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Is learning Krav maga hard_

Is Learning Krav Maga Hard? Comparison With Other Martial Arts

Generally speaking, martial arts are not easy to learn as you need to have discipline and persistence to master.

However, compared to any other forms of martial art, Krav Maga is in the easy category.

Some people even consider that Krav Maga is not a form of martial arts, but just a system of fighting and self-defense.

What is Krav Maga?

Krav Maga is a system of self-defense and military fighting developed by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

The combat scheme is a combination of several martial art techniques including Aikido, Boxing, Wrestling, Karate, and Judo.

In street fighting, Krav Maga can be effective for hand-on-hand combat.

The history of Krav Maga dates back to around 1940 when a Jewish martial artist, Imi Lichtenfeld, migrated to Palestine and began teaching fighting lessons on what was to become the IDF.

Since the training can’t take a long time, Lichtenfeld came up with a new system by combining a few effective techniques from several martial arts as mentioned before.

The mechanism used in Krav Maga mostly relies on punching and kicking.

These techniques include punching, kicking, take-downs, as well as setting yourself free from headlocks, chokes, and bear hugs.

If you plan to learn the self-defense system, you might need to buy at least one pair of boxing gloves, one heavy kick bag, and a place to hang the kick bag.

Check out our guide to the essential Krav Maga equipment

How Difficult It Is to Learn Krav Maga?

Krav Maga is not so difficult to learn. It is even possible for some people to learn some basic techniques themselves only by relying on Youtube videos.

We do recommend some courses here if you want to study online though.

Having a partner to train together would be more effective as you can train your reflex system. It is also a good way to build muscle memory.

However, having a trained instructor would be much more beneficial as you can perfect your move.

An instructor can also teach you some advanced techniques that might be difficult to understand merely from a video.

How long does it take to master Krav Maga

this can vary from person to person, depending on their fitness level and persistence.

If you only aim for simple self-defense, six months of learning would be enough to get you to hit the ground.

Krav Maga does not have a Black Belt like other forms of martial arts, but its highest level usually takes 3-6 years to master.

How Difficult Is Krav Maga compared to Other Martial Arts?

Krav Maga is relatively easier to master compared to other fighting lessons. As a comparison, here are a few popular martial arts and how difficult it is to learn those:

Judo

difference between Krav Maga and Wrestling

Judo is difficult to master because the techniques include throwing the opponent’s body down the floor and such things.

Judo has 10 degrees of Black Belt. The first degree requires at least three years of continuous learning and 15 years of age.

You need to be at least 50 years old with 38 years of training to get the 8th degree.

Meanwhile, the 9th and 10th degree can only be obtained with an exceptional lifetime achievement in the art.

As you can see this is more of a life long commitment to be come a true master

 

Taekwondo

two person are exercising taekwondo

The Korean martial arts rely a lot on the kicking technique. Flexibility and body balance hold key roles in how fast you can earn your Black Belt.

However, according to the rules by The International Taekwondo Association, you need at least three days a week for forty months of consecutive training for your first degree of Black Belt.

If you aim for the ninth degree, you might need about 30 years of persistence. So your in for the long haul

Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu practice session

Of all the martial arts in the world, most people would agree that Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu is the hardest one to master.

The techniques are highly physical, with ground fighting and grappling being common.

Many performers of other martial arts can even find themselves powerless when they enter the BJJ mat.

You need at least two years just to upgrade your Yellow Belt to the Blue Belt.

Eight years is the minimum to take your first degree Black Belt. The highest rank in BJJ is the ninth degree Red Belt, which can take about 48 years after the Black Belt to obtain.

Capoeira

Capoeira martial arts moves

Unlike most martial arts, Capoeira is a combination of fighting, dancing, and acrobats.

The maneuvers look gracious, yet they are complex and highly demanding physical strength. You can be good at Capoeira in 4-6 years of dedicated training.

But to obtain a Mestre, the highest rank, you need at least 10,000 hours of non-stop practicing. Most people got their Mestre level in 25-30 years.

The Bottom Line

Krav Maga is another option you can consider if you wish to have the skill of self-defense, but don’t plan to put much effort and dedication in the process.

The mechanisms are easy to practice and quite effective, yet the training is significantly faster. and of course this Israeli self defense system is designed for every day civilians. So no matter who you are and what prior level of experience or fitness level you have. You’ll be able to gain something very valuable form Krav Maga training.

if you want to be an artsier of martial arts, you might want to consider other forms of combat schemes because Krav Maga is different from other martial arts. Its a life saving tool that can be learned relatively quickly!

If you’d like to learn more about the Krav Maga basics, read my post on that right here, which is great to get you started in this wonderful Israeli self-defense sport.