Krav Maga Training Center

 

0

20

F E.

San Francisco, CA

I love this place... it's not your most glamorous workout facility really, but the dedication of the instructors and the diverse type of classes they offer are just ideal. The best workouts I've had in a long time happen here. Their morning KM classes are perfect - they get you really pumped for the day, and the early morning Cross-Fit classes are like having your own personal group workout. You get the attention from an experienced trainer you would never get somewhere else in larger classes. Forget the traditional gyms with all their posers and get on with something new and truly effective.

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3

2

Beau L.

San Francisco, CA

I've been attending Krav Maga at this gym for about 8 months now, and go usually 2 - 4 times a week. I've done a few other styles of more "traditional" martial arts before, but was looking for something a little more direct, more street-oriented and more immediately effective.

That's exactly what I found at Krav, and that's exactly why I go so often. There are some reviews on here from people complaining about the facility being small/cramped/dirty/dangerous etc. Sometimes this is true, but that's part of the whole point in my opinion. I've trained in nice clean facilities where there are only 6 people in the class and it's a completely different environment -- it's a completely artificial environment.

The whole benefit of Krav is preparation for realistic situations. There will be people around you. You will bump into people. You won't have an entire room to line up and execute a reversed spinning back kick, you'll have 2 feet of direct space to land a single knee and then get the hell out of there. If you're lucky.

That being said, there are pretty major renovations that are almost complete, and they change the floorplan and space available significantly. Some of the Level 1 classes are cramped because it's getting so popular. Once you move up the levels things thin out a bit (I regularly attend classes with around 10 people which is perfect).

I guess the point here is that the entire gym is oriented to honing your skills for realistic street fighting and MMA-style fighting. Neither of these things are clean, particularly safe or "pretty". If you don't like that style of fighting, then Krav's probably not for you, but that's OK, there are plenty of other options.

There are actually heaps of other classes also offered throughout the week, so you don't even necessarily need to go to the Krav classes themselves, but that probably defeats the purpose a bit. Strike and Fight, Crossfit, TRX, KM Conditioning, KO Bag, Yoga, Jiu Jitsu and Chinese Boxing are all offered. When you consider all of these things, I think it's very fairly priced indeed.

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0

4

Mike Y.

San Francisco, CA

I've been training here about 3 months. My biggest initial concerns were that it was a)small and b) poorly ventilated. Oh, and c)expensive.

Since then, they've started a remodel which will greatly expand their space. They've also added AIR CONDITIONING! Awesome. I give the owner credit for recognizing and investing in these improvements.

It's still a bit pricey. Having it remodeled will help, but $129 for a non-contract monthly rate is still steep. I say go with the $89 a month annual contract--after 4-5 months you'll have saved enough to compensate if you do have to break the contract and pay the termination fee.

Classes are fun, there are different instructors with different styles/strengths every day, and a variety of courses. If you go 2-3 times a week like me you definitely get your money's worth.

Having non-KM classes (conditioning, bag, stretch, etc) is a nice plus.

KM is definitely an effective style for self-defense--a no nonsense, practical approach. If you also want to work on your assertiveness, this is one way to do so.

Sure, you might partner up with some big lug who wails on you (or the pad) in class. To a degree you just need to suck it up and endure it--it's a martial arts class after all. But hey, it's up to you to own your safety. If you feel at risk of really getting injured, communicate. Tell your partner. The instructor can't be everywhere at once.

Weaknesses....
-I'd like to see the floors/mats cleaned/mopped every day--I doubt that happens regularly now and the floors get sweaty and dirty fast.

-Location isn't central but not much to do about that.

-Classes can get crowded. Hopefully once more rooms are available they'll have a wider selection of classes and times (ie, Level 1 every day at different times in the evening, 7 and 8pm, etc).

-Some of the gear (jump ropes and handmitts) are worn and need replacing, I know they replaced other pads recently so maybe it's a matter of time

Overall, looking forward to how KMSF grows in the future!

