Frequently Asked Questions

No. Waiting to "get in shape first" is the most common reason people put this off for years. Our classes are built for the average person, not athletes, and every drill scales to where you are today. The fitness comes from showing up.

Not at all. Most of our students start with little or no training. Krav Maga uses natural movements instead of forms or kata, and your first classes teach the basics step by step, so you'll be practicing real self-defense from day one.

It's a relaxed one-on-one conversation, about 30 minutes, with our program advisor. We'll talk about your goals, give you a tour, answer every question, and help you find the right program. There's no pressure and no commitment, and if getting downtown is hard we can start by phone.

A beginner class starts with a 10-minute warm-up, then striking practice (straight punches plus one or two techniques like groin kicks or elbows). Next you'll apply those strikes to common attacks such as grabs and chokes, and finish with a short stress drill to practice under pressure.

Comfortable gym clothes and water. Once you're training, you'll want MMA gloves, and we recommend a mouthpiece and groin cup for Krav classes. We'll go over gear at your intro, and our shop has everything you need.

Our gym is known for being welcoming, with no egos. Training is intense but controlled, and your partners are there to help you learn. Safety comes first: you'll always control your intensity, and instructors adapt drills whenever something doesn't feel right.

That's what it was built for. Krav Maga relies on leverage, timing, vulnerable targets and decisive action instead of size or strength. You'll also train awareness and avoidance, so you learn to spot trouble early.

No. Sparring is a separate, optional class for Level 2 students and above, and it's non-competitive with an emphasis on control. Beginner classes focus on technique and stress drills with cooperative partners.

Usually, yes. We don't train through injuries, we train around them: instructors modify techniques, fitness classes let you focus on yourself, and members have access to a licensed physical therapist we keep on retainer. Tell us about it at your intro and we'll plan around it.

You don't need to be fit, experienced or young to start. We train adults of all ages, including parents who train alongside their teens, and every class scales to your body.

Yes. Women train in all of our regular co-ed classes!

Our classes start at age 14. Our KMR Academy Homeschool program is open to teens ages 13 to 17.

Absolutely, and it's one of the best ways to stay consistent. Bring them to your intro so we can find an option that works for both of you. Once you're a member, you can also bring guests to class for free.

That's completely fine. Many members train only in our fitness classes: heavy bag kickboxing plus barbell, kettlebell and bodyweight work, with real technique coaching. Members can also use the weights outside class times.

Yes. And to be frank, if you don't fit classes in, nothing will change! We run classes seven days a week, including early-morning, lunchtime and evening classes on weekdays plus Saturday and Sunday classes. We'll help you build a schedule you can actually keep.

We're at 731 W. Hargett St. in downtown Raleigh, and parking is free for members. Call or text us at (984) 600-7454 if you have trouble finding us.

Most people feel more confident within the first few weeks. Our seven-level curriculum gives you clear milestones: Level 1 typically takes 6 to 8 months, and Level 7 is the equivalent of a black belt.