What to look for in Krav Maga training

[Charlie98]

It's been a little difficult to go to classes, and will get more difficult as the Michigan winter sets in, but I'm going to keep my membership going and get to as many classes as I can.

Don't make excuses... long day at work, too tired, I got to get up early. I'm lucky, my daughter goes to class as well, so that motivates me to get off my lazy arse, but if you are going it alone, you will have to find a way to keep yourself motivated to get in the car and go, sometimes.

Keep us updated on how you are doing...! :thumbsup:

 

[Jeff7181]

Figured I'd update this again - I've been going twice a week and I like it more each time I go. Learning some good techniques, like today we learned some ground-work. Defender on their back, attacker straddling them, punching to the face. We learned how to get out from under them and get on top/away from them.

Great stuff. Getting to know more people in the class, too. Really glad I started going.

*EDIT* Another thought that popped into my head right after I posted that - one of the things I like about this is that we're basically sparring from day 1 of the class. I like that vs. a traditional martial art where you may not actually spar with a person until you get to a certain rank. Some of the guys are more experienced than I am and that makes it more real for me because they come at me more like someone would who was actually trying to hurt me. I like it.

 

[Jeff7181]

I've got quite a few bruises now from class. They're closed around the holidays, but I did manage to get to class Sunday afternoon. I also went to a blunt weapon defense seminar that my instructor taught about a week ago. It was pretty cool. I enjoyed it a lot. Got a lot of bruises from it though on my arms - none on my head, though!

Also got a real nice bruise on my elbow from Sunday when we worked on elbow strikes. I think I got a little too aggressive with the pad, or maybe I just hit it incorrectly. Pretty sore, but I have another week before I get to class again.

 

[Jeff7181]

Over the past week or so I've become slightly frustrated with my Krav Maga class. The class is broken up into 4 basic parts - warmup, step-by-step learning of the technique, apply the technique in a somewhat realistic scenario, and then a short cooldown.

The somewhat realistic scenario has been difficult for me the past two classes I've gone to because it has involved multiple attackers (high stress) and I have to think too much about exactly what I'm doing - what defense to use, how to position my feet, what strike to use, what strike(s) to follow up with, and finally how to get away/prepare for additional attackers to join in.

A coworker is a 3rd degree Tae Kwon Do black belt and teaches Tae Kwon Do classes. He told me it's good that I recognize that, and it's because when under stress, people revert to their highest level of training. And because these techniques haven't become muscle memory yet, they not included in my "highest level of training."

So... I intend to talk to my instructor about it as well, but also with a revised class schedule, I'm planning on going to class 3-4 days a week now rather than just 2.

Still love it, though. Despite the frustration. Joining has been the best thing I've done for myself in a long long time.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

I did KM at a seminar last month; liked some of the weapons defense stuff.

For the multiple attackers scenario, try visualization. When listening to music, laying in bed, etc. visualize the attacks and potential responses. You struggle with improvising, so this will help you with it. Just think of it as another drill.

 

[Jeff7181]

I did KM at a seminar last month; liked some of the weapons defense stuff.

For the multiple attackers scenario, try visualization. When listening to music, laying in bed, etc. visualize the attacks and potential responses. You struggle with improvising, so this will help you with it. Just think of it as another drill.

Good idea, thanks. I'll give that a try.

 

[DistantShadow]

I think both of the statements you mentioned are not accurate. Some of the best martial arts school's have a form of identity. Certain clothes allow for movements and gripping, other allow for more leg travel. People who walk in with boots and a t-shirt are looking to be bruce lee over night, it doesnt happen that way and most times than not, requires the whole body to be in tune with what is being taught!

 

[DAPUNISHER]

I think both of the statements you mentioned are not accurate. Some of the best martial arts school's have a form of identity. Certain clothes allow for movements and gripping, other allow for more leg travel. People who walk in with boots and a t-shirt are looking to be bruce lee over night, it doesnt happen that way and most times than not, requires the whole body to be in tune with what is being taught!