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0

7

Samuel M.

San Francisco, CA

The best workout place ever. Try classes with Kat (conditioning and cross-fit) and KM classes with Gabe.

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211

377

Asil T.

San Francisco, CA

I went here to learn how to more effectively beat up my younger sister.

Ok, not really, but I did go here with my sister. We've been talking about taking some kind of self-defense class and we both wanted to step up our workouts and finally get in good shape, so I suggested we try Krav Maga after searching around a bit.

Even though I wasn't very fond of that particular instructor's style, it was a great class- I think I learned a lot in a very short time and had an absolute blast fighting my sister (with safety equipment) - she loved it as well. Don't tell her I said this, but she's actually way better than me - better coordination and I think she can punch harder. We got great workouts in an hour and absolutely didn't notice the time at all, which is pretty much exactly what you want - get a solid workout and have fun doing it.

The main teacher, as I mentioned, was kind of annoying in his style, but his assistant was good. (There are a number of different teachers who teach at different times) I didn't feel intimidated at all, they were very accommodating to us and corrected our form or helped us frequently throughout.

In fact we liked it so much that we decided to make a commitment for 2 months (month-to-month membership). If we are able to keep it up, we'll get a year-long contract.

The schedule is great - there are a lot of classes to chose from at convenient times.

In terms of the facilities, I wasn't too upset by their cleanliness or lack thereof. It's a gym, and a fighting gym, if you will. I'm not expecting to be able to eat off the floor - people sweat.

What does bother me about their website is that they don't have the membership prices posted. I understand that they probably don't want to scare people off, but I prefer to have all the info possible.

With that in mind, I am posting the prices as of 3/15/2008 - these are, I'm sure, subject to change.

1 year contract - $89/month
6 month contract - $109/month
Month-to-Month - $125/month
Pre-paid 1 year - $999
Signup fee - $149 (they waived $100 of this for us)
Locker rental - $15/month
Weight room - $25/month

All of the membership options include no limit on attendance, 70+ classes per week, 7000 sq feet training area, 3 rooms, different options include Krav Maga, yoga, crossfit, jiu-jitsu, conditioning, bag, trx

Additionally, you can freeze your membership for a month or two per year at no additional charge

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85

Jessica I.

San Francisco, CA

I am the aforementioned sister that below reviewer wants to beat up.  However, what she needs to accept is that I can kick her ass with or without Krav Maga.

Anyhow,  like she said, we decided to start taking Krav Maga to learn self defense, get some exercise, and learn to effectively kick eachothers asses.

And I loved it!  First of all, if you didn't know, Krav Maga is Israeli streetfighting and it is the most raw, badass shiznit out there.  I mean you are basically a trained killer if you can master it.  That is what drew us to this particular martial art form.  Learning to defend yourself, especially as a woman, is truly empowering and it is also a really good workout.  Fighting your sister is just plain fun.  22 years of pent up rage released.  NICE!

There seem to be a few different krav maga instructors who each have unique teaching styles, which is fine with me...I understand that it is important to both learn the meaning behind what you are doing as well as to practice it.  The hour class goes by extremely fast, though there is one exception, which I am about to get into.

KM Conditioning: this class is the REAL DEAL.  My naive ass strolled in there thinking it would be an easy cardio workout and I was WRONG...apparently had I been more attentive I would have heard the front desk guy say that it is the most physically demanding class they offer.  Unfortunately I don't really listen a lot of the time.  Need to work on this.  

KM Conditioning is basically crazy boot camp for an hour, incorporating jogging, "burpys" (which are like up-downs), squats, jumps, crunches, bag work...and more.  I was bright red, sweating profusely, about to pass out, and traumatized a half hour in.  But I stuck it out for the full hour!!!  However, I would recommend not trying this class unless you are at least at a moderate level of fitness.  I personally am going to train my ass off until I can go back and not nearly die.

