Firstly thank you to everybody who responded. I spent days going over your replies and will outline some of your feedback and what we will do about it.


I have not included the actions that we will take here - mostly your comments on training.

The overwhelming message from both Clifton and Weston students was that you are more than satisfied with Krav Maga training. In fact feed back was so positive, I had a dilemma. Do I change the program at all ?

Doing so becomes a risk when feedback is this positive. However risk is not always a bad thing - it spurs innovation and keeps you on the ball.

So, I tweaked the program rather than changed it and explained why below. I have also included some of your feedback and suggestions.

Here’s what you said...

Q1. Where were respondents from.
72 % of respondents were from Clifton - 28% from Weston.

Q2. In order of attendance the busiest nights are:

Wednesday - 54% of the total number of respondents attend.
Tuesday - 46% of the total number of respondents attend.
Monday - 44% of the total number of respondents attend.
Thursday (Weston)- 25% of the total number of respondents attend.
Sunday (Weston ) - 22% of the total number of respondents attend.
Sunday (Clifton) - 16% of the total number of respondents attend.

Conclusion.
Although 72% of respondents were based in Bristol - the Sunday Clifton class has the lowest overall attendance. In its current form, it is not cost efficient to run this session with an average attendance of 4.8

Q3 How often do you train.
There was an almost exact split between once and twice weekly training. 11% are on open membership and training 3 x a week or more.

Conclusion
No change.

Q4. CrossFit. More - less or none ?
12% did not like CrossFit.
55 % Wanted 30 minutes - no change.
29% Wanted at least 45 minutes.

Extra Feedback.
Only one other question received more comments than crossfit. Over 51% of you made additional comments. I have copied some below to give you a some idea.

‘I haven't done any cross fit yet I don't feel fit enough. I don't understand if it's now an obligatory part of the training or not. Is it? Every one seems to be doing it.’
30 minutes for the cross fit and the remainder for the Krav Training. Fitness can always be worked on outside of the session.

The crossfit is the hardest and best fitness training I have experienced - would want more of this.

It kills me, but I feel like I get a lot out of it... so happy with the current amount of time, or a little more... I am not sure I could manage 60 mins!

I think The crossfit session should remain as it is. I do other fitness training and I'm very keen on krav and want to progress.

don't dislike the Xfit but it should be an optional thing that doesn't eat in to the actual KM session - if you're paying for KM you should get KM.

I found certain types of training can be troublesome on the knees, especially the ultra high jumps onto the horse and jumps over it (when we do a lowered version not so bad)

Like Crossfit but its a balance of the two in one single night.

I would be interested in learning/training more advanced cross fit skills, especially skills such as parkour.

longer run warm up. more gymnastics, rope climbing, rings, obstacle courses, kettlebells, medicine ball thrusters etc.

Conclusion
Nearly all of you want CrossFit in some way shape or form - 83%. Some feel fitness could be addressed elsewhere or that it eats into Krav time. There is also some confusion as to whether CrossFit is compulsory.

CrossFit is available if you want it - you dont have to do CrossFit - coming in for an 8 pm start is fine.

I had to think really carefully about CrossFit. We include it free - we dont charge for what is in essence a world class training regieme. I did stop it previously as it made a loss but so many students commented how on how their fitness levels dropped without CrossFit. As a business it costs us £45 a week to run it but the results speak are unequivocal.

To my knowledge we are the only organisation in the UK providing this standard of training free to our members. I believe we have probably the fittest and toughest Krav Maga students in the UK. Certainly if compared with the IKMF clubs. We are also at the forefront of the market in realistic self defence training. I believe again this is in no small part due to crossfit.

The best Kravists we have are all committed Crossfitters. When our students who train twice weekly or more, go elsewhere, their conditioning is almost always superior to those in other clubs - organisations. CrossFit is a world class conditioning protocol. From a self defence point of view - the crossfitters tend to be faster, more powerful and better co-ordinated. They also tend to be tougher and more resilient than non Crossfitters. Hence the training.

