Krav Maga Raleigh

Great workout, top notch instructors, great facility. I’ve been training at KMR for 2 years and I can’t say enough good things about the place.
Classes consist of cardio warm up, fundamental technique instruction, introduction of a common attack and defense, and drills to practice the technique. The hour flies by!
It’s a great workout that is accessible to anyone, regardless of age, ability, or fitness level. The instructors will help you modify based on your abilities. Members are encouraged to push themselves, but nobody is going to yell at you if you sit out a drill. KMR classes will take you out of your comfort zone, but always with deepest respect for each person. None of the icky boot camp vibe here.
I have learned how to fight here, and can definitely defend myself if something happens. Instruction is based on real-​life attack scenarios. I have also gotten in really good shape. The things I’ve learned in krav I use in other areas of life too. I am now more assertive but also more zen.
This place is remarkably chill and unpretentious. It’s a great place to burn off some calories and stress. I want everyone to come try a class, but especially the women. This is a welcoming environment where you get to punch things!

I wanted to try something new while still getting a great workout. I am getting a crazy good workout and feel as though I am also learning some good practical self-​defense training. Part of the toughness is having partners who are either stronger or larger which makes me work harder. I did not do any form of martial arts previously but am really enjoying the classes at Krav Maga Raleigh.

I don’t ever write reviews but I felt so strongly about this that I decided to post this.
First of all, I have been a student at KMR for two years. I have greatly enjoyed the experience and would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in Krav Maga, Martial arts, or if you just want to get physically fit and have a lot of fun.
Don’t worry if you are out of shape or have no martial arts background, I promise that if you put the time in and work hard you will succeed.
The instructors are professional and knowledgeable and the training is intense and fun.
I’ve got a background in wrestling, boxing, and military combative training so I have at least some qualification to be writing this review.
You should sign up at Krav Maga Raleigh immediately If you are looking for:
–Professional instructors
–No BS training in how to defend yourself and others
–Conditioning/​fitness
–a «no ego» environment where everyone is treated equally
–a legitimate Krav Maga experience
–training that will push you physically and mentally outside of your comfort zone
–A high skill ceiling that will take you years to «master» (after two years I am just a green belt and still feel like there is a ton of material I haven’t explored)
You should go some place else if you are:
–A «bro» with an ego and something to prove
–A shill for another school or a «my program is better than your program» douchebag.
I am a believer in the Krav Maga system and philosophy and can assure you that Krav Maga Raleigh is 100% authentic and an excellent place to train.
KIDA

I started taking krav maga at another studio that was closer to home in the Chapel Hill/​Durham area. I fell in love with the workout and the feeling that I could defend myself if needed. I then found out that two of my absolute favorite instructors were leaving the studio to teach and train at KMR believe that KMR would be better for their own training and a better teaching atmosphere. After one or two classes at KMR I realized that all the instructors and the curriculum were far superior to what I was used to. I also was able to see the full curriculum written down for the first time and realized I had not been taught a third of it. At this point, I made the decision to leave the closer studio to travel an additional 20 miles to KMR. I’ve been at KMR now for 2 years and I have never regretted this decision.
I believe that all the instructors are amazing. Overall, every single instructor is extremely competent and is trained by Ken (the owner) who oversees everyone’s teaching. He is meticulous, so his classes are great and his instructors follow his lead and are amazing as well. As with most gyms/​studios/​etc., each instructor is different and has their own quirks. Some instructors are more technical, others love burpees and tiring you out, and focus on being more aggressive. There is a teacher for every personality which is important when you are trying to learn moves that you have never seen before.
Another great aspect of KMR is the atmosphere. It’s a relaxed atmosphere and all the students and teachers are extremely approachable. If you come regularly for a month or two, you will undoubtedly find a workout partner who is encouraging and you will get excited to test into the test level with them.
As a women, one thing I really like about KMR is their attention to being a good training partner. Krav maga trains you to be brutal in your attacks, so being on the other side of the attacks can be painful or outright dangerous if not taught properly. However KMR takes it a step further and makes sure to teach control while being a good partner. This is important especially if there is a significant height and weight difference.
Overall the people and the teaching are amazing which is why I travel over 30 miles to go to KMR.

