Krav Maga Institute

I wrote a review of the SF location of the KMI after my first class. I’m now one month in, have been to three or four classes a week for a month, about ²⁄₃^rd of which have been at Berkeley. (When feasible I try to do two or three suitable classes in a row.) My five-​star rating hasn’t changed and I am having a total blast. For sure I have bruises and cuts and I am presently sitting here with an ice pack on my shoulder, but this is the only way to train! When I did karate I never experienced anything like this and I was nowhere near as enthusiastic as I am about KM at the KMI!
So, what to expect? Do yourself a favor and try to get some fitness before you start or you won’t get as much out of a class as you could, and it’s your time and money! (You can run for free before or after a class!) Expect to work hard, and train as hard as you expect to have to fight if you ever get attacked. No point training to some low level. And that rather means the occasional bruise, etc. I’ve found that if I aim to go to a class every two days that I have time to heal.
Expect to meet a lot of very positive, interesting, friendly people. And that’s your fellow students as well as the instructors. It is a real community!
What program should you do? Well, if you can manage to spare three or four hours a week to train then go for the all access pass. (I have the one where I can go to SF or Berkeley.) $ 150/​month for 12 – 15 hour classes, assuming you can do 3 hrs a week, is such good value that you’ll be kicking yourself you didn’t start earlier. (I am, but then I’d never heard of Krav Maga let alone KMI until six weeks ago.)
Do the P1 classes to learn techniques. My advice would be to add the combat cardio classes to practice strikes especially, and to lock in some fine-​tuned fitness (and rediscover muscles you perhaps haven’t used for a few years in spite of regular gym sessions…) I find that one combat cardio, two max, per week is my limit. Any more and I can’t seem to recover for the P1 classes. I haven’t tried kettle bell or TRX yet, but I plan to do so, soon.
So that’s about it. I’ll come back in another couple of months and add another review, perhaps. Let you know how much I feel like I’ve learned. (Right now my blocking technique is already totally different from that which I used to use from karate, and I have found that I can wrestle a little bit. Who knew???) Try it out on one of their free days — like First Friday. You’re unlikely to be disappointed. A little sore, perhaps, but you’ll be smiling.

I am in *love* with their Combat Cardio classes. I started here with Krav Maga, but because I kept encountering one person I didn’t have the hutzpah to handle (very much like Lisa M. mentioned below via the quote from another Unilocaler: «pansy shit for an athletic guy used to getting thrown around… fair share of non-​athletes/​post menopausal women…» As little as he held back, why did he keep picking mousy, gangly me as a partner?! That dude had obviously been training for a while, and this was like my first time, wtf, get off my nuts, brocifer.) I went into combat cardio, which is a bit more fitness-​oriented and one-​player-​ish. It’s intense, it’s fun, and it’s cathartic! Is someone pissing you off at work? Does your family treat you like a little kid? Did some a-​hole sleep with you and dump you and years later you’re still wailing «WHY?!» Well, you need therapy. But that’s expensive and sad, so come here and get powerfully-​sexy-​fit while you release wrath to the point of exhaustion!
All ribbing aside, the facilities are cared for (though a bit sweaty, but man up if that frizzes your curls, it’s way better than most training facilities I’ve seen!) The trainers and receptionist are warm and happy to help you, and most of the members are a hoot! Be aware that classes are crowded and the instructors can’t see you all the time and are working hard to keep things intense and challenging, so they may not be able to keep an eagle eye on you and correct your form. This may be why I felt a bit lost as to what to do when being picked by the not-​so-​careful/​helpful guy… Getting bruises is part of the fun of training, but without guidance and close supervision it’s more like «Is this how it’s supposed to hurt on my first/​second day? Am I supposed to know how to dodge that? OW MY SKULL wtf bro?!» Be aware that you have to look out for yourself from day one, speak up when in doubt or pain, and you’ll be a-​okay.
I will be calling them to see how much cheaper their Fitness membership is, since price was one factor keeping me from continuing my membership there (the most important one was my schedule, but those circumstances I changed, yay!) I’ll learn to work the bruised-​leg-​and-​knuckle look, you’ll see!

The one thing I want you to know about this place is the staff really cares about what they teach and what you learn. I had many trainers come up and check in with me on my physical training process and technique learning.
Very caring staff and strong community.
One thing– get ready for intensity– like a mini IDF bootcamp.
Highly reccomended.

Wish they had more locations and maybe a more inexpensive package, unfortunately i cant fit that into my budget right now. But they are awesome!

HUURAAH. This is closest to military training a person can get in the civilian sector. Instead of just Krav Maga, there is also TRX, Kettlebell, and Cross Fit training.