Overall, this place is awesome, and I prefer it MUCH more than stupid 24 hour fitness.

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Elite '08

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158

Jenn A.

San Francisco, CA

100 sore and aching muscles

100 bruises that have peppered my body the last year

100 punches, kicks, knees, chokes, body blows, pushups, sit ups, on any given day

100 daily drops of other people's sweat and stinkiness on my body and clothes

100% enjoyment in my workouts - (24 hour fitness just doesn't cut it!)  

100% hardcore workout

100% commitment and training from the awesome instructors

100% healthier

100% stronger

100% confident I can kick some ass! (ok, maybe 75%, but I have to stick with my theme!)

My 100th Review!!!  After a year plus of Krav Maga, I am still loving it and all the workouts!  A great group of people to train with and to learn from.

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Elite '08

93

183

Amy A.

San Francisco, CA

WOW!  This place f*ckin' rocks!  We had SO much fun.

Two weeks ago, my house was burglarized, the day after my friend, Cat, was mugged in front of her place on Portrero Hill.  Both of us were pretty shakin' up and Cat told me that she was going to try taking Krav maga classes.  I looked into it and decided to go to the free class with her.  I wasn't sure what to expect and was also a little nervous about trying Israeli Street Fighting.  I'll be honest: I was intimidated as all hell.

Well, we absolutely loved it.  The first 20 minutes or so was warm-up.  Afterwards, we were already working on combat moves on our first day.  I came out energized and a little soar.  

The instructor was absolutely great.  He gave very helpful directions without ever making me feel singled-out.  (And I'm pretty uncoordinated.)  The other students were friendly and helpful, too.  No attitude.  

We're going back tonight and getting memberships.  I cannot wait to do more.  

I'm subtracting one star because it's expensive ($125/mo unless you sign a year contract, then $80/mo.)  Also, the gym itself is a bit beat up --big body-shaped pieces of dry-wall missing in the sparring areas.  (*eek!*) However, it was clean and so were the locker rooms.

UPDATE:  11/06/07 --------------------------------

Bought a membership.  Still going.  Still loving every minute!

UPDATE: 2/19/07

I have consistently been going since October and I still love it.  Any place that can make me actually take interest in a sport is pretty amazing.  Upgrading to 5 stars!

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5

28

Dapper D.

San Francisco, CA

I have to agree with GB.  This place is dangerous.  I am very physically active, in good shape and no small guy.  I don't mind getting knocked around. But there is no emphasis on form or correct technique. The attitude is do something is better than doing nothing.

I took a class with a 300 lb gorilla who must have been on steroids.  He did NOT need Krav Maga.  He just wailed on the pads to the point that I got a sprained wrist out of it. And I saw him do the same thing with men and women smaller than me.  

They are generous about letting you try it out a lot before you commit though.  I took several classes before they asked if I was going to join.  I really wanted it to work out. The reviews are good, and this is a real self-defense system.  The red-headed teacher was really conscientious.  But the bald headed guy was a jerk.  And got pissed if you asked him how to do it correctly.

I know 2 friends who got hurt bad here during grappling classes.  Both were martial artists who had trained for several years in Muy Thai and Judo and Jiujitsu respectively. One of them had to stop training and missed out on months of competitions.

It was the overcrowded, chaotic formless just go for it attitude that puts people in danger. I watched people butt heads, elbows smash noses, and giant pumped up brute men pound tiny little people.  

The idea is that size doesn't matter.  But size does matter until someone teaches you the correct way to make it not matter.  If you value you ligaments, nose and collarbone then don't go here.  If you do go, make sure you have health insurance.

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0

9

a t.

San Francisco, CA

This Krav Maga group is by FAR better than any gym or boot camp in the city.  I have tried 3 boot camps over a period of 5 years and have been a member of 2 gyms.  None of their workouts are as fun, energetic or functional as the ones at Krav Maga on Bush.  If you get tired of the same class over and over, this place is the best when it comes to variety and wealth of knowledge.

