Do You Need Any Gear for Krav Maga?

Krav Maga is a no-holds-barred style of self-defense. All hyphens aside, if you want to really get in shape and learn how to defend yourself against a whole array of attacks from one or more people with or without weapons, joining your local Krav Maga gym is a great way to do just that. In the beginning, you'll learn basic defenses and counter-attacks, and later on you'll learn the stuff that once was only taught to elite special forces and has been modified for urban usage. However far you choose to pursue your Krav Maga training, it would be wise to invest in some basic gear no matter what.

1. Get a cup

If you've already got one, great. You'll use it more in Krav than any other sport. One of the most basic counter attacks is a shot to the groin, so if you don't have one, it will be only a matter of unpleasant kicks to the boys before you decide to invest. If you have never been to a class before and are thinking of going for the first time, impress the instructor and your fellow peers by wearing a cup already. You have been warned.

2. Gloves

Depending on what your training philosophy is, you may want to use a pair of gloves while you do work. Most Krav Maga gyms run drills and exercises with Thai pads and punching bags which may cause wrist pain after hours of pounding out your stress for the day. Depending on your Krav gym, they may suggest you use Krav-style striking gloves, or regular boxing gloves.

3. Forearm/Shin Guards

Once you are outside the basic level of most Krav Maga schools, you'll start needing these sorts of pads. You'll be doing long drills of 360-defense with your arms-bashing them against an assailants is an effective way to prevent a harmful strike, but after you've done it 30 times it can start to get a bit raw. Krav Maga shin guards wrap around your shin and anchor at the foot, which is great for kick defenses.

These three are the most basic pieces of Krav Maga gear you'll need if you plan to go anywhere in this self-defense system. You may eventually need headgear as well, since many Krav studios also teach striking drills and ground-fighting techniques. Other things such as dummy pistols, rifles, or knives are generally provided by your local Krav Maga gym, so you only need to buy those if you want to have your own.