Bolded gross over generalization aside, I agree. And while they preach reality is street clothes, what the hell does that even imply? 3 piece suit? saggy pants and hoodie? shorts and t-shirt? cold weather gear? It is an untenable position.

 

[Jeff7181]

Bolded gross over generalization aside, I agree. And while they preach reality is street clothes, what the hell does that even imply? 3 piece suit? saggy pants and hoodie? shorts and t-shirt? cold weather gear? It is an untenable position.

It implies that you shouldn't wear attire that's so drastically different from what you'd actually wear out in the world.

For example, I'd never walk around the city barefoot, so I train with shoes on.

If I typically wear long sleeve shirts and long pants, I wouldn't train in shorts and a tank top.

 

[DistantShadow]

Bolded gross over generalization aside, I agree. And while they preach reality is street clothes, what the hell does that even imply? 3 piece suit? saggy pants and hoodie? shorts and t-shirt? cold weather gear? It is an untenable position.

It was intended for that..lol

 

[DistantShadow]

And you train a certain way for many reason, for sanitary reasons, for ritual reason, so everyone can be the same that way there isnt focus on people differences.

 

[Charlie98]

Over the past week or so I've become slightly frustrated with my Krav Maga class. The class is broken up into 4 basic parts - warmup, step-by-step learning of the technique, apply the technique in a somewhat realistic scenario, and then a short cooldown.

The somewhat realistic scenario has been difficult for me the past two classes I've gone to because it has involved multiple attackers (high stress) and I have to think too much about exactly what I'm doing - what defense to use, how to position my feet, what strike to use, what strike(s) to follow up with, and finally how to get away/prepare for additional attackers to join in.

A coworker is a 3rd degree Tae Kwon Do black belt and teaches Tae Kwon Do classes. He told me it's good that I recognize that, and it's because when under stress, people revert to their highest level of training. And because these techniques haven't become muscle memory yet, they not included in my "highest level of training."

So... I intend to talk to my instructor about it as well, but also with a revised class schedule, I'm planning on going to class 3-4 days a week now rather than just 2.

Still love it, though. Despite the frustration. Joining has been the best thing I've done for myself in a long long time.

I don't really agree with that... under stress, unless you are just Mr Cool and Collected, you would revert to your lowest form of training. As a 3rd Degree myself, if I was attacked, I would not break out in high blocks and twist kicks... I would revert back to Basic Survival Mode... gross motor skill punches, kicks, and defensive techniques. Granted, the techniques I have learned over the last 11 years would come out (like the ability to kick properly, other empty-handed strikes, blocks and strike avoidance) but Bruce Lee I am not.

I think I alluded to this before here... when you are faced with an adversary, and the adrenaline dump, you lose your fine motor skills. Exact foot placement, precise hand strikes, and even weapon use... is gone. Auditory exclusion, tunnel vision, and even the inability to speak or dial 911 on your phone... all take place.

In one of our FAST classes (full-on basic defensive technique class) I've see a guy disarm a bad guy... take his knife... and proceed to punch the guy 'senseless'... while holding the knife! When we reviewed the video he saw what he did and commented that he didn't even remember taking the knife away from him, let alone that it was in his hand while punching the assailant.

OP, I agree... talk with your KM instructor and let him know you are having problems with the application of technique, particularly in multiple assailant exercises. If you are having to think about what you are doing, while you are doing it, then you are going too fast. That is not to say you shouldn't be challenged, but there is a point where instruction and learning will break down and becomes non beneficial.

I will also say there will be a plateau in training... you will get to a point where it all seems like French to you, and then, hopefully, one day *bam* it will all start flowing together. A good instructor will recognize this, and a dedicated student will work through that point, but together...

 

[Jeff7181]

I don't really agree with that... under stress, unless you are just Mr Cool and Collected, you would revert to your lowest form of training. As a 3rd Degree myself, if I was attacked, I would not break out in high blocks and twist kicks... I would revert back to Basic Survival Mode... gross motor skill punches, kicks, and defensive techniques. Granted, the techniques I have learned over the last 11 years would come out (like the ability to kick properly, other empty-handed strikes, blocks and strike avoidance) but Bruce Lee I am not.