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9

33

Luba M.

San Francisco, CA

This place is awesome!  I went for my free trial class and signed up for a whole year!  I had fun!  I got to work out some agression!  And I learned a little something about how to protect myself.  And I plan on learning a lot more.  Gabriel has been my instructor for both classes, and he's awesome.  I'm a little on the uncoordinated side (ok, maybe A LOT!), but he learns everyone's name and cheers you on when you've done well, and corrects you without being a jerk when you've got room for improvement.  The students are all great too... eveyrone has a great attitude and is incredible supportive.  

As to the dissenters' comments that the place is "dirty, small, and the class was dangerously overcrowded".  Well... it does look a little rough around the edges but I wouldn't say "dirty", and in the women's bathroom, one of the stalls is missing its door.  (I hear they're doing a remodel soon, if it matters.) But as for being small and overcrowded... I didn't experience that the first time I went (after regular "work hours" for most people) and I definitely didn't experience it today when I went to their noontime session.  The dissenters also mentioned that there's not much emphasis on safety.... yes, I got kicked a little when my partner aimed incorrectly, but it's a damn fighting class... what do you expect?

I can't say that Krav Maga, or this place is for everyone... but I had a damn goood time, got a great workout... and plan to keep taking classes from here on out.

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6

73

Patrick B.

San Francisco, CA

I was tired of working out in a lame gym, so I got motivated to come here by a friend, and I'm only disappointed that I didn't start training here sooner.  

As expected, the instructors here are as passionate about Krav Maga as they are about their own individual training styles/focuses.  This variety promotes the notion of learning from different people to get some breadth in your training repertoire.  Most instructors will vary their workouts between very technical skills based routines to very exhausting workouts that push you to your physical limit as a means of making you tougher and fitter.

All that said, I'm a huge fan of this style of training.  The focus of these classes and the techniques you learn are to help you protect yourself, should the situation arise.  

All of the instructors are very safety conscious, which is one thing I dissent from some of these reviews on.  If you're new to this type of training, the onus is on you to make sure you ask questions if you're not sure of something, and if you don't, you only have yourself to blame for getting hurt, right?  

You wouldn't sue a plane manufacturer for crashing your plane because they didn't teach you how to fly it, right?

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5

7

Joon Y.

Alameda, CA

First of all, I can't believe there was a reviewer who complained about safety because of brusies!  I totally disagree.  The exercises are largely designed to avoid injuries.  Touching shoulders (trying to touch the shoulders of a defending opponent) is pretty freaking safe.  You will be kicking at pads. You will be elbowing at pads.  You will be doing very ungodly things to the pads.  Unfortunately, yes--you will be holding said pads.  And yes...you will earn bruises  when a very large person, drives an elbow into the pads.  But, that leads to my second point: this is a fighting school!  If you can't take it, try pool aerobics for your exercise you pussy!  Sorry...I had to get that out of my system.

The class has a nice ratio of male and female students in the Krav Maga clases lately--it creates a friendly atmosphere.   There is also a yoga class, but I've never attended it...because...well, I'm getting old and inflexible and I'm pretty sure I can't do that Van Damme thing without losing the ability to walk.

The KO boxing class is run by an extremely friendly, cute, blond SADIST!  My first class, I did 210 crunches, 60 push ups and hit the heavy bag nonstop for 45 minutes.  I impressed myself.  I didn't puke.

I love the grappling classes.  They teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu  which is pretty sweet.  Wear a cup!

In strike and fight, I learned to keep my hands up the hard way.   Yes, there was bruises involved.  Yes it hurt.  But I learned I had a few bad habits like keeping my hands down when someone wants to punch me in the head.   Now I know how to protect and counter a punch to the head.   A pretty fair trade for a couple of bruises.

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7

4

Maura F.

