Mid-South Krav Maga » FAQs

How is Krav Maga Different from other Martial Arts?

patrickterry — Sun, 17 May 2009 17:14:27 +0000

Krav Maga is not a traditional martial art. No katas. No rituals. No nonsense . Based on simple principles and instinctive movements, this reality-based system is designed to teach real self-defense in the shortest possible time. You’ll learn to defend against common chokes and grabs from all angles, punches and kicks, and weapons such as guns, knives, and sticks. Just as important, Krav Maga will teach you to function under the stress, shock and adrenaline rush of a sudden, violent encounter. Tested on the battlefield and in today’s streets, Krav Maga’s practical approach to self-defense will make you safer and more secure. And believe it or not, you’ll have so much fun working out, you won’t be able to wait for your next class!

Who is using Krav Maga?

patrickterry — Sun, 17 May 2009 17:06:34 +0000

Krav Maga is offered in over 250 locations around the US and has recently been taught to U.S. federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including, but not limited to the following:

Alabama State Police Florida State Highway Patrol Texas Department of Public Safety

Beverly Hills Police Department Illinois State Police US Coast Guard – Port Security Unit

Burbank Police Department Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department US Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms Los Angeles Police Department Academy US Department of State

California Highway Patrol NYPD US Immigration Service

DEA Arrest & Control Unit Ohio State Police US Treasury Department

El Segundo Police Department Pennsylvania State Police Gallatin Police Department

Federal Bureau of Investigations Santa Monica Police Department Shelby County Sheriff’s Office

Memphis Police Department Hendersonville TN Police Department Kentucky State Police

Sumner County Sheriff’s Office Many Others…

What are the benefits for me?

patrickterry — Sun, 17 May 2009 17:04:09 +0000

Benefits for Adults and Children

*Awareness

Students of Krav Maga use basic moves in various combinations to fend off violent attacks. This means that students adjust to new situations through improvisation, an important and unique feature of this style. This requires using the head as well as the body, and thus Krav Maga addresses the thought process as well as the physical action.

*Confidence

Improvisation also allows for limitations in physical abilities. Not everyone can bring his or her leg up to a 180 degree angle, and thus the system is geared towards the average person. Students are taught a variety of possible defensive reactions for each possible attack situation, building upon an actual framework of useable techniques. They are then encouraged to utilize the responses that are appropriate to their capabilities. This allows the student to develop a sense of confidence in their abilities.

*Physical Fitness

Because physical fitness is closely interwoven into the system, the workout includes a number of cardiovascular and strength building exercises, as well as stretching to increase flexibility. Emphasis is put on speed, endurance, strength, accuracy and coordination, especially for intensive Krav Maga training.

Krav Maga is a style benefiting both the individual who seeks serious Self-Defense training as well as the practitioner seeking to round out prior martial art knowledge. It is a style that proves most effective against any type of assault.

What if I have/have not taken Martial Arts before?

patrickterry — Sun, 17 May 2009 17:02:48 +0000

For many people, Krav Maga is their first experience in martial arts. However, we also have many students who come to train with us and have numerous years of experience in other systems. In fact, most Krav Maga instructors have years of training in a variety of systems. Therefore, Krav Maga has proven to be a very open system and welcomes all who wish to participate, regardless of background.

How long will it take for me to become proficient at Krav Maga?

patrickterry — Sun, 17 May 2009 17:02:13 +0000

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.

What about fitness? Is Krav Maga only about punching and kicking?

patrickterry — Sun, 17 May 2009 17:01:36 +0000

Krav Maga utilizes high-intensity drills and training methods that rival any form of fitness training you’ll find anywhere. Many clients choose to train in Krav Maga solely for the fitness benefits. Each class will leave you sweaty and exhausted, but that’s all in a day’s work.

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

patrickterry — Sun, 17 May 2009 17:00:54 +0000

Krav Maga is as safe as any other martial arts form. During your instruction you are required to wear shin, mouth, and groin protection. Krav Maga classes are typically small and tightly controlled. The chances of being injured during a class are as remote and even less than for any other sport. The chances of someone attacking you being injured, however, are extremely high.

I’m tired of being overweight. Will I lose weight taking Krav Maga?

patrickterry — Sun, 17 May 2009 17:00:11 +0000

No question about it! Losing weight is definitely a side-benefit of Krav Maga. Classes always include warm-up and workout. However, it’s more accurate to say you will lose fat. If you’re not overweight by much, your weight reading on the scale may not change significantly. That’s because with Krav Maga, you’ll be losing body fat and gaining lean muscle, which weighs more than fat. You’ll notice the difference in the way your clothes fit and your new, more shapely, toned appearance.

Is there a Tournament Competition and a Belt system for Krav Maga like Karate?

patrickterry — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:59:33 +0000

Krav Maga does have a color belt system of advancement in expertise. However, there are no specific competition events for Krav Maga like there is for other martial arts. Similarly, there are no katas in Krav Maga. Each belt level carries with it various techniques that are performed in a testing environment. One may or may not desire to even test for a belt. There are no such obligations in Krav Maga.

Am I limited to the number of classes I can attend each week?

patrickterry — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:58:44 +0000

No, members can train as often as they wish.

How long are classes?

patrickterry — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:58:12 +0000

Classes are 1 hour long unless otherwise noted in the schedule.

Do you teach Ground Fighting?

patrickterry — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:57:37 +0000

Yes, we understand the need to defend ourselves in the event we go to the ground. However, we always look to get up as soon as possible.

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

patrickterry — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:56:50 +0000

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?

patrickterry — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:55:41 +0000

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?

patrickterry — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:54:12 +0000

Even though Krav Maga has been around for approximately forty years, other forms of martial arts such as Karate or Tae Kwon Do have been more popular in the United States. Krav Maga is only now beginning to reach mass popularity in the US. 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, Tomb Raider 2, and Daredevil with celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Shannon Elizabeth, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Garner 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.

What if I’m not sure about joining a class?

patrickterry — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:53:19 +0000

You are always welcome and encouraged to sit-in on a class to determine for yourself if Krav Maga is right for you. There is no obligation whatsoever. Email or call us to set up a convenient time for you to explore Krav Maga.

I don’t want to spar. Will I be forced to?

patrickterry — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:49:59 +0000

No. Sparring is conducted in the special optional Fight Class described above. In Krav Maga it is not necessary to be good at sparring to learn to defend yourself. Remember, in self defense there are no rules. In sparring, some rules must be imposed to maintain student safety. While sparring may help you become a more proficient, coordinated fighter, it is not required.

I’m a small person with little strength. What good is Krav Maga to me?

patrickterry — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:48:08 +0000

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.

Can we take classes as a couple?

patrickterry — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:47:17 +0000

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. Contact us by email or call us to set up a convenient time for you to explore Krav Maga together.

Should I use hand wraps or gloves or neither?

patrickterry — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:46:19 +0000

Should I use hand wraps or gloves? What’s the difference between leather and vinyl? How do I care for my hand protection? Mid South Krav Maga recommends hand protection for all self defense classes. Although hand wraps are less expensive, they tend to wear out sooner, while leather bag gloves can last a year or more, but are more expensive. For Fight classes, boxing gloves and hand wraps are required equipment due to the intensity of these types of classes. Some fitness classes also require hand protection, but it is best to check with the instructors beforehand.

How is Krav Maga Different from other Martial Arts?

patrickterry — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:37:14 +0000

What is Krav Maga?

patrickterry — Sat, 16 May 2009 17:15:18 +0000

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. Since 1964, Krav Maga 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.