5 Misconceptions About Krav Maga

Krav Maga is generally less known than Karate, Kung Fu, Mixed Martial Arts ( MMA) and other self defense/fighting systems.

With little exposure to our self defense system some people have expressed some misleading views of what we teach and our approach to self-defense.

Here are 5 misconceptions about Krav Maga that I have encountered.

1. Krav Maga is a "Fight Club".  People are not coming to us to beat each other in a misguided attempt to recover their manhood, or to find meaning.    If so, we politely ask them to leave.  People come to us to learn how to protect themselves, to get home safe.  
2. We glorify violence.  No.  Quite the opposite.  We abhor violence and genuinely hope that our students never have to defend themselves. 
3. We are brutish.   Brute force is a last resort.  We advocate avoidance, escape, and when possible "soft techniques"  to prevent situations from escalating.  More brutal techniques are used only when absolutely necessary.  
4. Krav Maga is only for fit, young males.  Yes we do have fit young males but we also have fit young females, fit older males and females, men and women of all ages who, by their own admission, are not very fit.  We are here to teach you to protect yourself regardless of your fitness level, age, athleticism etc... 
5. We look for shortcuts.  Krav Maga is a system that emphasizes simple techniques based on natural reactions.  We avoid complex techniques because under stress your coordination suffers - not because we are impatient.  

Stay Safe,

Christopher Gagne
Lead Instructor, International Krav Maga Federation, Toronto
torontokrav@rogers.com
416-657-1028

Ikmftoronto.com