Hey, I’ve recently become interested in Krav Maga and was wondering if I could get any input from any T-members who have tried it out.
(Also, anyone with info on a place to learn near the Main Line in Pennsylvania would be awesome too.)
I trained in Krav Maga in LA for about a year. I would suggest jiu-jitsu instead unless the Krav Maga school teaches jiu-jitsu as part of the core training. On the other hand if you have had no previous martial arts experience I found Krav Maga to be very well rounded much like Jeet Kune Do (bruce lee). It’s very much focused on realistic offensive and defensive actions vs. kata’s or form training of other systems.
I’ve trained in Krav Maga and Jiu jitsu. They are two different disciplines. Krav is simple and brutal. The training helps you find the right mindset for protecting yourself and others. I started training in jiu jitsu when I started doing some protection work. Not every situation demands maximum force. Sometimes low profile pain compliance methods of jiu jitsu work better.
I don’t know where Main Line is, but I’ve taken a Defense Against Guns and Edged Weapons seminar with Ernie Kirk. He’s a good instructor in PA.
Dude. Joe’s Karate at 2045 Lancaster Ave offers the best martial arts instruction in the world. You should check it out. I’m curious. Why are you so interested in krav maga? Are you hiding a secret vedetta against anyone? btw i’m drunk burgggy. haha peace
its a self defence system not an art form and will work well enough against your average joe.
the places here only have like a 8 week course and thats all folks, i dont know if its any different there but its sad here. anyways id rather take muay thai than anything else.
also to the person that mentioned not wanting to use maximum force, an elbow or knee or kick or punch can be thrown without much power behind it, enough just to daze someone 
[quote]john-lennon wrote:
also to the person that mentioned not wanting to use maximum force, an elbow or knee or kick or punch can be thrown without much power behind it, enough just to daze someone [/quote]
When your only tool is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. I think that having more than just a hammer in your toolbox is a good idea.
Thanks for the replies, I think I’m gonna check it out,… my main reasoning was really self-protection and it seems like the best option for that.
it may sound sexy and be good for the next Hollywood-hero production, but . . .
has anybody seen KM fighter in any of the major MMA competition??
Better look for russian Sambo classes!!!
this will make you fit and dangerous
Good luck
[quote]FairDo wrote:
it may sound sexy and be good for the next Hollywood-hero production, but . . .
has anybody seen KM fighter in any of the major MMA competition??
Good luck[/quote]
Years ago Bas Rutten was associated with KM, but he seems to have gotten into selling his own system. The styles are not that dis-similar.
Krav Maga is not a “sport”, really. I think that’s why you wouldn’t see someone in MMA identify it as their primary discipline.
It’s a self-defense technique that deals with knives, guns, etc, as well as hand-to-hand fighting. As Loose Tool said, it’s about “maximum force”, defending yourself as necessary without too much concern for your attacker’s health.
[quote]FairDo wrote:
it may sound sexy and be good for the next Hollywood-hero production, but . . .
has anybody seen KM fighter in any of the major MMA competition??
Better look for russian Sambo classes!!!
this will make you fit and dangerous
Good luck[/quote]
I think a lot of KM would be against the rules in most MMA.
[quote]FairDo wrote:
it may sound sexy and be good for the next Hollywood-hero production, but . . .
has anybody seen KM fighter in any of the major MMA competition??
Better look for russian Sambo classes!!!
this will make you fit and dangerous
Good luck[/quote]
Let me say first, I haven’t practiced KM. Second, most MMA fighters are tough as shit.
Now, training KM doesn’t prepare you for MMA. If it takes breaking the guys fingers, tearing his hair out, or punching/kicking him while he’s face down to defend yourself, do it. But if your income is fighting MMA, consuming your time practicing moves you can’t use is a waste.
Sambo might look good on PPV, but if your opponent chooses to fight you outside the ring, knowing a chokehold might be handy. Especially if you don’t happen to be a Pride/UFC heavyweight.
Also, at a fairly early level IMO, discipline and “fight” (bloodlust?) are far more important than the actual moves you learn. And when the time comes, the proper technique knows no school.
KM is a great entry into self defense. If you have a limited time to develop a basic set of SD skills, KM would be a lovely staring point. Now after 6 months of regular training you may want to branch out to some other/additional training. I have observed 2 different schools in SoCal. Both are well regarded and taught by long time instructors. The training is very physical (I’m saying this from a JKD, muay thai background). Constant motion and banging on pads is the norm (great!). There are techniques not katas or forms. The movements are simple and to the point.
KM is not structured for MMA or competition, please do not mix apples and oranges. It’s not that the techniques are “too deadly for the ring” or any BS. More to the point competitions work under a defined set of rules and point acquisition schemes, KM does not teach/train for that. Example, in a KM class you will not spend time learning subs or spending time dominating from the mount. After all if your attacker has hit the floor, it’s time to boogie on out of there. The goal is self defense not gainning positional dominance, pinning or subbing some one. The KM instructors I’ve spoken with have a great deal of respect for the training and conditioning in MMA settings. One of the law enforcement instructors I met cross trains in BJJ not only for techniques but for enjoyment (he’s also looking for some good kali work too).
Reports of quality vary from school to school. Make sure you observe a class and talk with some of the students and the instructor (ask about background).