Frequently Asked Questions

Krav Maga is the official self defense and fighting system of the Israeli Defense Forces and U.S. law enforcement agencies. This wholly unique and original method was developed and refined during years of conflict. Krav Maga emphasizes easy-to-learn techniques that have been battle-tested in real, life threatening confrontations. There is nothing flashy about the system.

The literal translation from Hebrew to English is “contact combat” or “close combat.”

The seeds of the unique Krav Maga Self Defense system were planted back in the late 1930s in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia by a young man named Imi Lichtenfeld. Imi was a natural athlete, holding European championship titles in a variety of sports, including boxing, wrestling, and gymnastics. It was from his father, however, a famous and highly respected police detective and trainer, that Imi learned street fighting skills that he would use to save his own life and those of his neighbors on the rough streets of Eastern Europe.

Prior to World War II, Imi was fortunate enough to escape from Eastern Europe. He arrived in the Middle East and began fighting for the independence of Israel. Shortly after the formation of the fledgling state, Imi was handpicked by the government to create a practical, highly effective self defense and hand-to-hand combat system for the military. Keenly aware of the differences between sports competition and street survival, Imi developed the Krav Maga System, which was initially taught only to the Israeli Defense Forces, National Police, and Secret Service. Because of its incredible effectiveness, Krav Maga has since spread to the civilian population and is now taught throughout Europe, Scandinavia, and the United States.

It may sound tacky, but we don’t like to consider Krav Maga a martial art. Most martial arts are a set of codified systems meant for competition, combat, or a combat-like activity. Krav Maga, on the other hand, is a self defense system built for survival. If you encounter a threat, there is only one rule we teach: survive! Whatever it takes––whatever you have to do––you’ll have the skills to be the one left standing. In combat sports and martial arts, there are disallowed strikes and holds that are considered dishonorable or unsportsmanlike. In Krav Maga, the groin is as good of a target as the nose, throat, or solar plexus if that’s what it takes to live.

You don’t need any martial arts experience to start training in Krav Maga. Starting off, we’re offering Level 1 classes on every single one of our five operating days of the week, ensuring anyone new to the system can become familiarized with it and thrive.

We are open now! Visit our Class Schedule to book your first class or Sign Up to order your membership and get training.

We have classes on five days of the week, Tuesday through Saturday. View our class schedule and book your first session at Schedule.

We know gyms in the area have been charging a lot for self-defense training. As the only official Krav Maga training center in Oregon, we want you to know that we want our pricing to be fair and honest. We’ll be offering 3 primary monthly membership levels, as well as an extra membership type on top of that. You can view our membership plans and sign up on the Pricing page – your first class will always be free!

We have Krav Maga classes five days of the week for more curriculum-oriented classes focused on teaching self-defense and survival skills in everyday scenarios. Krav Maga classes will start off at Level 1, with advancement of training levels as the member base advances. You can view the official Krav Maga training structure on the Krav Maga Worldwide website here. Each one of our operating days also features a Striking class, focused on both practicing the intricacies of striking, as well as developing combatives in a safe and controlled environment. View our planned class schedule at Schedule.

You can use our contact form on the Contact Us page if you prefer email, and we’ll answer as soon as possible. If you’d prefer a phone call, you can call us at (541) 223-9953‬.