FAQ
Krav Maga is neither a martial art nor a combat sport. It is a comprehensive self-defence and combat system based on techniques and operational principles developed through constant practical application and real-world testing.
It is not a closed or rigidly codified method, but an open and dynamic system. Since its earliest development in the 1920s, it has continuously evolved to meet the real needs of people facing potentially dangerous situations.
Krav Maga includes techniques for dealing with unarmed attacks, sticks and blunt objects, edged weapons and threats involving firearms.
Absolutely. In fact, that is one of the reasons it was developed.
Krav Maga is not a competitive sport and does not require any particular athletic ability. It is a self-defence system designed to be effective for everyone, regardless of age, gender or fitness level.
At IKMI, you do not need to be fit before you start. Training with us will help you become fitter.
Our courses are structured according to different levels, and every instructor adapts the intensity of the training to the group. You start with the fundamentals, learn the correct techniques and gradually improve your physical conditioning, lesson after lesson, in a safe and controlled environment.
At almost any age. At IKMI, we have a training programme for everyone.
Children aged 8–11 – Kids Programme
Training focuses on coordination, discipline, confidence, personal safety and anti-bullying skills, using activities designed specifically for children.
Young people aged 12–15 – Junior Programme
Students begin learning practical self-defence while developing greater confidence, awareness and self-control.
Adults aged 16 and over
There is no upper age limit. We have practitioners who started training in their twenties, forties and even sixties.
What matters is not when you start, but that you start.
Each programme has its own syllabus, training intensity and teaching approach according to the age of the participants. Safety always comes first.
Yes. Krav Maga is particularly well suited to women’s self-defence.
The system was designed to help a smaller or physically weaker person defend themselves against a stronger or heavier attacker.
It does not rely solely on physical strength. Instead, it uses technique, speed, instinctive reactions and effective targeting of vulnerable areas.
Our training also teaches prevention, situational awareness, recognising potential danger, managing stress and reacting effectively when necessary.
At IKMI, women train with both men and women in a safe and respectful environment. Many of our practitioners and instructors are women.
The aim is not to make people aggressive. It is to give them greater confidence, awareness and the ability to protect themselves.
You can learn useful self-defence skills within a few weeks, but mastering Krav Maga is a lifelong journey.
Krav Maga is not a short-term course. It is a continuous learning process.
After just one or two months of regular training, you can already begin to understand how to deal with some of the most common forms of aggression, improve the way you move and fall, develop more effective striking techniques and become much more aware of your surroundings.
After six to twelve months, regular practitioners can build a solid foundation in self-defence while significantly improving their overall physical condition.
The IKMI level system gives you a clear progression path, with examinations and specific objectives that allow you to continue developing your skills over the years.
There is always something new to learn because threats, situations and training methods continue to evolve.
You do not need to wait until you are perfect before feeling more confident in your ability to protect yourself. You simply need to start training.
Traditional martial arts and Krav Maga have different purposes and training approaches.
There are four main differences:
1. No sporting rules
Many martial arts and combat sports are practised within a defined set of rules, often with a referee, a ring or a tatami.
A real-life confrontation has no such rules.
Krav Maga is designed primarily for real-world self-defence rather than competition.
2. A different objective
In a sporting competition, the objective is to defeat your opponent according to the rules.
In Krav Maga, the objective is to deal with a dangerous situation as effectively as possible, protect yourself and get to safety.
3. Simple and instinctive techniques
Krav Maga favours practical movements based as much as possible on natural reactions and straightforward techniques.
The aim is to develop responses that can be learned, practised and recalled even under stress.
4. The entire situation matters
Krav Maga is not only about punches and kicks.
Training also includes prevention, situational awareness, stress management, defending against weapons, dealing with multiple attackers and protecting other people.
If your main objective is practical self-defence, Krav Maga offers a modern and comprehensive training system.
Finding an IKMI training centre may be easier than you think.
Use our official website
Visit the IKMI website and go to the “Find US” section to discover our training centres and instructors.
Contact us directly
Email us at info@internationalkravmagainstitute.com or contact us through our social media channels and tell us your city.
We will help you find the nearest qualified IKMI instructor.
Check your instructor’s qualifications
Make sure your instructor is officially certified by IKMI. This ensures that you are training according to IKMI standards, teaching methods and safety procedures.
Becoming an instructor requires training, commitment and responsibility.
At IKMI, instructor certification is not simply a qualification obtained after a short course. Teaching Krav Maga means taking responsibility for the safety and development of your students.
The pathway includes several stages.
Build a solid foundation as a practitioner
You must train consistently and reach at least IKMI Athlete Level 5. You need to understand the system before you can teach it.
Become an Assistant Instructor
After reaching Level 5, you can begin the Assistant Instructor pathway and take the required examinations.
Our IKMI Experts evaluate candidates not only on their technical and physical abilities, but also on their attitude, reliability and personal qualities.
Attend the Instructor Course
This is an intensive and selective programme delivered by IKMI instructors and Experts.
You will study teaching methods, training methodology, safety procedures and how to organise and manage a Krav Maga class.
Complete your supervised training and final examination
You will work alongside an experienced instructor, teach under supervision and eventually take your final examination.
Only after successfully completing the entire pathway can you become a certified IKMI Instructor.
Becoming an instructor is more than completing a course. It means accepting the responsibility of teaching others how to protect themselves.
Yes. Professional training is one of IKMI’s specialist areas.
IKMI has dedicated training programmes for:
Law Enforcement – Police Forces, Carabinieri, Local Police and other law-enforcement personnel
Military – Military and operational units
Security & VIP Protection – Security professionals, security guards and close-protection personnel
These are not simply civilian Krav Maga courses adapted for professionals.
They are dedicated programmes developed around the operational requirements of each sector, including professional intervention procedures, restraint and handcuffing techniques, self-defence while wearing operational equipment, protection of third parties and the appropriate management of force.
IKMI works with law-enforcement organisations, security professionals and training institutions in Italy and abroad.
Dedicated courses can also be organised directly for organisations and operational units, including confidential training when required.