Krav maga anyone?

Do it! I've been training in Krav Maga for a year, and am soon heading out to LA to train to become an instructor. I too was the only woman in my first class (and in most classes since), but it is so worth it. Within a few classes I totally forgot that was even a concern I had. From what I hear, every school handles classes a little differently - some are mostly focused on the exercise component and others are more focused on the technical aspects of the self defenses. It is incredibly fun, hard, and empowering either way! I definitely found more self-confidence through training than I thought was possible.

I would expect some combination of the following:
- Cardio, mostly as a warm up
- Combatives - punching and kicking on martial arts pads/bags
- Self-Defense techniques
- Often class wraps up with a drill to incorporate all the skills you practiced during class

From my experience, Krav classes tend to be extremely supportive - it's not a competitive sport, so the goal is for everyone to succeed.

I'm not going to lie - I was extremely nervous, not just for my first class but for several classes afterwards. It was FAR outside of my comfort zone, but it's been amazing. I definitely encourage you to try it out!

You're going to have so many bruises it's not even funny.

I usually just wear regular workout clothes - t-shirt, shorts or capri-length pants. You may end up on the ground for some of the techniques, so don't wear loose shorts that will flash people, but other than that it doesn't really matter. In some schools people train barefoot, and others wear regular gym shoes. I like t-shirts instead of tank tops just because as you're blocking or throwing elbows your skin doesn't get rubbed quite as raw, but plenty of people wear tank tops too.

There's a fair amount of repetition in the combatives. For instance, you'll probably review straight punches in every class because they're such a central part of the technique. But each class you'll probably learn some new self-defense tactics (e.g. how to get out of a choke hold one day, how to deal if someone has a knife to your back another day, etc.). And I'm sure the instructor will take into account the experience level of the folks in the class. The idea is that the techniques become muscle memory and are instinctive, so don't worry about others in the class who are reviewing stuff they've learned before - that level of repetition is important for more experienced folks too.

Keep in mind that everyone else was a newbie once too - I've found my classmates to be incredibly supportive. Though the thing about bruising is true .

Feel free to message me if you want to chat more. I've been thinking a lot about how amazing Krav is for women, and yet it's such a scary thing that few women actually try it, so I'm more than happy to answer any questions or offer encouragement!

http://fcache.veoh.com/file/f/l10260388.mp4?e=1362093142&ri=6000&rs=100&h=cc537e6ef8b123a67860586d2f551ed8

Have you seen this episode of Fight Quest? The female trainer on it is tough. I seriously think she could take out just about anybody, male or female, who comes after her. When I first saw this episode I was fat and out of shape. Now, I am less fat and in decent shape. Maybe I'll have to look for someplace close to me. She truly is inspiring. I would love knowing that I have the skills to get myself safely out of any situation. Thanks for reminding me of this.

Go for it, martial arts is fun!
I second the loose clothes, avoid that. Have fun!