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 top-rated Fitness classes compliment training by toning muscle and dramatically improving strength and stamina. Krav Maga's self-defense classes are a total-body workout that combines kicking, punching, street fighting, ground fighting, and defenses against weapons, getting students into prime physical shape. The total-body workout benefits of the Krav Maga self-defense and fitness system have been featured in publications such as Shape, Men's Fitness, USA Today, US, and SELF, as well as television from CNN and Extra to The Today Show.

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.

Do you 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.

Can we take classes as a couple?

Why not? What better way to ensure that your better half is as prepared to face an attacker as you are? As an added bonus you are guaranteed a workout and training partner in your house as well.

How do I get started?

Can my kids take Krav Maga?

Absolutely! The world can be an unsafe place for children, and providing them with some basic form of self-defense knowledge early on is important. Krav Maga is particularly well suited to children because it was designed with all segments of the general population in mind. It takes neither size, muscle mass nor body-builder type strength to excel at Krav Maga. More than any other type of martial arts, Krav Maga is a practical way for children to learn the basics of self-defense that not only builds confidence and fitness levels at an early age, but may well also one day save their lives. Krav Maga & Fitness Center is the only facility in Kansas City certified to teach the unique Krav Maga Kids program. Classes are for kids ages 6-12. Come in and try a class!

Will I lose weight taking Krav Maga?

Absolutely! Losing weight is definitely a side-benefit of Krav Maga. Classes always include warm-up and a workout. Boxing, which figures prominently in Krav Maga, is also an incredibly efficient way to lose weight very quickly.

What do I wear to class?

Do you sell training clothing and gear?

Absolutely! We have a complete ProShop stocked with Krav Maga wear and gear, everything you need to train.

How safe is Krav Maga? Do I risk getting hurt?

Krav Maga is as safe as any other martial arts form. The chances of being injured during a class are as remote and even less than for any other sport.

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.

My schedule is unpredictable, how can I fit Krav Maga into my lifestyle?

If your schedule will not allow you to regularly attend group classes, then we recommend you sign up for private lessons at your convenience. Privates can be taught on a schedule that fits your particular needs.

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.

Why is Krav Maga suddenly so popular?

Other forms of martial arts such as Karate or Tae Kwon Do have been more popular in the United States even though Krav Maga has been around for approximately forty years. Krav Maga is only now beginning to reach mass popularity in the United States. Once reserved for special military, police and protection units, it is now accessible to just about any individual of any ability. This is because Krav Maga was designed for the general public as well. Krav Maga has also been more in the public eye due to media exposure, from movies like Enough, Terminator 3, and Tombraider 2, with celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Shannon Elizabeth, and Angelina Jolie training. Now more than ever, people want to feel safe and Krav Maga is one of the most efficient ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.