Hello. I wanted to come to the forums to get some opinions from some more “seasoned” Krav Maga practicioners (and hopefully some instructors) on choosing the proper school. My main purpose for wanting to take Krav Maga is to have the ability and the confidence to defend myself. I’m not interested in the fitness aspect, and I know there are some schools that cater mostly to the fitness crowd. That is why I decided, after much research, to bring my choice to this forum and get some opinions. There are two schools I’m looking at, and both are very different:
The first one is a KMWW facility. The instructor seems very dedicated and knowledgeable. The class is very fast-paced, and there is a big emphasis on the conditioning aspect. The students spend a great deal of time doing calisthenics (push-ups, etc.) and drills. Basically, it feels like boot camp, and the instructorÂ’s reasoning for this is that you have to be able to have the stamina to last in a real fight, and he wants to purposely tire the students out and have them perform drills under duress to try and mimic a real fight scenario. This is done from day one.
The second is an IKMA facility. The instructor seems very dedicated and knowledgeable as well, but the pace is slower compared to the first one. The focus is mainly on technique and the only conditioning is a 15 minute warm-up at the beginning that includes footwork (moving around in fighting position). The rest of the class is comprised of teaching maneuvers and working on executing the proper technique. The instructorÂ’s reasoning is that he does not want to take up teaching time with calisthenics (students should do this separately from class), and you have to learn to strike correctly and precisely before you start doing drills and hitting bags, or you run the risk of injuring yourself in a fight by striking incorrectly. There will be drills, but only after youÂ’ve mastered technique to the point where it is second nature.
The reason IÂ’m having such a hard time choosing is because, while both classes are different in pace and philosophy, both the instructorsÂ’ reasoning for doing things the way they do sound plausible. This is why I want to get some opinions here from others who have more knowledge than I do and can offer some insight. Any help will be much appreciated.
Thanks!
The first one is a KMWW facility. The instructor seems very dedicated and knowledgeable. The class is very fast-paced, and there is a big emphasis on the conditioning aspect. The students spend a great deal of time doing calisthenics (push-ups, etc.) and drills. Basically, it feels like boot camp, and the instructorÂ’s reasoning for this is that you have to be able to have the stamina to last in a real fight, and he wants to purposely tire the students out and have them perform drills under duress to try and mimic a real fight scenario. This is done from day one.
The second is an IKMA facility. The instructor seems very dedicated and knowledgeable as well, but the pace is slower compared to the first one. The focus is mainly on technique and the only conditioning is a 15 minute warm-up at the beginning that includes footwork (moving around in fighting position). The rest of the class is comprised of teaching maneuvers and working on executing the proper technique. The instructorÂ’s reasoning is that he does not want to take up teaching time with calisthenics (students should do this separately from class), and you have to learn to strike correctly and precisely before you start doing drills and hitting bags, or you run the risk of injuring yourself in a fight by striking incorrectly. There will be drills, but only after youÂ’ve mastered technique to the point where it is second nature.
The reason IÂ’m having such a hard time choosing is because, while both classes are different in pace and philosophy, both the instructorsÂ’ reasoning for doing things the way they do sound plausible. This is why I want to get some opinions here from others who have more knowledge than I do and can offer some insight. Any help will be much appreciated.
Thanks!