I’ve had no previous martial arts experience, so taking Krav Maga was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The practice trains you for a potential real world experience– especially if you’re female.
If the instructors at Krav Maga Raleigh weren’t as encouraging and dedicated to the student as they are, I might’ve quit or gone to look for another gym. But I’ve found a home at KMR.

You got to try it and see for yourself! When I did, I was hooked. Great workout and self confidence builder… Ken and the other instructors are great and know their stuff… street smart & realistic situational self defense is what attracted me to Krav…
Harrison Tulloss

My boyfriend and I went to KMR for over 5 years combined, and loved it! The instructors are great, classes are always fun and challenging, and the fitness classes will kick your behind into shape!!! The only reason we don’t practice Krav there anymore is because we moved out of state, but whenever we visit NC we always stop by to train and say hello. We always felt like everyone at KMR was family.
If you want to learn Krav Maga from the best, you should stop by KMR. I guarantee you will learn a lot, and everyone will make you feel right at home.

I’ve been an active member of Krav Maga Raleigh for going on three years now. Currently, I’m a level 4 student and I’m looking forward to continue learning.
KMR offers:
Great Fitness Benefits
Consistent Instruction
Superb Self-​Defense Training
Classes During Daytime, Evenings and Weekends
A Friendly, Welcoming Atmosphere
More than Reasonable Cost of Training
I can’t say enough good things about Ken Richstadt, the owner of KMR, or the incredible staff of instructors. The classes are energetic, challenging, and most of all, a lot of fun.
Krav Maga Raleigh is a great place for anyone who wants to get into incredible shape and learn great self-​defense skills. New students learn the correct way to punch and other self-​defense techniques during their very first class. As you progress, you’ll learn how to defend yourself from attackers using knives, guns, sticks, etc. There are also some great grappling and fitness classes included as well.
I attended my first class in December, 2011 and have been enjoying it ever since!

I have been training here for about a little over a month. I only wish I could make class more often! The people I have met here are great and the instructors do a great job teaching Krav.
I decided to write this review because I read a few other reviews that were negative because the person writing the review disagreed with the social/​political beliefs of an instructor that I have personally never met. I am not going to go into detail because I don’t feel that this person (s) addressed the training and core aspect of this gym. TO ME this gym is great because they do a great job of training you in realistic self defense and I have never once been to a class were anything even remotely political or social was discussed or brought up in the course of class/​training.
I am an honorably discharged Marine Combat Veteran and I can honestly say that I have learned more about self defense (WITHOUT EVER HAVING TO SUFFER THROUGH SOMEONE, i.e. AN INSTRUCTOR, ELSE’S POLITICAL OR SOCIAL VIEWS DURING CLASS) than I did in all four years of my Marine Corps Enlistment. I realize and agree that finding a gym where «you» feel respected and appreciated is very, very important, but in my experience all of the instructors and students here have been ABSOLUTELY PROFESSIONAL, COURTEOUS, AND KNOWLEDGEABLE! I recommend this place to ANYONE, regardless of their political, social, religious, or sexual orientation; SO LONG AS YOU CHECK YOUR OPINIONS AND EGO AT THE DOOR! Remember people are coming here to learn HOW TO FIGHT EFFECTIVELY, NOT CATER TOO YOUR WORLDVIEW! if you can’t handle that shut up and don’t come; otherwise I can’t tell you adequately in words just how happy you will be with all aspects of this place and the people who come here to train.
WITHOUT A DOUBT EVERY CLASS I ATTEND IS THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY WEEK!

Awesome studio for martial arts. Lots of mats and floor space both above and below. The location is great and the building inside is pretty cool. Very nice huge windows up stairs. We recently had our capoeira workshop there on a saturday and were offered a Tues night 8:30 PM spot for class. Hope to see you there!

