Krav Maga techniques were developed so that anyone can apply them effectively, whatever their age, gender or build. They build not on strength but on position, speed and the attacker's vulnerable points, which makes Krav Maga a self-defense system perfectly suited to women too. About a third of our group are women, and most of them started as complete beginners with no sports background. The first class is free, so feel free to try it.
Why does it work for women too?
In Israel the army's close combat is taught on the basis of Krav Maga. Most young people in the country are conscripted: women serve two years, men nearly three. So it was essential to create a system that women can apply just as effectively as men.
In practice this means the techniques do not assume that you are stronger than the attacker. They are built on the natural reflexes of the human body, so they are quick to learn and come out under stress too. They are simple to execute, and the targets are points where even a bigger and stronger person is vulnerable. And most importantly: in Krav Maga the goal is not to defeat the attacker but to break free and leave safely.
What do you learn that matters most as a woman?
- Prevention and assertiveness. Recognizing a dangerous situation, keeping distance, saying no loudly and clearly before anything escalates. Most attacks can be prevented here.
- Releases from grabs. Wrist grabs, hair pulling, bear hugs from the front and from behind: the most common ways a woman gets grabbed. We practise these in the very first months.
- Defense against chokes. Standing, and pinned against a wall too.
- Defense on the ground. What to do if you are pinned down or someone sits on you, and how to get up safely.
- Punches and kicks. Not for their beauty, but so you have something to win space with for your escape.
- Armed threats. Solving knife and stick situations, later firearm threats too.
The mental part is just as important: deciding to act, shouting, not freezing. We practise this too, in more and more realistic situations, always at your own pace.
Why in a mixed group?
We do not hold separate women's classes, because if life ever makes you use what you learned in a real violent situation, you will most likely not get to choose your attacker. What is more, when a woman is attacked, in the great majority of cases the attacker is a man bigger and stronger than her. The more kinds of people you train with, the more effective you can become in real self-defense situations. That is why we suggest you join our mixed group, which plenty of women attend as well as men.
A mixed group does not mean you have to wrestle the biggest guy in your first class. The instructor sets up the pairs, we raise the intensity gradually, we use protective gear, and you can speak up at any time if something is too much. The instructor watches every pair. We wrote in detail about how we look after each other in Safety in Krav Maga class.
My friend and I decided to go and try a class, come what may, and thought we would come once a week at most. We both liked it so much that we knew at once that once a week would not be enough for us. Attila is a very good coach, attentive and a true professional.
Lia, a member of our group (translated from Hungarian)
Frequently asked questions
I am not sporty. Will I manage? Yes. You need no previous training or special fitness; in class everyone works at their own level, and fitness builds up by itself.
I am afraid of getting hurt. A class is not a fight: we practise the techniques in a controlled way, step by step, and the instructor watches throughout. Injuries are rare with us, and mostly minor.
I am coming alone and do not know anyone. That is how most people started. We introduce ourselves before the first class, and the group takes you in quickly; many stay precisely because of the good company.
I do not speak Hungarian. No problem. The instructor speaks English, and he or one of the students translates the instructions for you. Private training is taught fully in English.
What should I wear? A T-shirt and comfortable shorts or trousers. You do not need shoes, we practise barefoot or in socks on the mats. You need nothing else in the first weeks; you can read about later gear in Krav Maga equipment. More about what happens the first time: Your first Krav Maga class.
If this has caught your interest, you are welcome at a free trial class! It comes with no obligation; all we ask is that you sign up here, so we know you are coming.