FAQS

Krav Maga is not a traditional martial art. No katas. No rituals. No nonsense. Based on simple principles and instinctive movements, this reality-based system is designed to teach real self-defense in the shortest possible time. You'll learn to defend against common chokes and grabs from all angles, punches and kicks, and weapons such as guns, knives, and sticks. Just as important, Krav Maga will teach you to function under stress, shock and adrenaline rush of a sudden, violent encounter. Tested on the battlefield and in today's streets, Krav Maga's practical approach to self-defense will make you safer and more secure. And believe it or not, you'll have so much fun working out, you won't be able to wait for your next class!

Krav Maga has recently been taught to U.S. federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including, but not limited to the following:

• Alabama State Police
• Beverly Hills Police Department
• Burbank Police Department
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms
• California Highway Patrol
• Drug Enforcement Administration Arrest & Control Unit
• El Segundo Police Department
• Federal Bureau of Investigations
• Florida State Highway Patrol
• Illinois State Police
• Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
• Los Angeles Police Department Academy
• NYPD
• Ohio State Police
• Pennsylvania State Police
• Santa Monica Police Department
• Texas Department of Public Safety
• U.S. Coast Guard - Port Security Unit
• U.S. Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement
• U.S. Department of State
• U.S. Immigration Service
• U.S. Treasury Department

a. Awareness
Students of Krav Maga use basic moves in various combinations to fend off violent attacks. This means that students adjust to new situations through improvisation, an important and unique feature of this style. This requires using the head as well as the body, and thus Krav Maga addresses the thought process as well as the physical action.

b. Confidence
Improvisation also allows for limitations in physical abilities. Not everyone can bring his or her leg up to a 180 degree angle, and thus the system is geared towards the average person. Students are taught a variety of possible defensive reactions for each possible attack situation, building upon an actual framework of useable techniques. They are then encouraged to utilize the responses that are appropriate to their capabilities. This allows the student to develop a sense of confidence in their abilities.

c. Physical Fitness
Because physical fitness is closely interwoven into the system, the workout includes a number of cardiovascular and strength building exercises, as well as stretching to increase flexibility. Emphasis is put on speed, endurance, strength, accuracy and coordination, especially for intensive Krav Maga training.

Krav Maga is a style benefiting both the individual who seeks serious Self-Defense training as well as the practitioner seeking to round out prior martial art knowledge. It is a style that proves most effective against any type of assault.

For many people, Krav Maga is their first experience in martial arts. However, we also have many students who come to train with us and have numerous years of experience in other systems. In fact, most Krav Maga instructors have years of training in a variety of systems. Therefore, Krav Maga has proven to be a very open system and welcomes all who wish to participate, regardless of background.

Krav Maga, unlike many other martial arts, is a very fast-progressing system. Part of its design was driven by the need to train people very quickly and very efficiently. Consequently, it typically takes a person of average physical ability perhaps only several months before significant progress is achieved and noticeable.

Krav Maga is as safe as any other martial arts form. During your instruction you are required to wear shin and groin protection. Krav Maga classes are typically small and tightly controlled. The chances of being injured during a class are as remote and even less than for any other sport. The chances of someone attacking you being injured, however, are extremely high.

Children ages 12 and above love our program. While the key for them is FUN, we want parents to see that they're receiving invaluable lessons to help them learn, get along with others and achieve success for the rest of their lives. We teach the same character building lessons one should expect from a good traditional martial arts school: respect, self-control, discipline, confidence, concentration and focus. However, we don't fool around when it comes to self defense. While we give them the tools and tricks to deal with annoying bullies, we also give them the knowledge and awareness skills to save themselves from much more serious problems like abduction. We take care not to frighten them while educating about the dangers of the world, and we don't break their spirit with overly militaristic teaching. Sensitivity to the personality of each child is required to motivate them to become their best. We make sure they understand when it is appropriate to use their techniques, emphasizing peaceful resolutions to conflict.

