Krav Maga teaches the average individual how to utilize strikes to an attacker’s most vulnerable targets, thereby leveling the playing field. The self-defense techniques are designed to be used by everyone, never relying on size, strength or fitness level. Students are taught that strikes are the body’s natural weapons, including punches, kicks, elbows and knees.
Students are to train with the understanding that the only way to stop an assailant is by striking with force, but students are taught not to use strength against strength because an attacker will likely be larger and stronger than the defender. Our classes teach awareness of the environment and to be able to recognize when and how to remove oneself from a bad or uncomfortable situation before they need to become physical.
Training For Women
As a female, the thought of an attack or an assault is very troubling and frightening. An assailant will not think twice about attacking a female. Travelling around alone, a female has to be aware at all times at the world around her and be ready to fight with the most viciousness if faced with an attacker. Smaller individuals are capable of effectively defending themselves in an attack by focusing their mass into the actual strike used.
Striking an assailant will only enhance the violence. A great importance in how to properly strike and get to vulnerable targets right away such as groin, eyes, nose is so critical in a female’s training. In classes, there will be controlled contact made in learning how to get out of specific attacks such as chokes, hair pulls, grabs and the avoidance of going to the ground. Being afraid is going to happen in an attack, but for a female, it is more pertinent that the female trains to get passed freezing, shutting down, giving up and not fighting for her life.
How do I begin training?
The answer is simple. Come in with an open mind and try a free introductory class. No experience is needed or required.
What you need to know:
• Pre-registration in advance is required to attend
• Pre-register online or call us at 201-567-9300
• Dress code: long pants (Gi/leggings/sweatpants), T-shirt or long sleeves and socks
• Bring a water bottle
• No shorts, tank tops, body suits allowed
• No shoes or jewelry is permitted to be worn on the mat
• Sign the participation waiver online
• No outside spectators may join you to watch class
• Arrive a few minutes before class time begins
Requirements for EKM students
• EKM uniform
• Mouth Guard
• Groin Protection
• Gloves
• Wrestling shoes are optional (not to be worn elsewhere outside the school)
*All attire and equipment (except wrestling shoes) available for purchase at the school (no outside equipment allowed)
What is Krav Maga?
Krav Maga, Hebrew for “contact combact” is a self-defense system for use in the street – a place where there are no refs, no ring and no rules. Practitioners are taught to move from being passive to aggressive as quickly as possible with immediate offense. The striking component and self-defense techniques are designed to be used by everyone regardless of size, strength, fitness ability or gender. Students are training for real world situations, not for competitive tournaments or preparation to fight in the ring. Students are to train with the understanding that in an attack situation, they may be confronted by multiple attackers, including those who may be armed.
Principles of Krav Maga
• Immediately strike vulnerable targets
• Attack/Defend – Defend/Attack
• Use of the body’s natural weapons as well as ordinary objects at hand
• No rules
• Never try to fight strength against strength
• For every defensive move, there is a simultaneous offensive move
Krav Maga techniques utilize strikes to vulnerable targets – groin, eyes, nose, throat, temple, knees, back of the neck; areas on the body that cannot be strengthened. Defenses against multiple attackers, attackers using weapons and sparring are all part of training as it better prepares an individual for the reality.
For a beginner, it is critical that the student develops proficiency in striking and how to react in very dangerous situations. Physical fitness, self-confidence, awareness, ability to react and strength are all increased through continued committed training.
Training is a process that does not happen overnight. It takes time, commitment, dedication and an investment in one’s self in order to be well equipped to protect one’s self and family.