I am considering learning Krav Maga or some sort of self defense...?

Question

I am a normal person looking to learn a hand to hand combat. I've heard great things about Krav Maga, but I don't know where to find a teacher in a small town like the one I live in. What is you opinion on Krav Maga?

Also, what other types of H2H are good for a normal person like me? What is the attitude in a gym while you're learning?

Thanks in advance to all who answer my question!

Answer 1

Well if you're looking for a straight up H2H combat and self defense system, Krav Maga would be your best bet since it was developed out of the necessity for a practical, easy to learn self defense system for the streets. But yeah, there aren't nearly as many schools as other things like TKD and such.

If you can't find a Krav school, you could try looking up Kajukenbo, which is another eclectic martial art that is similar to Krav Maga.

You could try just finding a gym and taking up Boxing or Muay Thai. Its not exactly self defense, but it'll teach you to throw solid punches, kicks, elbows and knees.

And you could also try some grappling like Aikido and Hapkido which also teach self defense techniques.

Answer 2

Try to go to Iraq and see how long you'll last! You don't need a martial art just take Mc.Cain with you!

Answer 3

As a Krav Maga instructor, and an IDF Sayaret soldier, I must tell you that taking Krav Maga may give you what you need, but in the end it is you that will determine what is best for you.

Some folks are natural punchers and kickers, some are natural grapplers.  I started Krav Maga when I was 14, I had no choice, at 18 I was in the IDF School of Combat Fitness for the official full course, not the most fun experience.  I teach Krav Maga, some of my students will excel at different things, some will never excel and then drop out, this is America, not Israel.

These days as an old guy living in the USA for now, I study Wu style Taiji and Combat Sambo.  Both Krav Maga and Combat Sambo deal with weapons from day 1 and are good for bad situations.  

Any art which teaches modern weapons disarmament is good for street use.  Personally at this point in my life I enjoy Wu style Taiji, I already know how to survive in combat and much of what I see in Taiji helps me with grappling, push hands is truly an amazing thing.

Whatever you choose, make sure it is something you will enjoy and stick with, it has to be comfortable within your cognitive framework, not one shoe fits everyone.

Answer 4

Why does a "normal" person need to learn hand-to-hand combat?  That's for killing people.  Are you sure you don't want to just learn self-defense?

I recommend the traditional arts.  You not only learn self-defense, but you learn how not to need it.

Answer 5

ya know i've read a lot of bad stuff about Krav Maga. I don't really know cause i've never taken a class but I've read things like it's just good advertising makes people think what they think. I've read that against any reel fighter in a one on one fight like a boxer or a karate guy or someone who knows how to fight they have bad chances to win. I've read that people always say it's field tested but whos actually seen this field testing. Just stuff i've read that I would look into before starting Krav. Can't believe everything you read but can't take some info like that and just ignore it either