Re CrossFit in Weston
CrossFit is offered in Bristol as there is currently 5 hours a week of Krav Maga plus crossfit. Weston has only 2 to 2.5 hours a week and CrossFit takes a bare minimum of 30 minutes. I am reluctant to use so much of the Weston session for what is essentially a combat conditioning program. However we will address the physical intensity a different way for weston. More later.


Q5. Is there anything you would like changed about training.

Over 90% of you commented here. (sorry abriged some comments and to many to list all).
What you said.....

I tend to learn and retain techniques more if less time is spent on them but are repeated again more frequently.

More all out drills - eg pad strike for 10 sec only - i.e intensity, or some of the traditional Krav pressure drills... shorter, high intensity to foster aggrssion and proper mentallity

speed/force impact with pads for mental attitude, force on force training and aggression; and also dangerous strikes with partner but a slow speed for skill and safety
I'd be more directive and state that locks usually never work and thinking of locks will get folks killed. same with most throws unless background in Judo/Sambo etc ... Krav is based on Close Combat and I believe the long term safety and short term effectiveness of students is best served focusing on the basic, devastating blows of Close Combat

include some throws, i think these are coming up in the next belts anyway? more kick practice, developing power. tactics especially breaking out of groups.

I would like to see Weston's training move towards the seriousness of Bristol training.

more sparring

more intense fighting skills

More sparrings

The only thing I can think of that I may prefer would be perhaps shorter periods of practicing techniques at low speed and no resistance to allow for longer periods of excercising those techniques at greater speed and with higher resistance.

Maybe highlighting the different sessions/days so I can avoid the heavier fighting

It would also be nice to work through related things for a few weeks to get time to practice the techniques rather than go from one hours stick defense to ground work, etc.

Would be good to have some pads to practice punches and kicks on

Sometimes too much time can be spent learning particular moves and it can become a little boring - end up standing around talking for some of the time as a result.

Perhaps more focus on covering techniques to enable progression in the system
(ie not trying to learn something new just before grading). I suspect this has affected almost everyone who has graded the new KWW system, from wrist grab releases in Yellow to in/outside slapping kicks in Green.

Can we cover more advanced techniques? Maybe split the class more often even if we are doing more basic stuff.

2nd session of the evening as a level 2/3 class again.

Can we cover more advanced techniques? Maybe split the class more often even if we are doing more basic stuff.

Conclusion.
You want more pressure testing, more advanced training and clearer progression through techniques. Also a dividing class into ability levels. You also suggested themed training. As the vast majority want progression and This is not compatible with increased structure and more emphasis on progression.

Q7. What do you really enjoy about training

My fitness. I am fitter than anyone else I know outside of Krav. My fitness leapt up when I left the gym and started Krav.
Changes to my fitness have been nothing short of extraordinary.

The conditioning. As a conditioning coach (which I am) the training is spot on and I see a lot of very fit people in this class.

- simple, no thrills close combat principles.
- good drills
- good GPP with the CF inclusion.
- a very good pace of training with no downtime
- good crowd and instructor with a good attitude all round
your attitude as instructor where you seek feedback from students - never seen this before but should be the norm !

beastings
the people
pad practice
pressure testing

The mixture of combatives and techniques, the no nonsense approach and the feeling of having pushed myself.

Friendly atmosphere, good people, good instructor and I like what Krav Maga is all about.

exercising and actually feeling the benefit of it (heh, once the aches have stopped )
After a tough day, theres nothing better than hitting the pads!

Standard of training are excellent - dont change anything!

I love the personal rewards of working really really hard until you're nearly dead from exhaustion and then going some more! Krav Maga training here really does teach you fighting spirit and the positive benefit of that seems to seep into your normal everyday life.

Learning KRAV techniques + CROSSFIT programme that is very interesting and different each time. Great team-Instructor!

The realism and the simplicity of the system I do like working with pads and sparring

demonstrable increase in skills. Ie getting batter at KM - I think fitness is a really big player here, not exclusive, but if you really want to improve.

