Walking into your first Krav Maga class can feel daunting. You might picture a room full of seasoned fighters throwing each other around, or worry that you are not fit enough, not young enough, or simply not the type. Let us put that to rest immediately: none of that is true. Krav Maga — and specifically the FEKM system taught at Eitan Krav Maga — is designed for real people in real situations. That includes you, exactly as you are right now.
Here is what actually happens when you walk through the door for the first time.
You Do Not Need to Be Fit to Start
This is the most common misconception, and it stops too many people from ever beginning. Krav Maga is not a fitness test — it is a practical skill. Yes, you will get fitter as you train. But the techniques themselves are built around human anatomy, not athletic ability. A wrist release, a defence against a grab, a simple counter-strike — these work because of leverage and positioning, not because you can run a 5K in under 25 minutes.
At Eitan Krav Maga, beginners train alongside people at all levels. The pace is set to challenge you without overwhelming you. You will be tired at the end of your first class. You will also feel more capable than when you walked in.
What Happens in a Typical First Class
Most sessions begin with a warm-up — movement drills, light cardio, and some basic coordination exercises. This is not just about raising your heart rate; it is about getting your body and mind into a focused state.
From there, the class moves into technique. In your first session, you might cover:
- Awareness and positioning — how to read a situation before it escalates
- Basic strikes — palm strikes, hammer fists, or simple elbow techniques
- A fundamental defence — such as releasing a wrist grab or responding to a push
Each technique is taught step by step, drilled slowly at first, then with increasing speed and resistance. You will work with a partner, which is where the real learning happens. Partners are always respectful — this is not a sparring session, and no one is trying to hurt you.
The class ends with a cool-down and often a brief discussion of the scenario behind what you practised. Understanding why a technique works is as important as knowing how to do it. That is the FEKM approach: Fast. Simple. Effective. — and always grounded in reality.
What to Bring
You do not need specialist equipment for your first class. Wear comfortable clothing you can move in — tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt are fine. Bring water, and if you have them, trainers with a flat sole work well. Some students prefer to train barefoot or in socks indoors; your instructor will advise.
As you progress, you may want to invest in hand wraps and gloves for pad work, but that comes later. For now, just show up.
What You Will Not Find at Eitan Krav Maga
You will not find ego. You will not find a culture of one-upmanship or pressure to perform beyond your level. Krav Maga attracts people from every background — office workers, parents, students, people who have never trained a day in their lives, and people who have trained for years in other disciplines. What they share is a desire to learn something real.
You will also not find techniques that only work in a gym. Every drill at Eitan Krav Maga is tested against the question: does this work outside, under pressure, against someone who is not cooperating? If the answer is no, it does not make the syllabus. That is the FEKM standard, and it is non-negotiable.
Why the First Class Is the Hardest Step
Not because of what happens inside — but because of the decision to walk in. Most people who try Krav Maga wish they had started sooner. The skills you build are not just physical. Awareness, calm under pressure, the ability to think clearly when your heart is racing — these carry into every part of your life.
The FEKM system, which underpins everything taught at Eitan Krav Maga, has been refined over decades by some of the most experienced practitioners in the world. When you train with us, you are not learning a watered-down version of self-defence. You are learning a system that works.
Fast. Simple. Effective. That is not a marketing line. It is the standard every technique is held to, every single class.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Your first class is waiting. No experience needed. No special fitness required. Just the decision to start.
Visit eitankravmaga.com to find out about our classes, locations, and how to book your first session.
— Victoria, Eitan Krav Maga