More than ever, children need to have opportunities to be active; our unique cross-training not only holds their interest, but also increases their strength, endurance and flexibility. They'll learn to defend against common grabs, holds, and strikes, and they'll have fun doing it!

Beyond the self defense and physical fitness components, parents notice a positive shift in their child's attitude. Our training program improves your child's overall motor skills such as agility, coordination and balance. As these skills improve, so do your child's confidence, focus and self esteem. Our self defense training won't make your children more prone to violence - it'll give them the confidence to avoid aggression in themselves and others.

No question about it! Losing weight is definitely a side-benefit of Krav Maga. Classes always include warm-up and workout. However, it's more accurate to say you will lose fat. If you're not overweight by much, your weight reading on the scale may not change significantly. That's because with Krav Maga, you'll be losing body fat and gaining lean muscle, which weighs more than fat. You'll notice the difference in the way your clothes fit and your new, more shapely, toned appearance.

Unlike other martial art forms, there is no imposed uniform for Krav Maga. KMOC or KMW t-shirts are required. Tank tops are not allowed. Either shorts or training pants can be worn but training pants are recommend for ground work. For those who have passed a belt test, your belt should be warn to class. White soled or non-skid athletic shoes are required. For boxing, gloves and wrist wraps are required. We do require that you bring body protection (groin protection for men) to each class.

Krav Maga does have a color belt system of advancement in expertise. However, there are no specific competition events for Krav Maga like there is for other martial arts. Similarly, there are no katas in Krav Maga. Each belt level carries with it various techniques that must be performed in a testing environment. One may or may not desire to even test for a belt. There are no such obligations in Krav Maga.

No, members can train as often as they wish.

During each session, we take orders for official Krav Maga wear and gear for our students. We can order everything you need to train and look good when you are not training.

The classes are 1 hour long.

Yes, we understand the need to defend ourselves in the event we go to the ground. However, we always look to get up as soon as possible.

Drop by our facilities during any normal class times, Mon-Thur and Sat in Mission Viejo at 6pm or Tue/Thur in Irvine at 7pm during an active session, and there will be someone there to speak with you.

Click HERE for our location address and HERE for our current schedule.

If you can't stop by, give us a call at (949) 333-0736 or (714) 876-6256 or send us an email at

Even though Krav Maga has been around for approximately forty years, other forms of martial arts such as Karate or Tae Kwon Do have been more popular in the United States. Krav Maga is only now beginning to reach mass popularity in the US. Once reserved for special military, police and protection units, it is now accessible to just about any individual of any ability. This is because Krav Maga was designed for the general public as well. Krav Maga has also been more in the public eye due to media exposure, from movies like Enough, Terminator 3, Tomb Raider 2, and Daredevil with celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Shannon Elizabeth, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Garner training. Now more than ever, people want to feel safe and Krav Maga is one of the most efficient ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.

You are always welcome and encouraged to sit-in on a class to determine for yourself if Krav Maga is right for you. There is no obligation whatsoever. Email or call us to set up a convenient time for you to explore Krav Maga.

Absolutely. Our continuing students participate in the intermediate/advanced level classes which include sparring (with gloves and full head protection) and grappling. In these classes, you'll test your combative skills with a partner who's trying to do the same. Student safety is always emphasized. These classes require attending at least 16 weeks of regular Krav Maga training and the permission of the instructor to participate.

No. Sparring is conducted in the special optional Fight Class described above. In Krav Maga it is not necessary to be good at sparring to learn to defend yourself. Remember, in self defense there are no rules. In sparring, some rules must be imposed to maintain student safety. While sparring may help you become a more proficient, coordinated fighter, it is not required.

Krav Maga was designed to benefit the average person. The system is not about sheer strength or power. As a matter of fact one of the basic tenets of Krav Maga is that one should not oppose power with power. Rather, Krav Maga blends a combination of physical skill with mental self-defense determination. Consequently, Krav Maga is more accessible to more people of either sex, shape or size than many other martial art forms.

Why not? What better way to ensure that your better half is as prepared to face an attacker as you are? As an added bonus you are guaranteed a workout and training partner in your house as well.