Krav Maga Institute NYC - New York, New York

Freddy P.

For about 8 months I've been training consistently at Krav Maga Institute NYC and it has been the best decision I've ever made. I've become more confident in my skills to protect myself in the streets and I owe it to the great instructors of KMI, I feel more fearless. They're always there to answer any questions you have and are always pushing you to keep going when you feel like giving up. The students are also great and friendly and we're always pushing each other to do better. The instructors are always changing up the workouts to keep things interesting and fun. Krav Maga has changed my life for the better, I feel stronger and more energetic. So if you're looking to learn Krav Maga, Krav Maga Institute NYC is your best bet and it should be your first and last chose. You won't regret it.

Anna Ginzburg

I have attended several Krav Maga classes through the Krav Maga Institute and have really enjoyed them. The classes are a fabulous workout and I am always happy about how much the classes work my body. Not to mention learning self defense moves is pretty cool! The instructors are all super positive and encouraging and I always leave class in a good mood. I also like that the warm-ups are related to the Krav Maga moves in the second half of the class.With my busy schedule it's convenient that there are several locations.Overall I've really enjoyed the classes because I not only get a good workout but also end up feeling safer on NYC streets. I recommend the Krav Maga Institute to all my friends.

Derek Jankowski

I've trained at several Krav Maga schools in the last three years, and KMI is definitely the best. The classes are fun, and the format makes it easy to learn. More time is spent on learning technique than other schools I've been to (versus focusing on fitness), so you get better, faster.

But KMI is really about the instructors. They're all amazing, and challenge you every day. Most importantly, they love teaching Krav, and really want you to learn. I organizations are all about people, and I can't recommend this crowd enough.

Andrew Dallas

I've studied and tried a bunch of different forms of martial arts throughout my life. Hands down Krav Maga with KMI has been the best.

The training is the most effective, efficient, and challenging I've ever experienced. But that isn't what makes these guys the best: The instructors are amazing. The instructors are enthusiastic, motivating, and really know their stuff.

I tried this school after training at another Krav school for a couple of months. I actually left the induction class with KMI thinking it was the best class I've ever taken. They make everything fun and interesting, it's not just repetitive boot camp drills. The training incorporates real-life scenarios and practical techniques. Unlike other martial arts and self-defense systems, there isn't strict hierarchy; the older students are open to help from anyone else, the new students are encouraged to take on advanced techniques from the start. The instructors are open to questions and will always stop to break things down for you if you don't understand.

I couldn't recommended it enough.

Ace Atienza

I saw a promo on LivingSocial for 5 classes at Krav Maga Institute, and I thought I'd give it a try. That was about 1.5 years ago, and I've been hooked ever since!

I had previously trained in Muay Thai and had done my own research of other martial arts out there: capoeira, boxing, Brazilian Jiujitsu, MMA... all great martial arts, each with advantages and disadvantages, but I felt that Krav Maga was the one that checked all the boxes for me.

Among the strengths of Krav Maga that resonated with me were: (1) It's a highly practical self-defense system. (2) It's easy to learn and you can be effective from even just the basic training. (3) It teaches striking, getting out of holds (chokes, headlocks, bear hugs, etc.), and surviving once the fight ends up on the ground, whereas the other martial arts focus only on one or two of the three. (4) The emphasis on awareness and surviving real-life scenarios, such as multiple attackers and being in a street/bar fight. (5) When the situation requires, it encourages the use of high level of aggression and employing all means (i.e. even stuff considered illegal under competition "rules") with the goal of getting home safely and live another day.

In terms of teaching Krav Maga, KMI is absolutely top-notch. The instructors are among the very best and highly-ranked instructors in North America and are affiliated with IKMF, the largest Krav Maga organization in the world. They are also incredibly patient and incredibly detail oriented, so students like myself are able to truly learn under an encouraging and positive atmosphere. Speaking of students, there is so much camaraderie, support and friendliness inside and outside of classes that I can truly say that the institute is one big Krav Maga family! I've met a lot of interesting people at KMI and making new friends in the process is icing on the cake.

I also love that there are several locations available (Downtown, Midtown and Upper West Side) and there are classes almost every day of the week, so it is easy to fit classes into my busy schedule. The prices are also very competitive compared to other places, plus with the amount of hard-core cardio and conditioning involved in each class, I don't feel the need to enroll in a gym any more. All in all, I'm glad to be a part of the KMI family and I just wish I had discovered it sooner!!

