Introductory Krav Maga: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Krav Maga?
Krav Maga is a self defense and fighting system based on simple principles and your own body's instinctive movements. This reality based system is designed to teach real self defense in the shortest possible time. Learn to defend against common chokes, grabs, and bear hugs, as well as weapons such as guns, knives, sticks, and assault rifles. Essentially, we teach people to function during the stress and shock of a sudden, violent encounter.

Krav Maga was developed by Imi Lichtenfeld, who was a Czech-born former heavyweight boxing champion trained in self-defense tactics by his father, a police officer. Krav Maga originally was developed and taught as a self-defense with hand-to-hand combat techniques - featuring elements of boxing, judo, and jui-jitsu as well as stick and knife fighting techniques - for the elite units of the Israel Defense Forces. As such, Krav Maga has been tested numerous times on the battlefield and in the streets by men and women of all ages, Krav Maga’s practical approach to self defense will make you safer and more secure.

Our classes also focus on prevention techniques and tactics. Learn how to spot danger signs and defend yourself against common attacks, including fighting on the ground. We only emphasize realistic scenarios and realistic techniques. Krav Maga is not a traditional martial art, but rather a practical one. Unlike many other martial arts, Krav Maga lacks a strict system of rules—a fighter is trained to use his or her fists, elbows, or shins in any way he can to inflict enough pain to break free from an opponent and, if necessary, disarm him. Blows are aimed at the opponent’s vulnerable areas, including his eyes, stomach, throat, and groin, in order to make the most impact. There are no required katas or uniforms. The only requirement is to train with self defense and fighting system that actually works.

Why sign up at ATA Martial Arts?
We believe there are many good martial art schools out there and many bad ones, just like elementary schools. The ATA or American Taekwondo Association has been at the forefront of evolving martial arts since the early 1980s. Traditional martial arts focus on many important aspects but do not offer the complete physical and mental training that you can receive at ATA Martial Arts. We invite you to visit other schools, but we truly recommend you try a class with us first.

How do the students advance to the next belt or level?
Every 12 weeks we hold a testing for Krav Maga students. Not every student will be invited to this but it is the instructor's goal to get every student there. Students are evaluated in class and receive notification of testing eligibility.

How many students in each class?
Classes can range anywhere from 5-30 students, depending on many variables. As instructors, we enjoy having students participate in all sizes to prepare for the many variations of real life scenarios.

How much does it cost?
Our entry level programs come to just over $100 per month. All programs consist on a registration fee due when you sign up and then monthly installments. We do offer money saving discounts for paying in full, so please ask your instructor about them.

Can I cancel a membership?
Generally we do not want you to sign up if in a month or two you think you are going to quit. This sets a bad example for you and for our students. Nonetheless for our introductory programs we offer a 30 day cancellation notice policy.