KRAV FIGHTER - Krav Maga Self Defence & Street Martial Arts — Attraction in Albert-Eden

I'm sad to leave this review, but after a lot of reflection and being further on in my self-defence/martial arts journey, I feel it's important for other people to consider when training here.

I will start by saying I trained with these guys for a couple of months and had a great time. Luby and the other instructors are good people with some useful tips and generally good philosophy. However, there were two very serious problems I think that ought to be considered by both the instructors and anyone signing up here.

Firstly, one of my training sessions ended in a broken nose and a concussion. This was because my sparring partner was excused from wearing the required 16oz training gloves, which should have been checked and mandated by the instructors, rather than throwing a newcomer in with 16oz to fight someone with 4oz MMA gloves. Of course there are always risks with training Krav, but this was irresponsible on the academy's part and unnecessarily dangerous. What's more, I was left to drive myself to the hospital with a significant concussion, and told my nose would never be the same again.

Secondly, I've come to realise how legitimately dangerous some of these techniques and lessons are for practical self-defence. Many of the scenarios taught are highly, highly unlikely (e.g. being held down on the ground, mounted in a particular way with a knife against your throat), although even in realistic situations the taught response is often an elaborate and specific 5-step manoeuvre to disarm someone with a deadly weapon. Not only are many of these trainings relatively pointless even if drilled perfectly, but I feel they breed false confidence for a situation that is more than likely going to get you hurt or killed in real life if you attempt these techniques. I've practised in karate, muay thai, BJJ, MMA, wing chun, studied knife attack scenarios, and dabbled in a smattering of other styles and courses around the world. I've been in street fights, boxing matches, had knives pulled on me in real life, and been humbled many times when I found out the hard way there is a big, big difference between skills in the dojo and being out there in the chaos on the streets. My experiences both good and bad at this academy will always stay with me, and for that I'm grateful, though I felt compelled to share my perspective and lessons here.

For anyone signing up, Luby is a good guy and will do his best for you. Some of the training and techniques can still be worthwhile, but I think Krav itself inherently has a mix of both gems and bullshido. Just make sure you don't get pressured into dangerous forms of training (e.g. without proper PPE) or have high expectations for attaining ninja-like knife...

It was an absolute good experience! Highly recommended to any new learners!

Firstly, the stuff we learned was super practical. It ain't like those rigid martial arts styles that stick to fixed moves. This one focuses on real-life combat situations. I picked up some seriously cool skills like how to dodge attacks, lock up an opponent, and even do ground fighting. At first glance, these skills might seem easy-peasy, but when you actually try to use them, you realize you need lightning-fast reflexes and some serious strength. But that's the beauty of it! we need through loads of practice to get the right reaction

Another thing is the part of the adjustment of psychological. The course taught me how to stay calm when danger's lurking around the corner. This has been a game-changer for me. I used to close my eyes when the punches were coming when I just joined the boxing class, but now I can keep my cool and make the right moves. It really drove home the importance of self-defence, and I feel so much more confident dealing with potential threats.

Now, let's talk about the instructors. Luby and Joel are the real MVPs! Their classes were always engaging and had the perfect rhythm. They knew just how to break down the complex stuff and make it easy for new learners like me to understand. And the classmates, the practice atmosphere among us was just amazing. We all pushed each other to get better, and it was a lot of fun along the way.

Overall, if you're looking for a martial art that's practical, fun, and gives you a real boost in confidence, this course is...

I was a female student at KravFighter and highly recommend this self defence class for other women.

All instructors are very skilled, professional and facilitate a safe & welcoming environment for women to train in. I also found that people training in the class were very welcoming and respectful towards women; a testament to the values the instructors uphold.

KravFighter is tough and you will be not given any special “exceptions” because of your gender, but I found that this was good to help prepare women with real world situations and even to help build confidence just walking on the streets or in the workplace. I trained in boxing for a short time years ago, but the techniques you will learn in KravFighter is unparalleled with boxing; unfortunately throwing a punch as a woman is not enough to get yourself out of a confrontation with violence, and Krav will teach techniques that are most advantageous to a woman’s smaller physique.

KravFighter is not a fitness course, but is a workout in itself. I found a KravFighter class was just as gruelling but heaps more fun than a HIIT class - the time flies by so quickly as you’re not focussed on aesthetics but on trying to get yourself out of a dangerous situation. I personally did a mix of yoga and Krav classes and found that this balance of flexibility & functional strength was perfect for me!

I had to leave KravFighter due to moving overseas, but will be back in a heartbeat if I am back...