Can you train in Krav Maga and Karate at the same time?

[Paladin]

I tried Krav Maga last year and loved it. However, I am also attracted to karate. I would like to train in both. I was told that it would confuse me. Anyone out there have a suggestion?

[Andre]

We can get in depth, but ultimatly, its up to you to decide if you want to do both. Personally, I wouldn't do it.

[BradM]

We have some students who train in both Krav and Taekwondo. I don't think they have any problems. I think the biggest problem is a conflict of class times between the two.

[Leftie79]

Before I started my KM training, I started in TKD. I found that when i started KM, there was a difference how TKDs kicks are different than KM. (muay thai kicks vs. snapping for TKD). Plus, KM is more agressive, IMO, compared to TKD. That's another reason I switched from TKD to KM because one, it's more agressive and two, I'm more likely to use the stuff I learn in KM than fancy spin, jump kicks one would learn in a karate/tkd class.

[alny1]

:shock: it never hurts to cross train. in fact it could probably make you better and have less injuries.more knowledge never hurts

[BradM]

Leftie,
I studied TKD for over 12 years before starting Krav and I agree with you that Krav is much more aggressive and practical than TKD. After about 2 months in Krav I felt much better to defend my self on the street than I did with the 12 years of TKD.

However, regarding kicks, I disagree some what. I found that the kicks I learned in Krav are basically like the ones I learned in TKD. I learrned both \"snapping\" and power kicks in TKD. Just, in TKD we never kicked low, below the belt. The front kick and defensive front kick are about the same. The side kick is exected slightly diffently. I think the biggest difference I saw is in the round kick - Krav using a MT type kick.

I guess my point is that because of the previous TKD, I had no problem with Krav kicks, punches, and elbow strikes. We were even taught knee strikes to some extent in TKD during some self defense drills.

Krav has diffinetly honed my striking skills extensively making them more powerful and faster.

[Leftie79]

Brad,

I agree with you on the TKD part that you felt better about defending yourself with KM skills than TKD. Yes, after reading your post I realize that the round kick in KM is more MT, and in TKD kicks are more directed to the head at times, where, KM kicks are mainly aimed at groin level and stomach. Hopefully this makes sense. :)

[Lex-Rex]

I have studied both Karate and TKD. (I like to say I experimented when I was in college.) I have to say that I find very little real world value in either style.

In fact, there were many habits I had to break later as I studied more street oriented fighting styles including Krav Maga. Hip chambering for punches leaves your head open for attacks. Side stances in sparring leave you exposed to Muay Thai style kicks to the back of your lead leg. (Ouch!!) Spinning techniques in general get you into more trouble than they are worth.

Add to that the time you will waste doing forms and katas.

If you enjoy the formality and tradition, or the point sparring tournament style that Karate offers, then have at it and enjoy yourself. But if you are looking to enhance your Krav training, then I would look elsewhere.

Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, or even hitting the boxing gymn would be of greater value.

It all comes down to what you want.

[Leftie79]

Lex-Rex

I agree that the TKD does nothing for street fights. Also, when I started fighting I tended to fight like TKD with the side stances, I still had to get adjusted, but I am finally able to have my Krav stance, but occasionally I will end up in a TKD stance. Sometimes it's hard to break the habit.

[TOPitBull]

I studied a Karate-Kickboxing Hybrid system for 3 years when I was younger,

Most of the Karate stuff doesn't help me now.

A lot of the Kickboxing does though (we had a square stance with fists up like boxing and very similar round kicks)

If I had to do it again I would take Muay Thai or Boxing, along with some JJ or BJJ to help my ground game

The truth is anything you cross train in will only help you, especially the conditioning.

Krav Maga is instinctive so I think if you did train in another style, the KM would come out of you if you ever had to use it.

But I strongly recommend Muay Thai as opposed to Karate.