Frequently asked questions about Krav Maga

Krav Maga is a self-defense system of Israeli origin, developed by Imi Lichtenfeld in the late 1940s. Meaning “contact combat” in Hebrew, it was designed for the Israeli army before being adapted for civilians. Krav Maga draws on the body's natural reflexes, logic and biomechanics to develop practitioners' technical, physical and mental abilities.

Yes. Krav Maga is open to everyone, whatever your fitness level or martial arts experience. FKMDS clubs offer classes for all levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners. The techniques are based on the body's natural reflexes, which makes them easy to learn.

Visit our Clubs page to find a club affiliated with FKMDS. We are present in Aquitaine, Brittany, Île-de-France, Normandy, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Rhône-Alpes and abroad. You can filter by department to find the nearest club.

Prices vary from club to club: each FKMDS-affiliated club sets its own rates. Check your club's page for detailed pricing. Most clubs offer a free trial class so you can discover the discipline.

FKMDS uses a grading system that runs from the yellow belt (entry level) to the brown belt (4–5 years of practice), followed by the instructor grades (I1 to I5). This system keeps the original spirit of Krav Maga while letting practitioners compare their level with existing belt systems.

To become an instructor, you first need to pass the annual selection tests held in Paris (physical, technical, aggression and combat tests, plus an interview). Once accepted, you can take the training in two 10-day blocks: the monitor block, then the instructor block, which grants instructor status and allows you to open a club.

Traditional Krav Maga is a combat system with no rules or sporting restrictions, designed for real-life self-defense. However, FKMDS has a Competitors Programme for students who want to compete (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Pancrase Submission and Pancrase).

FKMDS (Fédération de Krav Maga Defense System) is a French federation founded in 2007 by Thierry Sirvent, Florian Lucas and Olivier Guénégan. It brings together Krav Maga clubs across France and abroad, with certified instructors from military, police and sporting backgrounds. FKMDS is affiliated with the French Karate and Associated Disciplines Federation (FFK).

FKMDS runs a wide range of training camps throughout the year: in natural and urban settings, in the mountains and by the sea, federal camps, instructor camps, women's self-defense, close protection, TCCC (tactical combat casualty care) courses, and even camps in Israel. All are led by specialists.

Absolutely. Krav Maga is particularly well suited to women because it relies on natural reflexes and biomechanics rather than physical strength. FKMDS regularly organises women's self-defense courses to address women's specific safety needs.