminar focused on female strength and empowerment. It will teach women how to move quickly and decisively in several attack situations. "It doesn't matter how big someone is, this stuff works. And that's the empowerment part, knowing that if something happens they can get out of it. In Krav Maga we have one rule: survive. That's it," said Foland.

Gina Beretta has been practicing Krav Maga for 10 years. Now a mother, she says the self-defense system has given her confidence.

"To know I can protect my kids, it's the best feeling in the world," said Beretta.

The seminar is being held this Saturday, April 29 at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Admission is $20, and all proceeds go to the La Casa de la Madres women's shelter.

Click here to find out more about Krav Maga SF.

Click here to read more about Saturday's event on Hoodline's website.

Gourmet ramen noodle brunch pop-up

If you want to take a moment to relax and savor the flavor of gourmet ramen, perhaps this pop-up event is more your speed.

Noodle in the Haystack is coming to Japantown in San Francisco this weekend. San Francisco native Clint Tam spent seven years studying the art of ramen in Tokyo before bringing his love of noodles back to his hometown.

He now strives to bring high-level modern Japanese Ramen to the Bay Area, simmering broth for hours at a time and crafting delicate noodles in small batches. This weekend, Tam will be offering two limited seatings on a special multi-course brunch menu, including appetizers, tsukemono and several types of ramen.

The Noodle in the Haystack pop-up is at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California on 1840 Sutter Street.

You can attend the multi-course experience on Saturday, April 29 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $55 for members, $65 for the general public.

Click here to find out more about Noodle in the Haystack.

Click here to read the story on Hoodline.

MORE TO DO: Enjoy the weekend, and don't forget to check out Hoodline's events calendar for more ideas.