What is Krav Maga?
Krav Maga is the official self defence system of the Israeli Defence Forces and is considered by many experts to be one of the most effective systems in the world. The system was created and developed by Imi Sde-Or (Lichtenfeld), Israeli Grand-master (1910-1998) who was serving as the Chief Instructor for hand-to-hand combat and combat fitness training for the Israeli Defence Forces. Its techniques have been taught to hundreds of law enforcement agencies and millions of civilians around the world. Krav Maga is a simple, effective self defence system that emphasizes instinctive movements, practical techniques, and realistic training scenarios. The system incorporates fitness, self-defence and fighting like no other system which makes it suitable for both men, women, and children of all ages and abilities.

 

What type of techniques will I learn?
Krav Maga is based on simple tactics and instinctive movements. The reality-based system is designed to teach real self-defence in the shortest time possible. You will learn how to punch and kick effectively as well as using other body weapons such as knees, elbows, head-butts, etc. You will also learn how to defend against similar attacks and assaults such as chokes, grabs, bear hugs and weapon based attacks (guns, knives, and bats) from all potential predicaments. The intensive training will teach you to function under stress, shock and adrenaline. Learning Krav Maga will help you be safe and more secure, as well as attaining a great workout.

 

What if I have never done anything like this before?
We all have to start somewhere. Do not put yourself off because you feel like you are going to look like an idiot. You’re not!!! All the classes are for mixed abilities so that those who have been training for a while will blend in amongst the newcomers and therefore everyone can then help each other with the techniques. For example, if a newcomer is training with a regular participant, both will benefit as the newcomer recieves one-on-one advice and the regular participant can often better understand why a technique works by explaining it to someone who doesn’t. The classes welcome newcomers/beginners at any time throughout the year. If you come to a class with a friend and would prefer to only train with your friend, let the instructor know beforehand.

 

What about my injury?
If you have a current Injury that needs to be catered for, simply speak to the instructor before the class begins. Let him/her know all the relevant details and then advice will usually be given regarding your particular situation. On most occasions, it will simply be a matter of “do what you can and don’t do anything you can’t.” Do not stop yourself from coming to training just because of small injuries.

 

What’s it like??
Krav Maga Leeds classes are very friendly and informal. Unlike some martial arts classes, there are no rituals or different ways of treating people based on their experience. Instructors use their first name. There will be a warm up at the start of the class followed by the main content looking at various defences and tactics. The class usually closes with a drill to put together the skills covered throughout the class. The focus in a class is on learning the techniques and then being able to apply them.

 

What are the benefits to training in Krav Maga?
There is an element of physical fitness incorporated into every training session, including cardiovascular and strength building exercises. There are also stretching exercises to increase flexibility, while putting emphasis on speed, agility, endurance, strength, and accuracy & coordination. Krav Maga Leeds students will learn basic self defence techniques in various combinations to successfully fend off violent attacks. Students will become more aware of their surroundings and be able to adjust to situations accordingly, and be prepared to use the mind and body to work together.

 

How long will it take to become proficient in Krav Maga?
Krav Maga is a simple, effective self-defense system emphasizing instinctive movements, practical techniques and realistic training scenarios. Unlike many martial arts where attaining a grade that shows proficiency takes a number of years, picking up Krav Maga techniques takes a relatively short amount of time. Krav Maga skills were always intended to be simple and easy in both application and understanding. For those interested, Krav Maga Leeds runs gradings about three times a year for individuals who wish to  attain grades and work towards an Instructor qualification. Grades are based on three levels, Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels.

 

How much will it cost?
The cost of each particular class can be found on the Timetable section on Krav Maga Leeds. Each class is priced differently due to venues’ own pricing policies. After around three classes, you will be required to acquire a License/membership of the association. This includes various benefits including student to student public liability insurance and is a small annual charge. Training equipment is provided at all the classes, we do however recommend you buy some form of groin protection. You do not have to buy any clothing, equipment, materials, etc. but many people do so they can practice at home.

 

What do I wear?
General sports clothing is entirely acceptable. The majority of participants wear training pants, or combat pants, or sports shorts, and a T-shirt. Most people also wear training footwear, although occasionally some choose to go barefooted. Krav Maga is not a martial art and therefore there is no need to wear the traditional ‘Gi’ or any other specific clothing. Many participants wear a Krav Maga Leeds t-shirt. This is an individuals choice and participants do not have to buy the club t-shirt. For those who do, they are available from the instructor for £15.

 

Will I get fit from it?
Krav Maga Leeds classes are a total-body workout that combines kicking, punching, street fighting, ground fighting, and defenses against weapons, getting students into prime physical shape. Although the Krav Maga class is not specifically a fitness based session, there are numerous fitness advantages to training at Krav Maga Leeds. The class will start always start with a regular ‘warm up’ that will last between 5-10 minutes. The rest of the class is as physically demanding as you want it to be, some take it light, others push themselves beyond their capabilities, but the choice is yours. Many of the unique Krav Maga drills will develop ‘Combat Cardio’ which is your own fitness levels when you are defending yourself. For many, achieving fitness from a self defence class can be a lot more fun and beneficial than going to the gym or playing sports.

 

How do I start?
Just simply turn up and take part. No booking is required or necessary, either with us or with the gyms. All of the classes welcome newcomers at any time of the year, there is no introductory session to be had before participating in our sessions. If you have any further queries, feel free to contact us on info@kravmagaleeds.com and as soon as you are ready, just come along to any of the sessions. You may want to add us on Facebook as updates on class content or cancelled classes are usually updated on there.