What is Krav Maga?

Krav Maga (pronounced KRAHV muh-GAH, which is “contact fight” to Hebrew) can be described as a straightforward fast-paced, abrasive, easy-to-learn, and simple to remember system of self-defense. Krav Maga training is based on the fundamentals rather than the techniques since no two techniques are ever exactly the identical. Nobody is identical. And, in reality that the same person who is confronted with a particular threat might respond differently on one day as compared to a different day.

The core the essence of Krav Maga can be understood by defining a few of these fundamentals. Some of the fundamentals which comprise Krav Maga are:

Techniques should be inspired by natural instincts.
The techniques must be able to address the immediate risk.
Techniques should be able to defend and counterattack simultaneously.
One defense should be able to withstand different attacks.
The system must be integrated to ensure that actions that are learned in one part of the system can complement rather than conflict with the actions of another.
The techniques must be available to anyone not just athletes.
Techniques must be based on an advantage.
Training should incorporate the stress encountered in real attacks.

These principles guide our learning and also our evaluation of techniques. If we discover a weakness in a technique or if a modification is being considered, we pose questions based on these principles. If, for instance, an instructor suggests changing in the technique, rather than test it with our most skilled athletes. Instead, we look at the least athletic students and determine whether they are able to apply the new technique (principle is that the technique must be easy for the average person to use).

When we evaluate a defensive strategy the effectiveness of a technique is measured in terms of how effective it is even if we’re late (principle that techniques should work in a situation of disadvantage). If the method only work when we are in the early hours or are prepared and prepared, we will need to find something more effective.

Krav Maga is not a Martial Art

One thing to bear in your mind it is Krav Maga is not a traditional martial art. In fact, we do not use the word “martial art” in any way. Traditional martial arts are strict, dogmatic, and focused on preserving the traditions passed down by masters from the past. Furthermore, based on the discipline it is a focus on the elegance of movements and the finer points of detail. Krav Maga tries to avoid all of these aspects. A majority of martial arts schools also tend to be entangled in a sport-centric mindset and create rules that restrict the athletes. Even mixed martial arts athletes which are a majority of our close friends and who we admire greatly, engage in a controlled environment that has limitations regarding what they can and can’t do.

Certain highly effective systems may be entangled in the trap of sports-related activities. For example, Brazilian JiuJitsu (BJJ) is a highly effective method. Anyone who wants to become adept at groundfighting needs to invest time in training in one of the numerous Brazilian JiuJitsu instructors across the globe. But, many schools offer BJJ as a game: there is no striking, no eye-strain and no focus on moving away from the danger. However that these restrictions are essential to allow beginners to master the techniques (it’s difficult to master a triangle choke if you’re friend is biting you on the thigh) however, in the absence of other elements to fighting in a street fight the training is in the sport of self-defense.

This is why Krav Maga is different. We definitely create training drills and training techniques that restrict students’ options…but we continually (our students may say obsessively!) remind them to not be fighting according to rules. For instance, they could try to break up and leave, or to locate objects that can be used to use as weapons. We don’t have any interest in showing an attacker we could execute a particular method. The only thing we care about is getting home in a safe manner.

Krav Maga is heavy on the “martial” and does not go to”art” “art”. It’s not always glamorous however, we do accomplish the task. We prefer to refer to Krav Maga as a “defensive tactics system” which is a tactical and scientifically sound approach to fighting violent conflicts.