Hi everyone.
I realize this thread is very old, but I just discovered it and thought I should make a response.
I am a Krav Maga instructor in Los Angeles. I'm obviously biased, but I do consider it to be an extremely effective system of self defense, including its weapons techniques.
For the record, KM has never asked anyone to just use the name and teach their own stuff. We are a very open system, teaching by principles rather than specific techniques, but we do have a curriculum, and that curriculum and those principles are Krav Maga, nothing else.
There are certainly a number of imposters out there. Check our website at
http://www.kravmaga.com to find out who has been certified and is legitimate.
Anyone with questions or skepticism about our techniques can post notes on our website, or email me (johnw@kravmaga.com) or come down to our training center. You can train as our guest and we'll answer any questions you have.
Regarding the bjj/muay thai/kali combination. I have immense respect for all three systems. I love to train with muay thai fighters and we do a lot of groundwork with bjj people. My only comment on COMBINING them is that each system has a slightly different thought process. The three do not integrate well without significant adjustments that can cause delays in a person's reaction on the street. This delay can be deadly. It is better to find a system that is fully integrated, where techniques in one area of the system are compatible with movements and techniques in another part. The thought process is the same throughout. For me, the answer to this was KM. It may be different for you, but I believe as a training principle the need for an integrated system is real. For years, military units have made the mistake of borrowing one area from this system, another area from that system, and they came away with training that was too much of a hode-podge. KM in Israel always sought to homogenize the system so that training time was quicker, and retention was longer without the need for retraining.