Commando Krav Maga is not a traditional martial art. No katas. No rituals. No nonsense. Based on simple principles and instinctive movements, this reality-based system is designed to teach real self-defense in the shortest possible time. You'll learn to defend against chokes and grabs from all angles, punches and kicks, and weapons such as guns, knives, and bats. Just as important, Commando Krav Maga will teach you to function under stress, shock and adrenaline rush of a sudden, violent encounter. Tested on the battlefield and in today's streets, Commando Krav Maga's practical approach to self-defense will make you safer and more secure. And believe it or not, you'll have so much fun working out, you won't be able to wait for your next class!

Commando Krav Maga has been taught to U.S. federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as:

Israeli Special Forces,
FBI SWAT,
Argentinean GOE,
U.S. Marshals,
Brazilian GATE,
The American Military,
U.S. Border Patrol, Helsinki Police,
the British TSG,
high profile bodyguards,
counter-terrorist police units,
SWAT units from around the world.

a. Awareness

Students of Commando Krav Maga use basic moves in various combinations to fend off violent attacks. This means that students adjust to new situations through improvisation, an important and unique feature of this style. This requires using the head as well as the body, and thus Commando Krav Maga addresses the thought process as well as the physical action.

b. Confidence

Improvisation also allows for limitations in physical abilities. Not everyone can bring his or her leg up to a 180 degree angle, and thus the system is geared towards the average person. Students are taught a variety of possible defensive reactions for each possible attack situation, building upon an actual framework of useable techniques. They are then encouraged to utilize the responses that are appropriate to their capabilities. This allows the student to develop a sense of confidence in their abilities.

c. Physical Fitness

Because physical fitness is closely interwoven into the system, the workout includes a number of cardiovascular and strength building exercises, as well as stretching to increase flexibility. Emphasis is put on speed, endurance, strength, accuracy and coordination, especially for intensive Commando Krav Maga training.

Commando Krav Maga is a system benefiting both the individual who seeks serious Self-Defense training as well as the practitioner seeking to round out prior martial art knowledge. It is a system that proves most effective against any type of assault.

For many people, Commando Krav Maga is their first experience in martial arts. However, we also have many students who come to train with us and have numerous years of experience in other systems. In fact, most Commando Krav Maga instructors have years of training in a variety of systems. Therefore, Commando Krav Maga has proven to be a very open system, and welcomes all who wish to participate, regardless of background.

Commando Krav Maga, unlike many other martial arts, is a very fast-progressing system. Part of its design was driven by the need to train people very quickly and very efficiently. Consequently, it typically takes a person of average physical ability very little time before significant progress is achieved and noticeable.

Commando Krav Maga is as safe as any other martial arts form. During your instruction you are required to wear shin and groin protection. Commando Krav Maga classes are typically small and tightly controlled. The chances of being injured during a class are as remote and even less than for any other sport. The chances of someone attacking you being injured, however, are extremely high.

We currently do not offer training for children, but the good news is that a children's program is being actively developed to teach Commando Krav Maga to youngsters.

We plan to teach the same character building lessons one should expect from a good traditional martial arts school: respect, self-control, discipline, confidence, concentration and focus. However, we won't fool around when it comes to self defense. While we plan to give them the tools and tricks to deal with annoying bullies, we will also give them the knowledge and awareness skills to save themselves from much more serious problems. We will take care not to frighten them while educating them about the dangers of the world, and we won't break their spirit with overly militaristic teaching. We will make sure they understand when it is appropriate to use their techniques, emphasizing peaceful resolutions to conflict.

More than ever, children need to have opportunities to be active; which is why our unique cross-training will not only hold their interest, but will also increase their strength, endurance and flexibility. They'll learn to defend against common grabs, holds, and strikes, and they'll have fun doing it!

Beyond the self defense and physical fitness components, parents will notice a positive shift in their child's attitude. Our training program will improve your child's overall motor skills such as agility, coordination and balance. As these skills improve, so will your child's confidence, focus and self esteem. Our self defense training won't make your children more prone to violence - it'll give them the confidence to avoid aggression in themselves and others.

No question about it! Losing weight is definitely a side-benefit of Commando Krav Maga. Classes always include warm-up and workout. However, it's more accurate to say you will lose fat. If you're not overweight by much, your weight reading on the scale may not change significantly. That's because with Krav Maga, you'll be losing body fat and gaining lean muscle, which weighs more than fat. You'll notice the difference in the way your clothes fit and your new, more shapely, toned appearance.

Commando Krav Maga shirts and pants are available and recommended for the classes, as well as shoes with non-marking soles. For boxing, gloves and wrist wraps are required. We do require that you bring body protection (groin protection for men) to each class.

Commando Krav Maga does have a level system of advancement in expertise. However, there are no specific competition events for Commando Krav Maga like there is for other martial arts. Similarly, there are no katas in Commando Krav Maga. Each level carries with it various techniques that must be performed in a testing environment. One may or may not desire to even test for a level. There are no such obligations in Commando Krav Maga.

No, members can train as often as they wish.

A complete proshop stocked with Commando Krav Maga wear and gear is available and contains everything you need to train and look good when you are not training.

The classes are one hour long. Check the Classes and Schedule page for more information.

Yes, we understand the need to defend ourselves in the event we go to the ground. However, we always look to get up as soon as possible. There are also scheduled classes that focus on what do when you're forced into a ground situation.

Drop by our facilities during any normal class times and there will be someone there to speak with you. We are located at:
9001 Manchester Road

If you can't stop by, give us a call at 314-961-5728 or send us an email at info@stlouisselfdefense.com

Even though Commando Krav Maga has been around for approximately forty years, other forms of martial arts such as Karate or Tae Kwon Do have been more popular in the United States. Commando Krav Maga is only now beginning to reach mass popularity in the US. Once reserved for special military, police and protection units, it is now accessible to just about any individual of any ability. This is because Commando Krav Maga was designed for the general public as well. Now more than ever, people want to feel safe and Commando Krav Maga is one of the most efficient ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.

You are always welcome and encouraged to sit-in on a class to determine for yourself if Commando Krav Maga is right for you. There is no obligation whatsoever. Email or call us to set up a convenient time for you to explore Commando Krav Maga.

Absolutely. The Fight Class and Ground Fighting Class includes sparring (with gloves and full head protection) and grappling. They are optional classes where you'll get to test your combative skills with a partner who's trying to do the same. While this class may leave you a bit more winded with a few more bumps and bruises, the maintenance of student safety is always emphasized. This class requires at least 2 months of regular Commando Krav Maga training and the permission of the instructor to participate.

No. Sparring is conducted in the special optional Fight Class and Ground Fighting Class described above. In Commando Krav Maga, it is not necessary to be good at sparring to learn to defend yourself. Remember, in self defense there are no rules. In sparring, some rules must be imposed to maintain student safety. While sparring may help you become a more proficient, coordinated fighter, it is not required.

Commando Krav Maga was designed to benefit the average person. The system is not about sheer strength or power. As a matter of fact one of the basic tenets of Commando Krav Maga is that one should not oppose power with power. Rather, Commando Krav Maga blends a combination of physical skill with mental self-defense determination. Consequently, Commando Krav Maga is more accessible to more people of either sex, shape or size than many other martial art forms.

Why not? What better way to ensure that your better half is as prepared to face an attacker as you are? As an added bonus you are guaranteed a workout and training partner in your house as well.