About the Krav Maga Institute (NYC)
The Krav Maga Institute NYC is the first and only IKMF training center in NYC. Established in NYC, the Institute offers a wide range of weekly classes, intensive workshops, short courses and private training opportunities.
We are not about glitz, glamour, egos, belts or politics. We are about learning practical real life fighting methods and getting fit, confident and strong. All our instructors are both certified IKMF Krav Maga instructors and CrossFit Level 1 trainers (CF-L1).
Although we are widely considered to be the best Krav Maga trainers in the world. We don’t want to be the biggest, or most profitable and we don’t want to give you a sales pitch. We want you to change peoples lives by teaching Krav Maga. You can make up your own mind.
Law enforcement, security organizations, the military (including special forces), women, kids and men choose us to teach them Krav Maga to help keep them safe. We are the best at what we do.
It’s really quite simple, we teach focused fighting methods and get you fit in a supportive and easy to learn environment. No egos, no belts, no bull.
If you are looking to learn no nonsense, modern and up to date practical self-defense techniques, have fun and get CrossFit (all affordably) then the Krav Maga Institute NYC is for you.
The IKMF
IKMF stands for International Krav Maga Federation. The IKMF is a non-profit organization that teaches Krav Maga and fitness methods to civilians, special forces, military and law enforcement professionals all around the world.
The IKMF was founded in 1996 by Avi Moyal, Eyal Yanilov, Gabi Noah and Eli Ben-Ami with blessing from founder of Krav Maga, Imi Lichtenfeld
Krav Maga (translated as combat contact) is an Israeli system of self defense and fighting skills originally developed for the Israeli Defence Forces.
Due to the practical nature, effectiveness and pressure tested methods of training, Krav Maga was adapted for use by law enforcement unit, security professionals and civillains.
The Krav Maga Institute NYC is the IKMF’s only approved school in New York. We are certified by the world’s leading quality provider of Krav Maga training – the IKMF – based in Israel.
All our instructors are certified by, and maintain the training standards of, the International Krav Maga Federation and CrossFit.
What is Krav Maga?
Krav Maga (translated as combat contact) is a modern and practical form of self defense developed for the Israeli Defence Forces for real life situations. It has developed and been battle tested over decades. The techniques have been adapted for civilian use. It is based on natural human reactions so it is easy to learn and easy to remember. We train our students under pressurized situations so that when it comes to the crunch they can actually deal with difficulties.
Who is Imi Lichtenfeld?
Imi Lichtenfeld is the founder of Krav Maga. His aim was to train civilians in Krav Maga so that he or she and their family can walk in peace.
How long will it take to become proficient?
The first level takes 3-6 months. Each level after that is about 5-6 months, depending on your level of mastery. You will most likely leave the first class with something that could save your life. Krav Maga, unlike many other martial arts, was driven by the need to train people very quickly and efficiently. It typically takes a person of average physical ability perhaps only several months before significant progress is achieved and noticeable.
I have years of martial arts experience. Can I join the advanced class? Do you have a belt system?
Everyone starts at the beginning. Due to the unique nature of KM, techniques that you have known for years may be slightly different. Even a punch is very specific to KM. Starting at the beginning will build that strong foundation that will enable you to advance through the system knowing that you are learning and absorbing what is being taught.
We don’t use a belt system, we use a patch system. At every test, upon passing, you will receive a patch for the level that you test and a diploma. Your patch is worn on your training pants to signify where you are in your training. There are 16 levels in KM: Practitioner 1-5, Graduate 1-5, Expert 1-5 and Master.
I am short/overweight/unfit/weak. Can I do it?
Yes. All the more reason to learn how to defend yourself. If you are vulnerable, unfit, old, small or weak, you are a target. Attackers are more likely to choose someone they are certain they can overpower. Krav Maga was designed to benefit the average person. The system is not about sheer strength or power. Krav Maga, is more accessible to more people of either sex, shape or size than many other martial art forms. While Krav-Maga is definitely a tough work-out, don’t let that intimidate you. Everyone can do it. The techniques are based on natural reactions and functional movements that we can all manage.
Do I have to buy special equipment or clothes?
No. There is no uniform. Krav Maga pants and t-shirt are enough. We do require that you bring body protection (groin protection for men and mouth guards for all) to each class.
How safe is Krav Maga?
Krav Maga is as safe as any other martial arts form. The chances of being injured during a class are remote. We would argue your chances of being hurt are lower than for almost any other sport. We want to teach you how to defend yourself, but not at the expense of injury. As with all vigorous activity, you should check with your medical provider before beginning.
