You can practice martial arts in order to be able to defend yourself in real life threats, so the two aren't the same, but not 'totally different' either. If you want self-defense training then that's what you should tell your instructor if you apply for a course (you'll need to discuss your goals with the trainers in the beginning anyways).
Krav Maga is what is taught to Israeli soldiers. It can be incredibly effective.
To your second question, is there a difference between women's self defense and martial arts. Yes and No.
In a women's self defense class, they are going to teach you more than just fighting. They should/will teach you about situational awareness, how not to make yourself a target, etc.
Of course, they will teach you the basic mechanics of how to fight. You won't learn anything too complicated. Just like in the real world, complicated things tend to break down.
So, in a woman's self defense course, you'll learn basic strikes that you should be able to perform under extreme duress like a finger jab to the eyes, groin grab, knees, elbows, punch to the throat, ear clap (to bust the ear drum).
The most important thing you will learn is how to avoid and escape confrontations. Even if you learn these techniques and skills, there's no guarantee you will walk out of a real streetfight.
You could be fighting multiple assailants. You could be going against someone with a gun or a knife.
Training is somewhat of an equalizer. The other thing you should know is there is no such thing as a fair fight. You are mostly likely to be sucker punched.
Let's say I was a rapist. I would try to sneak up behind you and either use a rear naked choke, a stun gun or a rag soaked in chloroform. If I was working in a team with someone else, the goal would be to get you into an alley, cover your mouth, while the other person hits you in the solar plexus. Once you are somewhat incapacitated, then you would be tied up/bound. I'm not a rapist, but that's the MO (Modus Operandi) of a rapist. IF you KNOW the tactics/strategies of your ENEMY, chances are morely likely you will survive.
Where are the most likely places for you to be attacked?
Your home, ATM machine, leaving a nightclub/bar, in an elevator, parking lot.
If you get approached, and someone wants your wallet. Just give it to them. Your valuables aren't worth your life.
To further answer your question on women's self defense and martial arts.
Have you taken college courses? When I took biology, there was a biology class for non-biology majors. Think of that as your women's self defense class. This is good information, but an overview of the entire system.
A biology class for biology majors is going to be taught at a higher place and in much more detail. Think of this as your martial arts class.
Finally, there is the post-graduate or advanced level of biology. Think of this as being a member of the Israeli Defense Force. You aren't going to be taught a watered down method. What you are going to be taught is how to kill, with little regard for the safety/well-being of your opponent. You aren't going to need to worry about the law. It's just kill or be killed.
Of course, there are different levels of Krav Maga taught to the IDF. An IDF Special Forces commando is going to learn more than your basic recruit.
I hope this helps. The website "looks" legit. There's no way to really know without watching a few sessions. Go to watch, talk to some of the students, get a feel for the instructors.
Be safe and good luck.
Krav Maga is an Israeli Military system that is used to do weapons takedowns and to be used in combat to kill people with bare hands, its very much legitimate and many places use the training in self defense syllabuses.
http://www.kravmaga.com/forum/index.php
I heard adam sandler also learn krav maga. you can see him in action in You Don't Mess with the Zohan movie.
Ehm..
Try following this online program http://www.goobypls.com/r/rd.asp?gid=563... It teaches how to win and dominate violent situations with simple moves and tecniques.
Cheers.
It says that instructors are certified by IKMF. IKMF is the biggest organization and is authentic.
umm would it be difficult to just post the full link instead of the bitly crap so we actually know what we're clicking? the actual url is http://www.kravmagainstitutenyc.com
so I've never heard of 'kravmaga' before and I can't decide if this place is legit?: http://bit.ly/15fn8xe it says there that they have self defense but I thought martial arts and womens self defense classes are totally different? help pls...
