Modern self-defense began when muggers caught on to their victims' cunning offers to appraise the value of their crowbars. Fend off attackers even without a disarming personality with today's Groupon: for $50, you get a one-month membership to Krav Fit on South University (a $120 value). Members may also bring a friend to one class at no additional cost (a $25 value).
Krav Fit founder Devin Shirley and his team of certified instructors empower students with self-defense and fitness classes inspired by Krav Maga, the self-defense system famously developed by the Israeli military. In 5,200 square feet of muscle-magnifying space, teachers confront pupils with reality-based attack situations, using prop knives, baseball bats, clubs, and fake guns to demonstrate how to neutralize threats. The studio sometimes dims the lights or blares music to simulate potentially disorienting circumstances and to give attractive neighbors the impression that they're always partying. Students get in the mood for attack repellence with a warm-up of stretching, plyometrics, and shadowboxing.
Shape soul carriages with the Krav Fit program, which uses Krav Maga tactics for an intense cardio and conditioning workout. Anaerobic weight training builds strength, while punching and kicking stimulates heart rates and forces invisible spirits to watch their step. Youngsters ages 5 to 12 can bolster their confidence with the Krav Kids course, learning discipline, respect, and the basic principles of Krav Maga. Strength-boosting students should wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and actual thinking caps. Classes are held mornings and evenings six days a week (see class descriptions and schedule here).
Reviews
Krav Fit has been featured by FM89.1 KUAR, and in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette here and here:
- Instructor Brian Pope says the self defense system was developed by the Israeli Army as a way to defend against terrorists in hand-to-hand combat. Pope is a Little Rock police officer who got into Krav after an attack on the job which left him with the realization that all his weightlifting and other body building was not preparing him for a real life-or-death situation. – Ron Breeding, FM89.1 KUAR
Krav Fit
The padded floor reaches from wall to wall, providing maximum space for Krav Fit’s students to learn optimal self-defense skills. The Krav Kids program teaches basic moves while instilling a sense of discipline and respect, and the adult program tosses in more difficult moves, like weight training and parallel parking. Instructors also teach individuals in law enforcement and the military.