Is Krav Maga for women only? Would it be effective for a male who knows nothing about street fighting?

Question

I'm looking to defend myself against a threat at work, however I have never been in a fight in my life, my punch doesn't pack much power and I'm not sure what martial art or street fighting technique I can learn locally or via video. The other problem is I don't have anyone to practice on. Also is Krav Maga for women's self defense?

Answer 1

WTF?? ONLY FOR WOMEN?? 0_o

wow...my friend, krav is a very intense type of fighting..pretty much anything goes..

so NO it is not only for women....

and on top of that, if your looking to learn properly then don't learn via video, its never the same as being taught in person..

Answer 2

Okay, so by now you've been told: Krav Maga isn't for women only. Now for the rest of the story.

Techniques don't help you. Sorry, but it's true. The technique is a training tool. Until you can make it part of your natural movement, you'll be stuck looking for that technique as you're being beaten senseless.

Videos are not the way to go either. They are meant to 1.) make money, and 2.) supplement existing martial arts training. If you have eyes for martial arts, then you'll understand why something works, and be able to work from the video. If not, you'll think of it as a technique and run into the problem above.

For you, until you find a trainer, your self-defense needs to consist of deflect-evade-run. Deflect strikes that you can't evade. Evade strikes when you can't run from the fight. Run when you see a clear path. Don't punch. If you have to strike, strike with your open palm (less chance of breaking your knuckles). Slapping another man can buy you time. Nothing is off limits. Unless you want to die, run as soon as you have the chance. Keep breathing. Stay calm. The goal is to survive, not to "win". When all else seems lost, stop caring -- let go of the fear of dying to find a way to survive.

Any training is good, but only if you stick with it and look at it through the eyes of a martial artist. The technique isn't what's important, so what lies behind the technique. Talk to the instructor and ask for advice from them. The most dangerous thing is a martial arts student with a little bit of training because they tend to use it. If it's not natural, don't force it.

Stay safe, train well.

Answer 3

It is not for women only, where did you get that idea from? My friend (a guy) is a Krav Maga trainer and he tells me that the majority of his students are male. These classes are pretty good for people like you who have never been in a fight since you will learn a lot abput self-defense but also good basic offensive moves. Since you don't have anyone to practice with, I would highly recommend you take classes instead of learning via video.

Answer 4

I just started Krav Maga and its great.  It is good for everyone, but will teach you lots of moves which may be interpreted as "Cheap" if used by men.  Examples are shots to the balls and joint locks.

Answer 5

All martial arts are for boths sexes. Only ego makes something sexist. Krav Maga is ok, but it's not the end all be all, any martial art would get the job done if you have the right teacher. Also it doesn't matter if the dojo looks like a million bucks or if its just a space in a park field.

If you're really interested in learning how to defend yourself you need to have a real life present instructor. You'll have plenty of people to practice on once you join a studio/dojo/club.

Answer 6

I suggest you learn Brazilian Jiu jitsu. It is the most practical for street fighting. Also, you can learn what you need in less than a week. I know, I learn BJJ in the Army.

BJJ is for EVERYONE. Not just the fit, strong, or male/female.

Answer 7

Nope, anyone can learn Krav Maga regardless of s*x.

Answer 8

No, it's not only for women. It's for everyone who wants to know how to defend themselves. Even police officers, military, CIA, FBI, etc. use it.