KRAV MAGA OVERVIEW

Krav Maga was developed and refined during World War II and Israel’s War of Independence by Emerich "Imi" Lichtenfeld (Imi Sde-Or). Krav Maga is Hebrew for “contact fight” or “contact combat.”

It was originally developed in the Israel Defense Forces and various branches of the security services, and later adapted to civilian needs. It is based on utility, instinct, simplicity, and adaptability. It emerged from an environment where violence, mostly political, was unfortunately commonplace.

Self-defense and close-quarters-combat are fused. In self-defense, the defender is usually not aware of an impending attack. In close-quarters-combat, the two opponents are aware of each other’s movements and perceived violent intent.

Techniques

The lethal nature of Krav Maga is suited to real-life conditions.

Because it was developed to teach a disparate group of soldiers of all shapes, sizes, and abilities, its techniques are simple and instinctive. They can be used effectively by men and women of all sizes, shapes, physical abilities, and ages. Krav Maga is also becoming popular as a conditioning and fitness regimen.

All techniques thoroughly tested in real-life situations and improved and refined accordingly. Techniques are constantly modified, added, and discarded as real-life encounters are analyzed

System comprised of simple, easy-to-learn techniques based on natural body movements and logical defense principles. Practitioners can attain a high level of proficiency in a relatively short period of instruction.

Krav Maga also includes weapons defenses.

Guiding Principles

• Avoid injury. Calculate risks involved in a specific action, and avoid danger whenever possible.
• Techniques are an extension of body’s natural reflexes.
• Defend and counterattack in the shortest and most direct way possible.
• Respond correctly, in accordance with and as required by the circumstances.
• Strike correctly at any vulnerable point.
• Use any tool or object available nearby.
• There are no rules, technical limitations, or sportsmanship restrictions.
• In training, advancing from closed skill to open skill (incorporating “mental training”), and from a single, specifically designed technique to improvised action in accordance with the dynamics of the situation.

Components

Components include:

• Simultaneous defense and attack
• Continuous motion
• Decisive action
• Focus on vulnerable soft tissue and pressure points
• Building block process
• Subduing techniques

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Books Krav Maga books. Includes recommended books.
• Videos Krav Maga DVDs and videos serve as excellent supplemental learning tools. Learn at your own pace in the comfort of your home.
• Training Live Krav Maga training from qualified instructors allows more personalized training, technique correction, and practice with partners.
• Information Additional websites that provide Krav Maga information.
• More Articles Read more Krav Maga articles from our library.