Here are some of the most common questions from those looking to start Krav Maga:
- What should I wear?
- Do I need to be fit?
- Can I start anytime?
- Are there any age limits?
- Do I have to train at all the classes?
- Do I have to sign a contract?
- How long does it take?
- Is it safe?
- Are there belts?
What should I wear?
Pretty much anything that's comfortable and you can move in. Cargo or sweat pants, and a T-shirt are ideal. For Thursdays wear trainers, for Tuesdays it's bare feet. Occasionally clothes get torn, so cheaper is better. KMG T-shirts can be purchased once you join the club.
Do I need to be fit?
No, not really. So long as you don't have a medical condition that prevents you from undertaking moderate physical exercise with some bodily contact (if unsure or over 40 then ask your GP). Fitness comes as a by-product of the training. You'll get stronger, leaner and meaner by participation!
Can I start anytime?
Yes, absolutely. We have enough instructors on our team that we can accommodate new members within the classes any time. During busy periods we often separate the groups into Beginner (Core Combatives) and Intermediate/Advanced classes. Both of our venues are sufficiently big to allow both groups to train separately with an instructor at a level appropriate to them.
Are there any age limits?
Yes. We only teach over 18s due to the content of the material and the insurance limitations. If you're over 40 then you must get clearance from your GP before starting. All medical conditions must be declared for insurance purposes.
Do I have to train at all the classes?
No, absolutely not. We want our members to find a level of commitment that suits them. Some people train once per week, others twice. Shift workers mix and match. Your monthly fee buys your place in the club for the month. It's up to you how much you use it.
Do I have to sign a contract?
No. We do not tie people into contracts for any length of time as do some martial arts clubs. You are free to leave at any time without penalty. We do collect monthly training fees via a simple Direct Debit system to optimise training time and quality of provision. This is compulsory, but you can cancel it with your bank at any time.
How long does it take?
That really depends. People learn at different rates. The more time, effort, and independent work you put in, the quicker you're likely to improve. However, Krav Maga is simple, and you will be gaining crucial skills that you will be able to use right from the very first class.
Is it safe?
We take safety very seriously and aim to create a secure learning environment. At the end of the day, however, we are learning how to fight, and that requires person-to-person contact, so there is always a risk of injury. Better to suffer a few bumps and bruises in training, than a more serious injury in the street.
Are there belts?
No. Krav Maga doesn't use the Japanese system of coloured belts. We have level tests (Practitioner levels one through five) for students, but these are really just a way of checking progress. Given our level of instructional expertise we are able to conduct some of these tests in-house at KM:NG (we are one of the few clubs in the country to be able to do this). Some tests have to be taken with the Israeli Global Instructor Team.
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