A good hard training session with groundwork striking and powerful techniques, coming back with the odd bruise so you do know where you need to block more effectively. Pad work helps to a degree to put some power behind the initial hits people are dishing out.

Love the excercise would like to use some more of the equipment in the hall.

I think its the sense of achievement you get after each session, you know that you have pushed yourself when you could have been lazing about, its a constant challenge and a learning curve which I enjoy.

Being able to try realistic moves and learn what it feels like in reality. You Paul I trust you. The people are nice and help ful. It's taken me a while but I'm starting to feel like part of a group. I just love the confidence the training gives me and it's fun.


Going away feeling you have learnt something new

Crossfit + Sparring

Learning new techniques and the confidence boost gained from these.

Simple - great instructor who is passionate about Krav and gets the best out of people.
Also, the great group of people who train hard and support each other.

10/10 dont change a thing!

Friendly atmosphere, friendly and understanding instructor, awareness of learning something important in life, good mood after hard session.

A very friendly atmosphere, great variety of training, I am constantly learning something new and being pushed physically, great instruction, great club, thank you

great family atmosphere, the hard work training ethics and the hard fitness sessions ie kettle bells, strike pads and getting totally beasted by hard sessions love it !

Learning technical skills that I can take away and practice at home, and excercising those skills in class against a resisting opponent.
I also enjoy it when things are a bit more flexible, and a range of techniques can be used - such as attempting any kind of lock or pin when groundfighting. Given that you will inevitabley need to change tactics the moment your opponent figures out what you're trying to do, I think that makes you move and think faster

Great instructor who clearly knows what he's talking about, good bunch of people to train with.

No empty promises or bullshit about deadly techniques.

The general fun atmosphere of the group.
Wanting to learn more and do better next time.
The no-nonsense approach, the group talks that explain/motivate.
The convenience (As a working man) of being able to train Sunday AM
Pauls enthusiasm rubs off on me.
I am scared that Paul will beat me if I don't attend.

I like learning new skills that are put under real pressure

-theres no egos at krav! just good genuine friendly people with nothing to prove.
-it pushes my fitness levels - keeps me on my toes
-Paul is an excellent trainer, takes an interest in individuals, keeps focus and has good perceptions of ability and development
-learning all the techniques and attempting to master them is great for confidence building and it all makes sense!

The feeling i am getting fit again while doing something I enjoy (Gym bores me) plus unlike other organisations there are no egos, thats how it should be

No egos, no bull...

Nice, freindly and relaxed atmosphere,

Good friendly but challenging environment - mixing beginners with more advanced is good for me.

Great people and an excellent instructor (with a natural flare for teaching).
The pressure testing of techniques and the simplicity of the Krav system.
Despite my earlier comments, the exposure to dealing with armed attackers early on (rather than exclusively blue/brown belt people) is fun and helps maintain interest.
I love the fact that im encouraged to dig deep and push myself in a safe environment.

Being encouraged to think for yourself. Question the techniques - test it all - does it work...

With Krav it always feels like learning. I enjoy learning from more experienced members

I like the fitness - making me work hard, the skills and the progression. I find it all very interesting and learn and move to something new each lesson. Also everyone is very friendly and it is a fun environment.

Paul said he cant make promises that anything will always work. But we are trained to expect that and overcome any failure in our technique, strategy of performance. Great insite, great training, great instructor.

Its hard work and I think it is realistic for what I need - No messing about realistic training which is shown by the bruises the next day!

There is something honest about it. ‘No belts, no bull’ - just honest hard work and tough training. Whilst I dont think I am invincible by any means .... I am fitter, tougher and faster and can protect myself if needs be. Thanks.

Conclusion
Maintain the basic program and training ethos. In particular the emphasis on simplicity and pressure testing. More sparring, but a clear division between light sparring and fight practice.




Q7. Do beginners or people on their first lesson effect your training.

No 54%
Sometimes 38%
Usually 5%
Always 1%

Conclusion
54% of you feel beginners (those on trial sessions or who in their first couple of lessons) have no or effect on sessions. 38% feel they sometimes effect sessions so I will reduce the number of sessions that are open as trial lessons to reduce this effect.

