Thinking about trying Krav Maga but worried you need to get in shape first?
You’re not alone.
One of the most common things we hear from new students at Hwang’s Martial Arts is:
“I’ve never done anything like this before.”
That’s completely fine. In fact, most people who walk into their first Krav Maga class are beginners.
You don’t need martial arts experience. You don’t need to know how to fight. And you definitely don’t need to be in amazing shape before you start.
That’s what training is for.
What Is Krav Maga?
Krav Maga is a practical self-defense system built around simple, effective techniques that can be learned by regular people.
Instead of spending months memorizing complicated movements before you can use anything, beginners start learning useful skills almost immediately.
Training may include things like:
- Basic punches, kicks, knees and elbows
- Defending common grabs and attacks
- Learning how to move and create distance
- Situational awareness
- Ground-fighting and getting back to your feet
- Defending yourself while under pressure
- Pressure tested weapon defenses (but based on beginner techniques)
As students improve, the situations become more challenging and realistic.
But nobody expects a brand-new student to know what they're doing on day one.
What Happens During Your First Krav Maga Class?
Your first class is much less intimidating than most people imagine.
We normally start with a warm-up and basic movement before working on the techniques for that day's class.
Your instructor will demonstrate the technique, break it down into manageable steps and give you time to practice with a partner.
You'll probably hit pads.
You'll for sure sweat.
You might feel a little awkward at first.
That's normal.
Everyone in the room had a first class.
The goal isn't to see how tough you are. It's to start teaching your body how to react when something happens.
Do I Have to Fight Someone?
No.
You aren't going to walk into your first class and suddenly be thrown into a fight.
Krav Maga training is progressive.
Beginners first learn the mechanics of a technique in a controlled environment. As they become more comfortable, we can gradually add movement, resistance, speed and pressure.
That progression is important.
Real self-defense requires being able to perform when you're tired, surprised or stressed — but you don't start there.
You build up to it.
Do I Need to Be in Shape Before Starting?
Definitely not.
This might be the biggest excuse people give themselves for waiting.
“I want to get in shape first, then I'll try Krav Maga.”
You don't need to train for your training.
Start where you are.
Krav Maga itself is a great workout. You'll improve your conditioning, coordination, strength and endurance while learning something useful at the same time.
We have students with different ages, athletic backgrounds and fitness levels training together. Our oldest member is currently 84! (at the time of this post in September 2026)
Your job during your first few classes isn't to keep up with the person who's been training for five years.
It's just to keep showing up.
What If I've Never Done Martial Arts?
Sometimes that actually makes things easier.
You don't have old habits to break.
Krav Maga was designed around natural reactions and straightforward movements. While there is plenty to learn as you progress, beginners don't need years of martial arts experience before they can start developing practical self-defense skills.
We'll teach you from the beginning.
Is Krav Maga Just for Young, Athletic People?
Not at all.
People start Krav Maga for all kinds of reasons.
Some want to learn how to protect themselves.
Some want a workout that's more interesting than going to the gym.
Some trained in martial arts years ago and want to get back into it.
Others simply want to feel more confident knowing that if something happened, they wouldn't be completely unprepared.
You don't have to be the biggest, strongest or fastest person in the room.
Good self-defense training is about learning how to make the most of what you have.
What Should I Wear to My First Class?
For your first class, comfortable workout clothes are usually all you need.
Wear something that allows you to move easily and be prepared to sweat.
As you continue training, you'll learn what equipment and training gear you'll need.
Don't let not having the “right” gear stop you from trying your first class.
Will I Feel Out of Place?
Probably for about five minutes.
Walking into any new gym or martial arts school can feel uncomfortable.
Then class starts.
Pretty quickly, you're concentrating on learning the technique, holding pads for your partner and figuring out what you're supposed to do next.
One of the great things about martial arts training is that everyone remembers being new.
You don't have to prove anything before walking through the door.
The Hardest Part Is Usually Starting
People sometimes spend months thinking about trying Krav Maga.
They watch videos.
They read about it.
They tell themselves they'll start once work slows down, once they get in better shape or once their schedule gets easier.
Eventually, you just have to take the first class.
If you've been thinking about learning practical self-defense, come try Krav Maga at Hwang's Martial Arts in Palm Beach Gardens.
You don't need experience.
You don't need to be in shape.
You just need to start.
Interested in trying Krav Maga? Contact Hwang's Martial Arts in Palm Beach Gardens and schedule your first class.
