Krav Maga

“Krav Maga, so that one may walk in peace.”

Krav Maga (contact combat) is an effective and easy-to-learn modern self-defence system. Originating in Israel, the system is based on straightforward techniques which utilize natural human reactions and sensitive areas. Krav Maga is divided into three sectors: a self-defence version taught to civilians, a use-of-force version taught to authorities and security personnel, and a close combat version for soldiers. At Chitalada we primarily practice the civilian system and Krav Maga is a suitable hobby for everyone regardless of size, strength, or fitness level.

Chitalada is a member-club of the Finnish Krav Maga Federation.

“Krav Maga heightens perception and transforms fear into something more productive.”

– Imi Lichtenfeld

Krav Maga (contact combat) is considered the most tested close combat system in the world in real-life situations. By harnessing and building upon the body’s natural responses under stress, Krav Maga cuts away all unnecessary movements and focuses on getting the job done as quickly and effectively as possible, restoring you to safety.

The underlying principle is to simultaneously defend while delivering a counter-attack – essentially, your offence is the best defence. However, this requires you to have awareness of your surroundings and be equipped with straight-forward and effective techniques that work even under extreme stress. For this reason, Krav Maga also teaches us to notice and deal with potential threats before they become dangerous, and to avoid fighting if at all possible.

You can read more about Krav Maga from the Finnish Krav Maga Federation.

"For myself, KM works as an excellent counterweight to the more peaceful tinkering/fiddling of everyday life in the spirit of self-defense. I also appreciate that if I happen to have enough time/energy, I get to spend it in Chitalada's other training sessions and in the intensive days organized by the association on weekends.”

– Ari

​​​​"Self-defense skills give security in everyday life and confidence for how to resolve potential conflicts without needing to resort to those skills. KM is interested in very practical activities. Workouts are good exercise without tasting like exercise."

– Teemu

“With KM I have met some nice and interesting people to hit and kick upon. Come and join, great fun!”

– Katja

Training Schedule

Tuesdays 18:30-20:00
Basic Course & Advanced Group
City Center, Puutarhakatu 12

Thursdays 18:30-20:00
Basic Course & Advanced Group
City Center, Puutarhakatu 12

Saturdays 13:00-15:00
Free Training Shift (No Instructor)
City Center, Puutarhakatu 12

Juuso Oksman

KRAV MAGA 2.DAN BLACK BELT, HEAD INSTRUCTOR

I started combat sports as a junior and have tried many different sports. Eventually, I drifted to Krav Maga, and have now been on this journey for 14 years. Krav Maga is a way of life.

- Finnish Krav Maga Federation Coach/Instructor
- Federation of Israeli Martial Arts(FIMA) Member and Certified Instructor
- Bodyweight training instructor

Milla Kaski

KRAV MAGA BLUE BELT

I have practiced Krav Maga for 4 years. I chose the sport because of its versatility – there is always something to learn in many different areas. From Krav Maga, I have gained self-confidence and security for everyday life.

-Finnish Krav Maga Federation Coach/Instructor Training (VOK 1)

Faq

  • We start each training session with a light warmup and practice some of the movement patterns that will be used later in the training.

    Afterward, we focus on specific situations or attack scenarios and practice the appropriate defense techniques. People train with different levels of intensity, but we emphasize using a suitable amount of force to elicit realistic responses and ensure efficacy.

  • Yes. We regularly train techniques against threats from weapons such as knives, firearms, and stick-type weapons. Blunted or rubber weapons are used as props in training.

  • No special gear or clothing is required to start with a basic course. Eventually, you will want to acquire basic protective gear to keep yourself safe and also provide an opportunity for increased intensity (i.e. more realistic) in training.

    We recommend you get groin protection, shin guards, boxing gloves, and a mouthguard. All of these can be purchased from our City Center location or at the Blue Corner online store. Discounted bundles for KM gear can also be purchased.

    There are no clothing requirements for training, however many trainees wear black Gi pants and the official Krav Maga Finland t-shirts. Orders are placed periodically at Chitalada where you can purchase your own, or you can order directly from the Krav Maga Finland web store.

    For belt exams orange and above, it is required that trainees wear black Gi pants as well as the official blue Krav Maga Finland Gi jacket. The jacket can also be purchased through an order at Chitalada or from the Krav Maga Finland web store.

  • Chitalada is a member-club of the Finnish Krav Maga Federation and as such uses their belt system. Belts ascend in the order yellow, orange, green, blue, brown, black, and degrees of black. The most important thing to remember, however, is that the belt or level does not perform self-defence, but a competent person does it himself. Belt and level values provide rhythm and milestones for long-term training.

    The Finnish Krav Maga Federation’s national style belt system offers the opportunity for goal-oriented training and self-development. The belt examination system emphasizes the implementation of the general principles of Krav Maga and physical self-defence as well as the psychological and legal aspects of self-defence.

    The yellow belt exam can be taken at Chitalada and an exam is organized after each new basic course is completed. Exams for all belts orange and above are arranged at separate camps and events organized by the Finnish Krav Maga Federation.

    *No one is obliged to take a belt test, it’s the training that counts!

    Read more about the FKMF belt system here.

  • There is no age restriction (ex. K-18) for training Krav Maga at Chitalada.

* More information and FAQ can be found on the homepage and payment information page.