I’ve been training here for 6 months and I think it’s time I’ll share my thought with all of my Unilocaler’s brothers out there.
I love this place! The instructors are friendly, professional, and classes always start on time. I do the krav maga, boxing, cardio krav and kettle ball classes and feeling stronger, and more confident at my self defense skills by the day
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I actually learned CQC (Close quarters combat) as part of my previous occupation security training and I must say that the krav maga technique being taught here is top notch. any kind of violence should be used as a definite last resort, but when shit hits the fan, you would know much better how do deal with those types of scenarios.
I actually tried a couple of months at two different centers and wasn’t that pleased.
It’s the attention you get from the instructors that makes all the difference.
Keep up the good work guys;)

This place is so great that they have posted the Rudest Receptionist in the world at the front desk. She won’t show you the facility, so you have to figure out where to put your belongings. She won’t tell you where to wait for class, so you sit on stools behind a mirror and wait, but she just leaves you sitting there. The class starts without you. You have to beg her for info on where the class is, and she sort of waves her hand in the direction of a hallway. Of course, now you’re late for class. The instructors don’t like that. Obviously the classes are so full of people, they are trying to discourage new people from attending. Since the classes all looked pretty full to me, this place must be off the hook. First lesson of Krav Maga: Get past the zombie at the desk.

For anybody wondering if this is the place to go to get fit and learn real self defense, I can only share my own personal experience. After 9 months of training at KMI I am lost 30 pounds and I am in the best shape in my 52 years of life.
What makes this place special is the excellent instructors and the entire offering from Krav Maga to Kettle Bells. The environment is very welcoming with all the members being very helpful and supportive. If you are serious about fitness and want to have a great time while learning self defense, look no further… This is the place to be.

i figure since i spend more time here than at my apartment i would finally write a review. i joined KMI 2 years ago and my only regret is not getting off my lazy duff and joining sooner. the classes are physically and mentally challenging, the instructors are top notch and i have made some amazing friends along the way.
the gym is spacious and you will find a wide variety of equipment to use when you are not honing your fighting skills. be forewarned, this is a fighting gym first and foremost. people come here to train hard and it shows. so, if you are looking for spotless floors and gleaming equipment that no one knows how to use, then head over to your local 24 hr fitness.
thank you danny, gaby, deanna, james and sarah for helping me get into the best shape of my life.
so, are you going to sit on your couch reading Unilocal reviews all day or are you going to take that first step and head down to the gym to learn some thing that can save your life? what’s it going to be?

Meh — I was happy to find a TRX class near to Oakland, so I checked it out. It was great to use the $ 5 Unilocal promo (thanx Unilocal!), but I have to point out the negatives.
First — the place it self was very, very dirty… the mats were scary, and I didn’t even want to look in the corners. I am also pretty sure the handles
to the TRX have never once been wiped down with sanitizer (ickkkk-​y!!)
Second — while the instructor was very talented and skilled, she didn’t really cater to the various skill levels of the class. She offered no modifications for the exercises and didn’t really bother to correct some of the really bad, and potentially injury producing form of many of the participants of the class. I work in health and fitness and it makes me sad that so many health and fitness professionals occasionally overlook the safety of the general public.
So basically 1 start for offering TRX classes at a local establishment for a reasonable price. And 1 star for a pretty cool building with a lot of potential. I feel there is so much room for improvements at this location and I look forward to them.

Lets just say i checked this place out and I loved it.
I really want to go here and after checking out a few other places this one is the best.
I saw how friendly everyone was with each other. Awesome.
I also noted how the word family was used when used to describe the members.
If it weren’t for my school and work schedule only allowing one class a week that and the 50 minute drive from my work to barely make it to class. I’d be there. Will try again this summer.

10 months in, I cannot say enough about this gym. Fantastic instructors, diverse classes and accommodating for all levels. I had no martial arts experience going in, and found the level 1 Krav Maga classes perfect for learning real self defense skills without the formality of traditional martial arts. The kettle bell, combat cardio & cross training classes are designed to complement Krav training, and are fantastic workouts by themselves.

I have been a member here for about 9 months and I really enjoy every bit of it… even the bruises!
I go here for a few reasons:
1) I have a public safety job that requires knowledge of self defense. BKM delivers, period. I feel more confident than ever before that I can successfully defend myself and my loved ones at work and in civilian life.
2) I want something that challenges me physically. This is some of the best workouts I have ever done in my life, Krav, Kettlebells, Crosstraining, Cardio etc. All are tough, but allow you to find it within yourself to push. Mental toughness is strongly encouraged, and peer pressure is there to help support you when you need it, and occasionally when you don’t!
3) The atmosphere that this place has is amazing. There is a real sense of camaraderie that comes when you have sweat all over each other for 1 hour at a time. The instructors are supportive, encouraging, tough and skilled. I have never felt as confident that I am training with people that genuinely care, are experts at what they do and most of all WANT YOU TO SUCCEED!
I know that this is not something for everybody, but for those that this IS for them, you can’t get much better than Berkeley Krav Maga.
You will not regret at least trying a few classes.