I think I alluded to this before here... when you are faced with an adversary, and the adrenaline dump, you lose your fine motor skills. Exact foot placement, precise hand strikes, and even weapon use... is gone. Auditory exclusion, tunnel vision, and even the inability to speak or dial 911 on your phone... all take place.

In one of our FAST classes (full-on basic defensive technique class) I've see a guy disarm a bad guy... take his knife... and proceed to punch the guy 'senseless'... while holding the knife! When we reviewed the video he saw what he did and commented that he didn't even remember taking the knife away from him, let alone that it was in his hand while punching the assailant.

OP, I agree... talk with your KM instructor and let him know you are having problems with the application of technique, particularly in multiple assailant exercises. If you are having to think about what you are doing, while you are doing it, then you are going too fast. That is not to say you shouldn't be challenged, but there is a point where instruction and learning will break down and becomes non beneficial.

I will also say there will be a plateau in training... you will get to a point where it all seems like French to you, and then, hopefully, one day *bam* it will all start flowing together. A good instructor will recognize this, and a dedicated student will work through that point, but together...

I think the statement refers more to the fact that learning a technique doesn't mean you can use it. Being able to use it requires that it be committed to muscle memory - and that is your "highest level of training."

 

[Charlie98]

I think the statement refers more to the fact that learning a technique doesn't mean you can use it. Being able to use it requires that it be committed to muscle memory - and that is your "highest level of training."

I gotcha... and that is quite true. :biggrin:

 

[Jeff7181]

Another update for those who are interested...

My instructor named me student of the week, citing my 20+ pound weight loss (I'm also in the process of replacing my XL shirts with L, and my 34 waist pants with 32) in my 3rd month of training and that I always put 100% effort into every class.

He's doing a pistol defense seminar in February, then the head of International Krav Maga, Gabi Noah, is supposed to be coming in March to teach a 2-day seminar. I'm hoping my job doesn't get in the way of me attending both of those!

 

[Charlie98]

Right on!

20#...? Whew!

 

[z1ggy]

I think I am going to try picking up some training in this area if I can find a decent local place.

Was in NYC this weekend, and relized I wasn't totally prepared to take somebody on "in the streets" as opposed to all my training in muy thai, bjj, etc, after a crazy homeless guy asked me for food and got pissed when I didn't have any. I thought to myself, shit.. If this guy had a knife or whatever, none of my bjj or boxing would really matter. I don't know how to truly defend and eliminate threats like that. Boxing is fine for if one guy decides to pick on you in a bar, but people with weapons, or multiple attackers (still likely in bar) are not topics covered in convention martial arts class. On the streets, there's no rules, and I am not used to that.

I've watched tons of krav maga videos and always found it useful, but I know from experience that you need tons of practice to make it second hand nature.

Edit: Ugh I freaking hate living here. The closet places that seem legit are a hike. Closest place that seems legit is about an hour away.

 

[inachu]

To the OP.
Not sure if you have any other belts but the best way is to jump into it head first no questions asked.

You will either love it or hate it.
Each school/class/dojo has its pluses and negatives such as:
The teachers that never does anything but lets his assistant do all the hard work.
Fellow students you would feel guilty sparring with.

Drink it all in. if any of it does not match what you thought then leave.

 

[Jeff7181]

To the OP.
Not sure if you have any other belts but the best way is to jump into it head first no questions asked.

You will either love it or hate it.
Each school/class/dojo has its pluses and negatives such as:
The teachers that never does anything but lets his assistant do all the hard work.
Fellow students you would feel guilty sparring with.

Drink it all in. if any of it does not match what you thought then leave.

Thank you. I already have. I started in November last year... haven't been able to go for a couple weeks now due to traveling and illness... but I've upgraded my membership so I can attend as many classes as I want. The school also just added another type of class that focuses more on sparring using techniques taught in the Krav Maga Beginner class.