San Francisco, CA

A friend recommended this place to me.  He is a Krav Maga enthusiast.  I wasn't sure at first but thought I'd give it a try.  I'm so glad I did.  I've been going here for about a year now.  I work with a personal trainer, but I also take the Krav and some of the other classes.  I love this place!!  Hands down, the best time I've ever had working out.  I went in after not having exercised for awhile, but no one gave me a hard time or made me feel uncomfortable about it.  All of the instructors are nice and supportive.  They all have there own style of instruction and a lot of energy and enthusiasm for what they do.   It's very clean, and, yes, there are some holes in the walls, but I think it adds to the feel of the place (they are remodeling soon - I will miss the holes).  If you are looking to sit at a machine and pump some weights up and down, then this is not the gym for you.  If you want to be pushed to your limits and find out what you can do, give this place a try.

It is a great way to get into shape and learn some self-defense techniques at the same time.  You may leave with some bruises but that's the fun of it, isn't it?  Try taking one of Kat's classes.  She'll kick your ass, and you'll like it!

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14

35

jeremy l.

San Francisco, CA

The classes are high energy and you get to hit things. Its definitely more "practical" than many martial arts classes-  there is no zen or philosophy to this - it is more like self defense. Very practical and effective techniques without any nicities - you learn when and how to kick someone in the balls or stomp on them, and when to just run away. Not artful, but likely effective.

The dissenting reviewers do have a point though. The ventilation in the rooms is abysmal - the place gets pretty pungen tand humid by the 8pm classes. Sometimes the classes get too crowded and some of the students get a little carried away with their own testosterone levels and don't take enough care to make sure that they're not putting others at risk of injury.

If you're not looking for fancy, just to learn eough self defense to feel like you can get yourself out of trouble, this is a good place to go

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308

353

Peter M.

San Francisco, CA

I'm 6'4".  I have long arms.  I'm pretty quick for a tall guy.  I hit hard, I kick hard, I'm a smart fighter and every time I fight my friend Nina during sparing class she beats the shit out of me.  Not like haha this is cute I wont play hard when I fight you cause you're a girl....NO....more like Nina please stop kicking me in the crotchonal zone cause it hurts real bad.  I love my crotchonal zone its very important to me yet time and time again Nina fucking that shit up.  

A little background --- I've been training at the Krav Maga Training Center for about three years now.  I can say that I hope to never ever get into a fight but if someone were to pull a gun on me I actually know how to take it away from them without getting killed.  I know how to position myself to protect from major injury and if need be I know how to fight and fight effectively.  So does Nina.  I bring up Nina cause about 6 months into the training at Krav Maga you have the option to stop hitting pads and actually put the gloves, the shin gaurds, the mouth piece, and the crotchonal proctection on and spar another living human being.  My first sparing partner was Nina --- nothing too scary --- about 5'7" maybe 120 in great shape but whatever --- it's just a girl.  

So the round starts Nina walks up to me and kicks me so fucking hard on my left thigh I have trouble putting weight on it for a minute.  If you've never been kicked in the thigh -the first time you get kicked your left hand that was previously covering the left side of your face kind of drops a little.  Can you see where I'm going with this?  Left hand drops Nina's right hand right into my face --- HARD.  Nina steps forward and places Left Foot into said crotchonal zone --- REALLY HARD.  Peter M's done round 1 and fight over.  

2  years later.  Bring it Nina.  I will punch you in the tit I'm not afraid of you (I'm so afraid of her).  The round starts my crotchonal zone is on high alert.  She kicks I block cause I've learned how to do that now.  I counter straight shot to the face.  YES!  Nina doesn't budge just blinks.  HMMMM. That's kind of disheartening.  Now I'm all in my head.  Nina bides her time I know what she is planning.  I'm moving, I'm blocking, little do I know the Krav Maga instructors have been working privately with Nina and she knows some dirty tricks.  So all of the sudden there is this flury of kicks and then both her gloves shoved up into my neck --- HARD and I am moving backwards legs wide open like Luis M on Prom Night.  WHAP! Foot --- Crotch --- Stars --- Laughter --- Shame --- Broken Man.

