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.
Founder and History of Krav Maga
Krav Maga was created by Imi Lichtenfeld in Israel in 1948. At that time, Israel was under British rule and Israelis were not permitted to bear arms yet individuals needed to defend themselves. When the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) were created, Imi Lichtenfeld became the chief instructor of hand to hand combat. Military applications of this art were what he initially taught: defense against weapons by using weapons, training in weapon retention, non lethal use of weapons (i.e. machine guns) and other applications required by soldiers.
When Imi’s military service ended he continued to adapt Krav Maga for civilian use. He utilized the ranking (belted) system whereby material is separated by belt levels, yellow to black. Students must test to show their proficiency in specifically divided material before being taught more and more complex and complicated techniques.