Here are the top 10 reasons why I think you should learn Krav Maga. These are based on my own experiences of Krav Maga and how it´s related to other styles of training.
1. Learn to defend yourself
A obvious reason and probably something you instantly associate with learning Krav Maga. The primary goal of the system is to teach you self defence.
2. Krav Maga also teaches you self-respect
True to Imi´s aims, Krav Maga builds up a sense of self worth, trust and respect. It also teaches respect of each other. In learning Krav Maga for self defence you are learning to protect you, protecting yourself because you are valuable! When you are practicing your Krav Maga moves in class, you´ll be practicing with a training partner. So there needs to be a high level of mutual trust between you so as not to hurt each other, but still practice the techniques as well and as realistically as possible.
3. It boosts confidence
One of the biggest advantages I found in training Krav Maga was the boosting of self confidence. I was an incredibly shy and introverted person. Krav Maga really brought me out of my shell. As I developed and became better and more fluid with the moves, I found that i was more expressive and personable, my posture improved as did my relationships. Krav Maga boosted my confidence quickly, learning to throw a punch and take a punch was an experience that took me out of my comfort zone but open my eyes to new experiences and possibilities.
4. Krav Maga will improve your street awareness
Krav Maga classes will help make you more aware of your surroundings. You will be more analytical and perceptive to potential dangers. Without Krav Maga, you don't plan to be attacked, but your attacker does. Krav Maga training means that you do plan your self defence strategy. It will help you to be aware at all times and be ready. You still might be shocked with a surprise attack for a split second, but you will have the necessary Krav Maga training to protect yourself.
5. Krav Maga has a positive influence in your life
There is only upsides to Krav Maga training. Coming to our Krav Maga classes will boost your spirits and make you more confident. It will change you into a better version of yourself. The logical principles in Krav Maga will also have you approaching problems in a more effective and systematic manner.
6. It will help you with goal setting
Self defense classes help you to set goals. Whether you want to nail a specific move, or work hard to feel like you can protect yourself, you are setting a goal. It gets you back in class each week, and will help you in your everyday life. It helps you develop a drive that you may not have had before. If you take your goal setting seriously within your self defense classes, it can roll over into your everyday life, helping you get through any tough situation that comes your way.
7. Krav Maga will improve your physical condition
The whole point of taking Krav Maga classes is to prepare you for any dangerous situation that may bring harm to you. Physical conditioning is extremely important part of this. The way a Krav Maga instructor prepares you in training and with practice gets you ready to fight. The drills used prepares you for the adrenalin pump that happens when a situation arises that may require you to fight. That moment when you realise someone has set their sights on you and made you a target and is coming after you, your body will experience an influx of adrenalin. This is your body’s way of responding to the situation. It will only last for a few seconds, but you need to be physically conditioned and mentally prepared to understand what is happening to appropriately deal with a dangerous situation. If you aren’t, then the confusion will intensify the fear and spiral in a negative feedback loop, this means that your body will not work as well as you need it to after the adrenalin dump. Physical conditioning will work on your heart and increase your fitness levels so that you can recover from a fright quicker. When you are fighting it is important to be focused both mentally and physically. With a prepared mind you will be more likely to be successful in a dangerous situation and the adrenalin dump won’t take all your physical and mental energy from you.
8. Krav Maga helps to develop self-discipline
You only get better if you practice. The desire to learn more and perfect your skills becomes something you set your mind to. It becomes habit and routine. Taking Krav Maga classes will get you focused on your personal protection and on your surroundings. Like with any other sport or hobby, you can’t get better if you don’t practice.
9. Krav Maga is a great stress buster
All exercise forms are good at relieving stress, but there is something very special about beating a shield and exerting force through extensive punching and kicking... taking out all the aggression and stress in a 1 hour burn out.
10. Krav Maga builds towards a better community.
Imi´s own words and vision for Krav Maga can be found on this link. He didn't just want to prepare people for violence and how to be skilled in self defence, but also for everyone to make attempts to work towards removing violence from society. Unfortunately many clubs forget or completely ignore this side of Krav Maga.
The next step...
Interested in learning Krav Maga? If you are local to us, come and try a free introduction class, check out the info page.
For those of you based elsewhere, visit the Krav Maga organisations page and contact your local certified instructor.
For those of you based elsewhere, visit the Krav Maga organisations page and contact your local certified instructor.