Frequently Asked Questions | Krav Maga | Krav Maga Classes

Krav Maga is a practical and effective self-defence and fighting system.  It was developed in Israel, initially for the military and later adapted for civilian use. Created by Imi Lichtenfeld, Krav Maga incorporates techniques from various martial arts and combat sports, emphasizing simplicity and efficiency in neutralizing threats and attacks.

Training covers a wide range of defensive techniques, including strikes, kicks, blocks, grappling, and defences against various types of weapons. It also includes scenarios and drills to develop situational awareness, decision-making skills, and the ability to manage stress and fear.

It is a comprehensive system designed to empower individuals to protect themselves and others in dangerous situations.

Krav Maga Global (KMG) is one of the premier international organisation dedicated to teaching and promoting Krav Maga. Founded by Eyal Yanilov, a prominent Krav Maga Master and direct student of the system's founder, Imi Lichtenfeld, Krav Maga Global operates globally with branches and affiliates in numerous countries.

KMG is known for its comprehensive and standardized curriculum, which covers all aspects of Krav Maga, from basic self-defence techniques to advanced tactics and instructor training. The organisation prioritizes authenticity, ensuring that its instructors receive high-quality training and adhere to the principles and standards set forth by Imi Lichtenfeld.

In addition to providing self-defence training for civilians, KMG also offers specialised programs for law enforcement, military personnel, security professionals, and other specialised groups. These programs are tailored to the specific needs and requirements of each organization or group, incorporating real-world scenarios and practical techniques.

KMG plays a significant role in spreading and preserving the legacy of Krav Maga worldwide, making it accessible to individuals and organizations seeking effective self-defence training.

Yes, Krav Maga is suitable for beginners; its simplicity and practicality makes it particularly accessible to people of all fitness levels and backgrounds.

Our instructors adapt training in our regular classes to your level.  Further, our base course is specifically tailored for individuals with no prior experience in Krav Maga or martial arts training; an excellent place to start.

Effective Self-Defence Skills, Increased Awareness and Alertness, Improved Fitness, Fast Learning Curve, Confidence and Empowerment, Stress Management, Adaptability, Enhanced Physical Conditioning, Realistic Training Scenarios, Community and Camaraderie, Mental Toughness, Practical Techniques for Women, Increased Reflexes and Reaction Time, Versatility in Defending Against Multiple, Attackers, Life-Saving Skills

No, though if you do have any specific concerns about your health and fitness, then please seek medical advice prior to training.

There is no need to be in peak physical shape prior to starting; in fact, regular training should help improve your fitness; one of the core motivations of our members.  Echelon approaches that, not just as a by-product of training, but as core part of it in itself; precisely why we run combat fitness classes.

Two to three times a week is a good target; providing for regular exposure to techniques and concepts.  Training consistently is key; repeating classes helps; good tactical behaviour will start to become second nature, techniques will improve and breakthrough moments will come.  Exposing yourself to drills and other training will start to strengthen your mindset and your physical fitness.

Supplementing your Krav Maga training with Combat Fitness training to develop your agility, cardio, conditioning, strength and flexibility is a great way to complement your Krav Maga training.  Think of it as functional fitness training for Krav Maga.

It is important to also give yourself some downtime to absorb lessons from class and recover physically; everyone is different, so you need to find the right balance that works for you; emphasise sustainable quality training that fits with your schedule.

This is a difficult question to answer, since it depends on many factors.  Here though are some rough guidelines, assuming you train consistently and purposefully for:

3 to 6 months; should develop a solid grounding in the fundamentals; improved situational awareness, basic strikes and defences against the most common attacks.  

6 months to 3 years; explore slightly more advanced techniques and concepts; incorporating more dynamic self-defence and fighting skills.

3 years and beyond; developed an instinctive and fluid application of the techniques and concepts; adapt their application to various scenarios; explore more advanced techniques and concepts; ongoing learning and continual refinement.

Remember practitioners, graduates, experts through to masters are always learning.  Krav Maga training is about a journey with significant milestones, more so than any final destination.

Yes, with safety as the overriding priority.  All sparring is conducted in a controlled environment; participants are required to adhere to safety guidelines including wearing protective equipment and our instructors monitor all sessions.

Echelon recognises that this is not a part of training that most are naturally comfortable with; precisely why we introduce it in a structured manner as you progress over time.  Furthermore, it is important to develop solid footwork, movement, striking and defences and an appropriate mindset, before moving onto working on those under higher pressure.

Indeed, it is a tool used to simulate the dynamic, unpredictable and stressful nature of physical confrontations; an important part of preparing you for real-world self-defence situations. 

Athletic attire.  Krav Maga uniforms that include a t-shirt and training trousers, leggings or shorts and supportive athletic footwear is ideal.

At an absolute minimum practitioners attending regular classes should have a groin guard, grappling gloves and a mouth guard.  This is available as our Starter Pack.

Further protective equipment we recommend includes arm guards, boxing gloves and shin guards.  This is available as our Add-On Pack.

All items noted above are available as our Complete Pack.

Other items that it is useful to have include a towel, a water bottle and an athletic bag to keep all of your equipment organised and transport it to and from class.

Attire and equipment can be purchase from our dedicated store at Krav Maga Global UK.

Krav Maga is specifically designed to be practical and effective in real-life self-defence situations. Its principles and techniques are focused on quickly neutralizing threats, regardless of the circumstances. Here are ways in which Krav Maga can be beneficial in real-life self-defence:

Simplicity and Instinctiveness, Adaptability to Various Threats, Focus on Vulnerabilities, Defensive Techniques Against Common Attacks, Scenario-Based Training, Stress Inoculation, Quick Escapes and Evasion, Weapon Defence, Prevention and Awareness, Physical Fitness, Confidence and Mental Preparedness

It's important to note that while Krav Maga is highly effective, no self-defence system can guarantee success in every situation. The goal is to maximize the chances of survival and escape by using practical and efficient techniques. Regular and realistic training is key to developing and maintaining proficiency in Krav Maga for real-life self-defence.

Yes, these include our base course, our flagship beginner Krav Maga training course, pre-grading and grading events and specialised seminars focusing on specific aspects of self-defence and fighting.

Further, Krav Maga Global UK runs regular training events, seminars and camps and advanced grading events.  Krav Maga Global runs similar events in multiple locations around the world.  Training Krav Maga at Echelon under Krav Maga Global gives you access to all these events; one of the many benefits of our affiliation.

No, not at present.  However, this is something that we plan to introduce.

No, not at present.  However, our instructors do have an appreciation for womens' unique concerns in class and in a real-life self-defence context.

Training is adapted to account for various dynamics; the focus on empowering women to leverage their natural advantages and strengths to best defend themselves and others.

No, not at present.  Members must be at least 18 years old.  However, Krav Maga Global does offer a specially designed programme for children.  Echelon would be happy to recommend schools that offer Krav Maga classes for children.