Q8. If it were possible would you attend Thursday sessions in Clifton. There are no plans to cancel Weston.

No. 32%
Yes 30%
Maybe 38%

Conclusion
It may be possible to open Thursday as a Level 1/2 class with an apprentice instructor. I am unable to run it as I teach in Weston. I will discuss this with the apprentice instructors after they have gone through selection. I would look towards the end of January as a possibility.

Q9. Would you be interested in becoming an apprentice Krav Maga Instructor.

A number of people have expressed an interest. The numbers far outstrip the capacity we have to teach as our emphasis is on generating a high standard of Instructor. So we will be running a selection process for this years places. I will email interested parties in the next few weeks.


Q10. I saved the most important question until the end. What could we do to make you the very best Krav Maga practitioner you could possibly be ? Please describe anything you feel we could do to improve your learning or practice.

More techniques per session .

more use of slow constant motion for dangerous strikes and unusual angles/positions (anything goes like in real life); high speed tests the practitioner but does not allow processing time for the brain to actually learn new skill and movements so this is a great training tool and also a very safe one which quickly improves people exponentially.

more role playing of mugging and attack scenarios with attacker protection to allow for 65% power contact escape/defense. Bit like a lite version of FAST. Training for best response and movement.

A little more explanation on the body mechanics behind some of the techniques, training on how to develop power to punches/kicks, advice on how to deal with the adrenaline dump when encountering confrontation.

just continue to allow those who do not want to gain grades but just want to build their own confidence in gradually getting more profcient at 'defending themselves or others'

The most important thing I would like to see is more personal constructive criticism. I would like the faults in my technique pointed out where possible and to get more personal feedback from the instructors. I know this isn't easy with large numbers of people in a class but it's easy to get a bit blasé about your training when you're not aware of things you should be working to correct or improve. Thanks for an excellent two years training. Krav Maga has changed my life.

Lots more scenario based KM. Hard to do as dangerous, but fully padded up and with a sensible level of control, nothing beats this fro getting better. It also makes you realise how ineffective 'pretty' techniques can be , and brings focus back to the core skills.

Daytime training, small groups. One to one. More guidance for women. More sparring. Field trips.

More pressure testing and scenario situations which you might encounter on the street

I'd like to see more sparrings to have good practice and feel the spirit of real threat and bullet-man so I can use more real power/strenght.
I also would like to learn and practice more about psychological and meantal abilities in a case of threat, e.g. how to turn bad adrenaline that makes you weak into good one that makes you more powerfull.
If there was any chance to know what was going to be taught in each session that would be useful (I understand this may not be possible). As most people have Complete Krav Maga, we could do a bit of prep or avoid the session if in pain!

Even if it added additional costs it would be nice to see more regular seminars at WSM (Or even Clifton) - Like the Jim Wagner day, the basic footwork/standing day, etc.

I also wouldn't mind theoretical stuff - like when we analysed the "Chav" video and discuss the nature of crime reports as it's interesting to see the real world stuff now that it is so readily available.

Perhaps a little more structure toward gradings (even for those not grading).

The only thing I think would of be interest and in this day and age, protecting yourself isn't always enough. 3rd party protection, wife, girlfriend, kids etc...would be a good and welcome addition I think.

1. more focus on progression in the system - I appreciate the recent switch to KMWW will have affected this.
2. semi-regular grading
3. perhaps remedial krav catch up sessions/seminars to ensure solid foundation skills eg striking, footwork, basic ground work
I think Paul Grey should go for his blackbelt!

Back to a second session for people with more training time under their belts (as in the past, less students for session 2 = better training value from the trainees perspective) lately it has merged into a single session (although of the same length) Lets do more technical stuff in session 2 with combatives the focus for session 1 as they are core.

more pressure testing. light sparing. naked ladies cheering me on. i think that might do it.
(I dont know who wrote this... but great idea !!!)