Frequently Asked Questions

What is Krav Maga?
What does the Krav Maga logo mean?
How long will it take for me to become proficient at Krav Maga?
Does Krav Maga have a belt system?
I'm a small person with little strength; what good is Krav Maga to me?
What do I need to wear?
Is the Introductory Class mandatory?
Do I need a workout partner?
What if I'm not in the greatest physical shape right now?
Who will be in the class with me?
What are the classes like?
How do I get started?

What is Krav Maga?
Krav Maga (Hebrew for "contact combat") is the official self-defense and fighting system of the Israeli Defense Forces. It has been recognized as the most efficient self-defense system for real-life situations, emphasizing practical defenses against real attacks. It has been taught to hundreds of U.S. law enforcement agencies and thousands of civilians.

Krav Maga is a simple, effective self-defense system emphasizing instinctive movements, practical techniques and realistic training scenarios. Plus, because it's based on a person's natural reactions, it is easy to learn. You can become proficient in months rather than years.

The Krav Maga system incorporates fitness, self-defense and fighting like no other system. Krav Maga's self-defense classes are a total-body workout that combines kicking, punching, street fighting, ground fighting, and defenses against weapons.

What does the Krav Maga logo mean?
The Krav Maga logo consists of the letters K and M written in Hebrew, artfully combined to form the symbol of Krav Maga. The K and M are surrounded by an open circle because the system is open to improvement by adding techniques, exercises, and training methods and by eliminating. techniques from the system when there is a better approach. Imi Lichtenfeld, the Grand Master of Krav Maga, said of the logo's open circle: Good things can continue to flow into the system and flawed exercises can flow out.

How long will it take for me to become proficient at Krav Maga?
Krav Maga, unlike many other martial arts, is a very fast-progressing system. Part of its design was driven by the need to train people very quickly and very efficiently. Consequently, it typically takes a person of average physical ability perhaps only several months before significant progress is achieved and noticeable.

Does Krav Maga have a belt system?
Krav Maga does have a color belt system of advancement in expertise. Each belt level carries with it various techniques that must be performed in a testing environment. However, although students must successfully pass a belt test to reach the next class level, students are not required to belt test.

I'm a small person with little strength; what good is Krav Maga to me?
Krav Maga was designed to benefit the average person. The system is not about sheer strength or power. As a matter of fact, one of the basic tenets of Krav Maga is that one should not oppose power with power. Rather, Krav Maga blends a combination of physical skill with mental self-defense determination. Consequently Krav Maga, is more accessible to more people of either sex, shape or size than many other martial art forms.

What do I need to wear?
There are no karate-type uniforms in Krav Maga. Students wear any athletic shoes that won't leave marks on a wooden floor, long pants (shorts are allowed in the summer), and a short sleeved t-shirt. Men should wear appropriate groin protection. After two weeks of attendance, all students are expected to wear a short sleeved Krav Maga t-shirt and Krav Maga pants to class. Please leave all jewelry, watches, etc. at home or in your locker.

Is the Introductory Class mandatory?
Yes. The Intro class is held every other Saturday from 8:30am-9:30am and is mandatory for all new students. Please see the class schedule for Introductory class dates.

Do I need a workout partner?
No. Students will have the opportunity at the beginning of class to find a partner for the class; however, couples, parents/teenagers, brothers/sisters and friends often join together to work out with each other.

What if I'm not in the greatest physical shape right now?
Don't worry about it! Krav Maga is designed to teach everybody how to defend themselves. Students work at their own pace, although we encourage a strong workout and everybody is challenged physically. Nobody should avoid learning how to defend themselves because they're not an athlete. All students will get in better shape during the course. Ask your doctor if it's okay to participate in this type of training if you have a physical limitation/injury. All injuries or physical limitations should be discussed with the instructor prior to the start of class.

Who will be in the class with me?
Krav Maga typically attracts a wide variety of men and women who share some things in common: the desire to increase their self-confidence and ability to defend themselves and their loved ones, and an interest in maintaining physical fitness in a non-threatening environment while having fun! It's typically a very positive social setting in a friendly atmosphere.

What are the classes like?
Students work out at their own pace; however, the classes typically move at a very fast, physical pace. There will always be a warm-up, which is designed to prevent injury, increase flexibility, and build endurance and strength. Once the warm-up is complete, you will learn defenses against some of the most common attacks today and fighting skills necessary to defend yourself if involved in a physical conflict.

How do I get started?
Currently, new students have the opportunity to try the Intro class one time for $15.00. Once you have completed your first class, you will be required to sign up for a membership or purchase a book of tickets to attend class. Please see the getting started page for more information.