I just recently discovered this place, and I’m so happy I did! What a FUN, exhilarating way to work out and build your self defense skills! I’ve only taken two level 1 classes so far and one of their fitness classes, but I already feel more confident in my fighting abilities and can’t wait to get in better shape. The Krav classes are an hour long, and just fly by. They start with some exercises to get your heart rate up and stretch out your muscles before they start teaching you some extremely useful defense techniques (which are also a great workout)!
Not only are the classes super fun, but the instructors and staff members are fantastic and very friendly. They do a really great job of demonstrating the skills, and then come around the room to help you out and give you pointers if you’re struggling to grasp the technique. I felt very welcomed when I first entered the studio. Unlike many other martial arts, there isn’t any pressure here to «show off» your skills. Everyone is here to learn and help each other out. You will be sore after your first few classes, but it’s a great feeling! Why bother training in self defense if you don’t expect to get a little beat up (and of course improve your toughness) in the process?! Whether your primary goal is a fun way to work out and get in shape or to learn some good self defense (or both), you will love Krav Maga!

Welcome to my newest addiction!
I started here back in my May 2011 and have been loving it ever since. They have a good studio and it’s location is convenient in Downtown Raleigh. Doesn’t hurt that it’s less than 10 minutes away from my house too.
Ken is the head instructor and is an awesome guy. Anyone who can show me how to get out of a bear hug and take down a fool is A-​OK in my book! They have various class dates and times, so for those with busy work schedules, you can definitely find a convenient time to go. There is a parking garage right behind it that has free parking after 7pm or if you catch a day class, I’ve never spent more than $ 3 on parking. Classes are 1 hour long.
A session starts with warm ups, which makes me sweat… A LOT, then you get into the routine and drills for the day. When they shut off the lights, it’s go time! Once a month, they do a Woman’s Self Defense class and it’s open to anyone, not just members of the gym. To all women out there, I HIGHLY recommend self defense classes. Unfortunately, I’ve known some woman that were victims and I can’t stress enough how important it is to know how to defend yourself. Not to mention, it’s great exercise and a good opportunity to socialize with others… while kicking ass!
The other instructors are all really cool and each lesson will alternate amongst the instructors. Usually there are 2 or 3 of them during a class. Day classes are usually smaller, so it may just be Ken or someone else. Evening classes can get quite large. I think the most students I’ve seen in one class was around 20 people, give or take.
I look forward to my next class and sparring with you whom is reading this! BRING IT ON! :-)

Love this place.
I was so happy that there was a Krav Place for my kids. I looked last year and didn’t find it. My trainer told me about it and I knew I would love it.
The only thing I would say is the classes for younger kids are a little late. So we miss class a lot.
Overall, I say the best activity I have found in the triangle for kids under 10.

Literally, when I dream I fancy myself a cute Israeli bad-​ass assassin type kind of like Ziva David on NCIS. And then I wake up and remember I’m a shrimpy, wimpy, little woman more interested in yoga and my inner peace than channeling my inner warrior or bad-​ass. But after a bizarre false alarm home intrusion incident which resulted in me defending our home from invisible burglars with a large silver Maglite and a Wüsthof kitchen knife, my roommate Liz M. shaking her head in amused disbelief decided it was time to learn a little something about basic self defense, for her safety and mine.
We signed up for the Women’s Self Defense Workshop ($ 20) and clad in our cutest yoga outfits («Is this appropriate bad-​ass attire?» I mused) on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, joined 18 other women all excitedly bouncing around ready for the next two hours of Israeli Bad-​Ass training. It was instantly apparent (to me and probably everyone else) that I’m definitely not a bad-​ass, and the 10 – 15 or so male and female instructors loudly let me know this as well shouting «GET AGGRESSIVE! KICK, GROIN, GROIN, AIM for the GROIN!» In addition to the amazing workout, I got beat up and bruised (that padded mat kicked my butt) and best of all I did learn how to break chokes, grabs, bearhugs, and other attacks in realistic situations, like in the dark (they turned off the lights) and with random strangers.
I wouldn’t say I enjoyed the class per say (I’m still a peaceful person by nature) but it was an awesome challenge for this wimpy kid, and I’d go again as I definitely learned something useful like mess with me and I’ll knee you in the groin two times and jab you in the head a la Emril’s «BAM!» Sound effects included.