I just started studying Krav Maga at a Krav Maga National Training Center location. I just finished studying JKD "Inosanto" for two years and quit. I want to study martial arts for self defense and to stay in shape. I figured KM would be good for me since in has a short learning curve. I want to study something that I can stick to for years and continue to learn. Has anyone studied KM for 5 - 10 years out there?

i haven't studied for much more than four months, but i can already see how far you could go with it. i studied a little jkd myself, which integrates well with krav (ex. punches from the chest vs. hip) and i'm cross training with an aikido friend who has helped me add throws to the end of a few of the krav defense techniques. the cool thing about krav is that it is very expandable

A number of the students and instructors that train with Krav PA have been in Krav for 5+ years.

I'd think so. Even though it's simple, it's not that simple and there's a big difference between having a superficial knowledge of the techniques and really mastering them. All I need to do is watch my instructor and compare him to students who are equally athletic people but don't have the years of practice that he does-they look clumsy and awkward where he looks smooth and effecient. As I've heard others in other MAs say, a black belt only means you're not a rank beginner anymore, it's not the end, just the end of the beginning.

Ranger G, who do you train with? At what school?

Answered by PM.

my coach has been teaching Krav for 23 years and some of the higher belts in our group have been training with him since the mid 80s and continue to do so.

I've been training in Krav Maga since 1985 and teaching since 1989. As with any training, you need to continue to train to remain proficient. This works well with the original comment to use it to learn self-defense and to stay in shape.

There are a finite number of exercises in the system by design. If you find yourself getting bored or the training repetitions, try to modify your training by changing partners, changing the scenario or even visiting other dojos.

Another thing I like about Krav Maga is that it isn't static. Meaning that while there are set techniques for self-defense, the National Training Centers continuously reevaluate those techniques in the event that counter-techniques have been developed (for example, a counter to a gun defense techique) or new situations have come up. Part of the reason that re-certification of instructors takes place every couple of years.

I've been studying Krav for over 5 years now and still find things to learn.

There will always be counter moves for whatever they come up with.