What if I feel nervous or awkward starting Krav Maga training?

Feeling nervous or awkward before starting Krav Maga is far more common than most people realise.

Many beginners worry about standing out, not knowing what to do, or feeling out of place in a new environment. These feelings don’t mean someone isn’t suited to training — they’re simply part of doing something unfamiliar.

Training is structured to help people settle in gradually. Clear instruction, predictable class formats, and supportive coaching all play a role in reducing that initial discomfort. You’re not expected to perform, compete, or prove anything when you start.

It’s also worth remembering that most people in beginner classes are feeling something similar, even if it doesn’t look that way. Everyone arrives with their own doubts, and over time those doubts tend to fade as familiarity grows.

Awkwardness often disappears once the focus shifts to learning. Concentrating on simple movements, listening to instructions, and practising at your own pace leaves less room for self-consciousness. Confidence tends to build naturally as understanding increases.

There’s no expectation to be confident on day one. In fact, confidence is usually a result of training, not a requirement to begin. Feeling unsure at the start doesn’t hold people back — it’s simply the starting point.

One member shared that feeling nervous initially was normal, but that the supportive environment made it easier to relax and focus on learning over time.

For those training on the North Shore, classes follow this same supportive approach, helping beginners feel comfortable as they find their footing.

With consistency, what once felt awkward often becomes familiar. For most people, that shift happens quietly, without them even noticing — until they realise they feel more at ease than they did at the start.