From the day I stepped into the former location shared in a JuJitsu studio; where my body wanted to heave that days lunch back a couple of years ago, to the current day location and expansion, things are «good to go». The higher level class base is growing, the kettle-​bell class is the best boost up lately along with the massive space addition.
Daniele: Feng Shui attitude wrapped in a bikini models figure that hands out flexibility calm and pain sessions.
Deanna: aka «Smiley» aka Mighty morphing Power Ranger named… TURBO and her ultra level cardio classes.
Nina: «lite as a butterfly, stings as fast as a bee, detailed and technical… Uh, okay. Nothing else rhymes.
James: A real «dudes, dude» teaching all the young guys what grappeling is all about and us old guys why our bodies hurt after activity.
Samantha: Super hero Wonder Woman in the flesh.
Danny: Glad to see the old man giving us what we want! Can’t wait for the Situation room programs
Parking– Walk in from the nearby streets to avoid the newly installed city leach buckets.

I’ve been a member for a year and a half and I love this place. I wish I had time to go everyday. Krav Maga is a great activity and much more realistic for self defense than martial arts. There are no forms or fancy moves, it’s all about what you can do to protect yourself. It is what is taught to police and military forces in Israel and I can see why.
I take classes given by Danny, Nina, Deanna and Daniele. They are all first class. It is a no pressure atmosphere but don’t get the idea that it is easy. These are tough workouts! But lots of fun and lots of good people make it well worth it.
My son took their one week summer camp class for teens and he had a lot of fun.

Clean. Spacious. They recently expanded to space next door so now there are two training areas– one has padded flooring, the other hardwood. There’s a small weight training area in a loft. Three restrooms, two have a shower. Lockers available but no locks.
Well-​qualified, experienced instructors with chill personalities. No-​pressure atmosphere. Overall mellow vibe.
Beginners, immediately look into hand wraps to protect hands and wrists– very easy to incur injuries without protection even on practice pads if you’re going medium to full-​strength on punches.

This is the second Krav place I’ve tried. The instructors are very helpful and very knowledgeable about the Krav Maga defense moves. They also offer several other classes from Grappling, Boxing & Combat Cardio.
The few differences I see here over the other SF location is at Berkeley, they seem to be better at safety issues. They make sure the students that are new focus on control and correct range of motion. This place is also VERY clean and has ample street parking. The other place seemed more like a fight club basement. Which might appeal to some, but for me I prefer a better weight area and a studio free from smells and unfinished sheet rock walls.
All in all if your looking for a east bay krav place this is a great smallish studio. That may be the one downside, is that tehy could use a bigger studio. But outside that they are tops.

Krav Maga is a self-​defense and military hand-​to-​hand combat system developed in Israel. At Berkeley Krav Maga they have adopted it for civil use. You will learned how to defend yourself in real situations. No belts or katas but the real thing. This is done in a highly professional and safe manner. Also they have many other classes as well as a gym to improve your self-​defense techniques and conditioning including: boxing, combat cardio, grappling, kettle ball class, sport yoga and cross-​training. (All included in your monthly fee)
It is a very friendly coed atmosphere. I have even been hit (lightly) with pink boxing gloves.
If you want to learn how to defend yourself, be in great shape (lose some weight) in a professional and friendly environment this is your place. It is certainly mine!

Was a member for over a year prior to moving away. I can’t recommend Berkeley Krav Maga highly enough to anyone looking to improve fitness and/​or develop self defense techniques. If you’re looking for a spiritual experience that is associated with the eastern martial arts, this is the wrong place. You’ll get a spiritual experience, but its much more western and existential. The system is taught in a way to simulate the urgency and unpredictability of a violent encounter, wherein the slightest hesitation can mean severe injury or death.
In my first class we practiced with plastic knives; don’t worry about looking silly your first time, you’ll get plenty of practice. Go 2 – 3 times a week at least, and if you’re interested in really learning krav maga stick to the level one classes before dabbling in grappling or boxing, though both are excellent as well. Danny is an incredible teacher, tough and demanding but patient in explaining the system and its techniques. Definitely try it if you’re thinking about it, you won’t regret it.

I was a member here for three months last year, and would highly recommend this place as an alternative to a traditional gym or training center. I went because I wanted to learn something new on top of getting some exercise.
Krav Maga (Israeli «hand to hand combat») is an excellent all around workout, and especially good for cardio and upper body — there’s a lot of hitting, punching and boxing. If you aren’t comfortable throwing a punch (I wasn’t), you will be after a couple of weeks there. When I switched to a new gym (Ice Chamber) I surprised my younger, fitter partner by knocking her against a back wall during hitting practice with a medicine ball. I just did what Danny had trained us to do in terms of stance: elbows down, chin lowered, put your whole body into it and aim for her head (ie. imagine hitting through the medicine ball).
I learned a lot at Berkeley Krav Maga and have since considered private lessons with Danny or Nina, but I found the group classes to have a lot of dudes like Ash C. below (ie. «pansy shit for an athletic guy used to getting thrown around… fair share of non-​athletes/​post menopausal women.»). They’ll be bragging about bar fights, shadow boxing in the mirror during class, and putting on their little shows of toughness. I began feeling like the attitude was getting in the way of my learning/​workout. Danny doesn’t encourage it but I think that Krav Maga may just attract this type of person.
You can take two free classes before you sign up. It’s totally worth a try, and you’ll get a great workout. I miss it, and will eventually find a way to get back to it somehow.