(By the way... I'm now down 30 pounds since starting the class... weighed in at 188 lbs over the weekend. I was between 215 and 220 when I started the class, which is down from my peak of 250 a year prior. 60 pounds total weight loss in the past 16 months.)

 

[inachu]

Thank you. I already have. I started in November last year... haven't been able to go for a couple weeks now due to traveling and illness... but I've upgraded my membership so I can attend as many classes as I want. The school also just added another type of class that focuses more on sparring using techniques taught in the Krav Maga Beginner class.

(By the way... I'm now down 30 pounds since starting the class... weighed in at 188 lbs over the weekend. I was between 215 and 220 when I started the class, which is down from my peak of 250 a year prior. 60 pounds total weight loss in the past 16 months.)

As you train you will slowly get speed. But if you find speed in movement of your arms is an issue then buy a punching bag and some boxing gloves.

Buy the small teardrop shaped punching bag one as it will also build up stamina very fast. Buy wrist wraps as well.

Awsome on the weight loss!

 

[Jeff7181]

As you train you will slowly get speed. But if you find speed in movement of your arms is an issue then buy a punching bag and some boxing gloves.

Buy the small teardrop shaped punching bag one as it will also build up stamina very fast. Buy wrist wraps as well.

Awsome on the weight loss!

I have wrist wraps... but I think they're too small... I can't finish any of the wraps I see demonstrated on YouTube due to the wrap being too short. So I might buy more, or just try to wrap my wrists since the 8 oz. MMA gloves I have provide more than adequate knuckle protection for bag-work.

 

[z1ggy]

I have wrist wraps... but I think they're too small... I can't finish any of the wraps I see demonstrated on YouTube due to the wrap being too short. So I might buy more, or just try to wrap my wrists since the 8 oz. MMA gloves I have provide more than adequate knuckle protection for bag-work.

You want the wraps for wrist/hand support, not necessarily for knuckle protection. The 8oz glove will be fine for knuckle protection on their own, but if you're punching a heavy bag (I assume you'd be tossing punches pretty hard) you use wraps to support everything so you don't get injured.

 

[Jeff7181]

You want the wraps for wrist/hand support, not necessarily for knuckle protection. The 8oz glove will be fine for knuckle protection on their own, but if you're punching a heavy bag (I assume you'd be tossing punches pretty hard) you use wraps to support everything so you don't get injured.

Yes, but wrapping to support the hand requires/involves going between fingers, etc. The wraps I have aren't long enough to do that fully. It's no big deal really - I can buy new ones, I just haven't had a big need for them yet. The techniques we practice are typically done with a partner, not solo work on a bag. The few times I have used the bag, I liked it, but closed fist punches are a fairly small subset of attacks taught in Krav Maga. Open hand strikes, hammer fists and elbows are much more common as they still cause blunt force trauma and there's less danger of damaging yourself and reducing your ability to defend yourself in a multiple attacker situation.

 

[z1ggy]

Yes, but wrapping to support the hand requires/involves going between fingers, etc. The wraps I have aren't long enough to do that fully. It's no big deal really - I can buy new ones, I just haven't had a big need for them yet. The techniques we practice are typically done with a partner, not solo work on a bag. The few times I have used the bag, I liked it, but closed fist punches are a fairly small subset of attacks taught in Krav Maga. Open hand strikes, hammer fists and elbows are much more common as they still cause blunt force trauma and there's less danger of damaging yourself and reducing your ability to defend yourself in a multiple attacker situation.

Yeah you need longer wraps. And yes I 100% agree with you. You really don't see tons of "boxing" in krav maga- at least from my totally inexperienced perspective from watching a lot of videos.. so.. I may be wrong.

 

[Jeff7181]

4-hour pistol defense seminar was Saturday and went really well. Had a great time and learned a lot. I really like how this instructor is using some more modern Krav techniques that are simplified and more universal and can be used in multiple situations. Not just a pistol disarm, or a knife disarm or a punch redirect... they're all very similar movements and the concept is the same, even from multiple angles.