They don't teach that at Crunch Fitness.  Five Stars.

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27

36

Mark W.

San Francisco, CA

This place is great.  Friendly learning atmosphere.  If you're new to martial arts I absolutely recommend this place.  Great teachers and sane students.

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10

91

Dave H.

Chicago, IL

You know, I started off with a really high rating for this place, and then after reading the "dissenting" review here, decided to drop it down to 2 stars.  The other reviewer is absolutely right -- there's really very little emphasis on safety.  Sure, it's a fighting class, but it's a little too easy to get hurt.  In my second class, I came home with my arm covered in bruises that lasted a week after practicing with a much bigger partner.  

They offer a wide variety of classes, and the instructors are generally really good, but the facilities are pretty iffy.  There's only one chair in the men's locker room, and I wouldn't even think of showering in there; I always just walked home sweaty.

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4

18

Palacheta S.

San Francisco, CA

I've been a member for more than one year. And i am still a member. The teachers are great. I had private training with Gabriel and Christian V. They are amazing. If you serious in honing your skills, you gotta have them in privates. The question is why i rated three stars?!??!? I have to agree with Dave H. that they put little emphasis on safety. I instance, the instructors rarely told to the other newbies to be more careful when training with others. I often saw some people use their full power during the training, too brutal, which resulted to unnecessary injuries to other members. lately, i don't really look forward to come to the classes

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29

121

Judy L.

San Francisco, CA

A friend and I went to the free introductory class... and I have to say, I really enjoyed it.

I left learning a few skills - like what to do if someone grabs your arm (well -- i guess what to do if you don't want them to grab your arm) and if someone chokes you from any angle (front, behind, side). Now, I'm not especially coordinated, but both my friend and I left with an ass-kicking adrenaline rush/buzz.

As we walked down Van Ness to go home, my friend and I immediately used what we learned. Anytime a car cut us off, we attempted to hammerpunch the side and kick in the windows. Well, not really, but we thought about it.

Classes are not cheap -- but I think definitely worth the monthly price. Maybe better for someone who isn't just looking for a workout, but looking for self-defense style classes.

I'm definitely going back for more.

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23

326

Herbert S.

Davis, CA

The basic Krav Maga philosophy is, "If someone wants to hurt you, don't let them, and hurt them back."  Given that, is it any wonder that its the most practical of the martial arts.  In fact, its not even a martial art, its pure self defense, every thing you learn can be put to imediate use.  The training is tough, but the instructors here know what they're doing and can work you through even the most complicated moves.  It can be brutal, but its fun as well.  Its both great exercise and great self defence.

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8

13

Loic N.

San Francisco, CA

Love the place! Completely new to martial arts, afraid of physical confrontations, I took the class on a whim.

2 years later, I thoroughly enjoy sparring with a guy 1 foot taller and 100 lbs heavier than me (and all muscle). Awesome workout. I have never had to use the combat techniques in real life, but I will be ready if I can't avoid it. All the instructors are good and dedicated, and adapt to people's comfort levels.

Just try it out, you won't regret it. They have a one week free trial, so you really have no excuses. Come on. Do it.

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5

21

Luke M.

San Francisco, CA

Great workout and you get to learn how to effectively defend yourself at the same time.

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3

12

joseph h.

San Rafael, CA

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4

32

G B.

Oakland, CA

I will be the dissenter here.  I was totally underwhelmed by this place and never went back after my trial class.  I thought it was dirty, small, and the class was dangerously overcrowded.  Before you assume I'm just being a baby, I'm a 125 lb woman who played rugby (and for a while, I played on a men's team, in the scrum), and I've traveled to all sorts of places lacking good hygenic facilities, so I'm not especially averse to pain, physically unsafe situations, or germs.  But this place icked me out.  I just didn't feel like there was any emphasis on form or safety.

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