Kristin Agüero

For two years, I flirted with the idea of trying Krav Maga, but admittedly, I was intimidated by the notion. I thought for sure that I would walk into a class, feel completely out of my element, and make a fool of myself. When I finally got up the courage to give it a shot, I went to my first class at the Krav Maga Institute of NYC, and by the end of that first hour, I was completely hooked.

Krav Maga itself is empowering, motivating, and challenging in the best way possible, but what really sucked me in were the people at KMI. The school is like a big family, and they welcomed me in with open arms. The instructors are warm, patient, sincere, and dedicated. When I train with them, I know that they are pushing me hard, while understanding my limits, and that they are ensuring I am as safe as possible both in the class setting and on the street.

While the instructors would have been enough to make me feel at home at the school, the students proved to also be kind and supportive, and in training with them, I have gained many wonderful new friends. I could not have asked for a better setting to take on learning this new skill. In the time that I have been training, I have not only improved my ability to defend myself and gained confidence and strength, but I have also gotten in the best shape I have ever been in and improved my general lifestyle.

Taking up Krav Maga, especially at KMI, has hands down been one of the best decisions I have ever made, because what started as a hobby I timidly attempted has morphed into a passion that drives me to be a better, stronger, and more independent person.

Sarah Osman

If you're ever in the mood for a great workout and an immediate boost in self esteem, Krav Maga is the answer. The Krav Maga institute NYC has been such a life changer for me. It has taught me integrity, endurance, and has made me a stronger person, physically mentally. My instructors are amazing and very welcoming. They really know how to make the class challenging and exciting. By the end of the class I find myself simultaneously tired yet still energetic, which is a strange but exhilarating feeling and I often wish classes were longer. The only regret I have is not starting Krav Maga sooner!

Yev G

After training in Krav Maga for 5 years in a very reputable school in California, I moved to NYC and was looking to continue my training here. However, I wanted to make sure that I won't get taken for a ride by so many schools that claim to teach the "real" and "true" and "original" krav maga, whereas all they do is just milk you for $ and teach you some stuff they saw on youtube. Afterall, with your life on the line, you should invest in the best training out there. After observing just one class with the Krav Maga Institute, I knew these guys were the real deal.Here are the reasons why I decided to sign up for classes with the Krav Maga Institute (KMI)

1) Instructors are highly skilled, approachable and extremely dedicated to teaching you the most effective and efficient self-defense skills without any fluff or tough guy attitudes. I mean they will push you and push you hard, but they will will lead and guide you every step of the way. Every instructor on their team is certified by the International Krav Maga Federation, meaning that they are held to the highest standard of quality by the official organization that has been certifying instructors around the globe since Krav Maga made the transition into the civilian training. What really struck me is that the KMI instructors are extremely attentive to all the students and will not take any shortcuts because they know that it is our safety that is on the line here. The also make safety during training their priority and will not cut corners in terms of safety requirements. Every student is expected to wear groin protection, a mouth guard and gloves. Higher levels where full contact sparing is involved will require full protective gear. It makes sense, as the only rule of Krav Maga is "Don't get hurt and don't hurt your training partner".

2) Classes are extremely affordable. Monthly membership is just a fraction of the cost of what some other schools in NYC charge. They also keep the class size relatively small and have multiple instructors assisting in the same class, so you get plenty of attention and feed-back.

3) Multiple locations in the city with simultaneous classes on the same day make it easy to fit krav maga training even in the busiest of schedules. They also offer 1-on-1 private classes for people who can't train in group classes because of their travel schedule.

4) The student body is made up from some of the friendliest, cool and supportive people that I have had the pleasure to train with. You will make great friends here! I mean this should not be your primary reason to join, but it is a great benefit not to deal with people with enlarged egos and other attitude issues.

5) If you are unsure if Krav Maga is for you, they also offer a no strings attached induction class that every student has to take before being allowed to take regular classes. I think this is great because they give you the option to test it out before you commit. The membership options include month-to-month plans, no joining fees or paying half-a-year ahead!

In the end, this is a very solid school that offers more bang for the buck, including both the quality of their staff, locations, student body and affordability! You will gain a peace of mind while also getting in the best shape of your life and make awesome friends!