Before going in to take your first self defense training class, a few questions may go through your head: Will I get hurt? What if I don’t learn anything valuable? Am I too out-of-shape for this?
A good gym will answer your questions before you go in to take your first class. A great gym will give you continued side coaching and reminders throughout, so that you’re sure to stay safe and actually learn real self defense training.
So, what can you expect from your first self defense training class? This handy list offers a basic idea of what to expect when you step onto the mat:
Acknowledgment
In our facilities, we have a photo of the Krav Maga founder, Imi Lichtenfeld, on our wall. We bow to him before class begins and after it ends—as well as to our instructor and one another. It is important to grant one another the respect we all deserve.
A Good Warm-Up
At Krav Maga Worldwide, we love a good warm-up—it’s what gets our muscles and mind in the right spot for training. You can expect jogging, jumping jacks, and other cal esthetics during the warm-up phase of your class.
If you come into class late, you can also expect push-ups, squats, and sit-ups—after all, everyone else in class is already breaking a sweat, so you should be as well!
Games
During your first class with us, you may play a game or two—a popular one is similar to flag football, in which you chase your opponent around the room, trying to grab a flag that they have tucked in the back of their shorts or pants.
If your opponent grabs your flag, you must do jumping jacks off to the side until someone wins the game.
Another fun activity begins with you lying down on the ground with your face down. Your partner (who you’ll find at the beginning of class), will hide somewhere in the room. When the instructor yells, “Go!” you’ll jump up and hurry to find your partner. If the instructor calls out, “Kicks!” you’ll kick the pad they hold. If he yells, “Punches!” you’ll punch.
Punching and Kicking
Speaking of punching and kicking—you’ll do a lot of that in a Krav Maga self defense training class. Punches require you to immediately bring your fist back to your face to protect it—Krav Maga, like any valid form of martial arts, favors you protect your face at all times. You should also use your back foot to power you through your punch.
When you kick, you should aim to “split your assailant’s head in half”—you may be aiming for their groin, but think about kicking them in the head. That way, your kick will have more of an impact.
Acceptance
No matter what your skill level, when you take a Krav Maga class, you’ll find immediate acceptance from every member and instructor you come into contact with. That’s the beauty of the practice—what counts is your intent, plus being better trained for anything that comes your way.
Give Krav Maga Worldwide a ring today to set up an appointment for your first class!
