Other self-defense classes, similar to Krav Maga

[Maestro_Ba]

Hi. I haven't started practising Krav Maga yet, however I'm pretty sure I'm going to like it, for what I've read so far.

The main things that attracted me are:
1 - It's a fast learning self-defence mechanism that is meant to use on the streets (exactly what I search for, I've never practiced any martial art and want a simple and effective way to defend myself in case I need).
2 - As far as I know, training in classes is all fake, that is, you don't actually hit your partner, you simply simulate the fighting movements (right?).

My question is: Are there any other martial arts or tactics of self-defence that also have these characteristics? I don't want to practice something to have a partner beating and punching hard my head everyday! It's not fighting what I want, it's learning defence.

Iíd appreciate if someone could tell me which other classes would suit me. Itís just that unfortunately where I live there isnít a Krav Maga school (the nearest is very far), and I would like to know alternatives. Thanks.

[Cheske18]

Where exactly is it that you live?

[Maestro_Ba]

In Portugal.

[Lenny]

2 - As far as I know, training in classes is all fake, that is, you don't actually hit your partner, you simply simulate the fighting movements (right?).


In my class we use pads but we go full speed and get the feel of what it like to hit someone as hard as you can. And even though it's a pad you get a feeling of the force and what it's like to be hit...with pads of course. There may be an option on this if you don't want to hit, but I think it's important. But I've also only gone to two classes. :D

[Anonymous]

Maestro,

We had the same situation here in Hungary. Bunch of interested people, but nobody, who could teach us. So, we invited Eyal Yanilov and two years later we have 5 instructors in Hungary...I suggest the same to you.

Similar system? I you show the techniques to anybody else - karate, aikido, kung fu etc. - you will often hear: \" Hey, it is similar to our system...\"

And when I go to check their system and training, almost no any similarity. So, I have no idea...:)

Training is call has to be as real, as possible. Most real would be go in real situation on the street, but is it our goal? SO, make the system realistic, make the training realistic.

[Maestro_Ba]

Training is call has to be as real, as possible. Most real would be go in real situation on the street, but is it our goal? SO, make the system realistic, make the training realistic.

I believe and agree with this, I can't train in slow motion and expect that in a real life situation I'll manage it. Realism is very important! I want to hit pads, I want to feel what it is hitting something with my full strength, I just don't want my nose bleeding (or breaking!) from a punch, biting my tongue or breaking a tooth. This is what I was asking when I said \"it's all fake\".

So, what I wanted were alternative sports/arts of self-defence that, being as realistic as possible, and having a quick learning curve, would allow me to fell safer on the streets, without having to actually punch faces in classes.

(I really want to learn Krav Maga, if I don't find a closer alternative that satisfies me I'll have to overcome the \"distance factor\"... :) )

Thanks!

[The Kravist]

Realism is very important! I just don't want my nose bleeding (or breaking!) from a punch, biting my tongue or breaking a tooth. This is what I was asking when I said \"it's all fake\".

without having to actually punch faces in classes.

Thanks!

I don't think your expectations are very realistic here. You want realism with out the contact. Krav Maga, by definition, is contact combat. You are going to have to expect to get some bumps and lumps along the way. Wear a mouth piece during workouts if you don't want to break a tooth, but don't expect it to be a walk in the park. What you are describing might be offered by some Krav Maga instructors, I just wouldn't recommend training with them.

Good Luck.

[Anonymous]

Kravist,

Agree, wearing a full body protection can be a solution, but must feel real punches, otherwise the real attack will suprise ya...