Krav Maga, which means contact combat is a mixed martial art that has become very popular over recent years.
In fact, Krav Maga’s techniques have been demonstrated in movies such as The Expendables and The Bourne Identity. The main goal is this mixed martial art is to inflict maximum damage to the opponent as quickly as possible through brutal counterattacks.
But is Krav Maga effective as they claim? In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Krav Maga.
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What is Krav Maga?
Krav Maga is modern and dynamic self-defense and fighting system that was initially developed for the Israeli defense force and Israeli security forces for self-protection in hand-to-hand combat.
Krav Maga uses a combination of techniques derived from wrestling, boxing, karate, judo Aikido, and boxing.
These self-defense techniques are known for their ability to combat real-world situations and their efficiency when it comes to self-protection.
It uses instinctive movements, aggressive counter-attacks, and a no-holds-barred mentality without the ceremonial elements of traditional martial arts.
Krav Maga was developed in the 1950s and was originally used by the Israeli Army. Civilians started learning this self-defense technique in the late 70s.
Today, there are various forms of Krav Maga, including those used by law enforcement officers to arrest and detain, those used by civilians for self-defense as well as those used by the military.
It is important to note that Krav Maga is not used for sports. Instead, it is designed for physical training and self-protection. It is meant to be practical and can be taught to any person regardless of age, gender, or physical abilities.
Krav Maga has no rules as is the case with other combat sports. More so, it has no sporting federation and does not have official uniforms or attire.
Both men and women undergo the same training. The goal of Krav Maga is to break all the rules, not to play by them. It was designed to disarm, disable and destroy your enemies.
Basic principles of Krav Maga
- To exploit the human body’s most vulnerable spots
- Use the body’s natural weapons and ordinary objects
- Avoid confrontation or finish your opponent as quickly as possible
- Keep your fighting technique as simple as possible and rely on your body’s natural reflexes
- Understand your surrounding and the psychology of street confrontation
- Avoid injury
- Use whatever works
- Improvise and create weapons from almost anything
Is Krav Maga more of a self-defense martial art or is based on attacks?
Now that you know what Krav Maga is, the question that you are probably asking yourself is whether Krav Maga is more of a self-defense martial art or is based on attacks.
Krav Maga is a blend of the two, meaning it is practiced both for self-defense and also for attacks. The reason why many people learn Krav Maga is to ensure that they have what it takes to defeat the opponent in a fight.
Krav Maga is designed to combat the real threat. No one is assured of his/her security when on the streets. When your life or that of your loved one is in danger, Krav Maga techniques can come in handy.
It can help you deal with any threat that you may face. Unlike many martial arts that have choreographed moves, Krav Maga does not have to follow a particular routine. Instead, it trains students to be versatile and improvise if they can.
This means that your specific situation will determine how you counter it.
The main reason for learning Krav Maga is for self-defense when attacked. It stresses aggression, efficiency, and most importantly survival.
You have to do whatever it takes to be the one left standing. People train Krav Maga in order to survive the worst-case scenario.
Main tactics used in Krav Maga
1. Kick the groin
Kick the groin is one of the most used tactics in Krav Maga. When a kick lands correctly in the groin it can be very damaging and could possibly end the fight.
That is why it is allowed and encouraged in Krav Maga training. A well-placed front kick to the groin is more powerful than punches.
2. Neutral stance
The neutral stance refers to the normal body position. The neutral stance is meant to help trick your open that you have surrendered only for you to get them off-guard with a punch in the face.
3. Fighting stance
This tactic allows you to quickly move your feet and execute your strike with immense power. This tactic helps to prepare you for a counterattack as well as protect the most vulnerable part of your body, which are the head and torso.
4. Punching
Punching is one of the most used tactics in Krav Maga. A well-executed punch to the jaw, neck, or nose can cause several damage to your opponent thus ending the fight quickly. Punching is very effective Krav Maga when making an initial offense.
5. Elbow strikes
A well-placed elbow strike can cause a lot of damage to your opponent. Krav Maga will teach you how to strike your opponent with an elbow from several directions, including forward, backward, and horizontally.
6. Palm strike
A palm strike is similar to a punch strike. However, instead of using your clenched fist to hit your opponent, you use the muscular part at the bottom of your hand.
This part of your hand is incredibly strong and can cause a lot of damage to your attacker if well placed on the head or neck.
Is Krav Maga difficult to learn?
NO, Krav Maga is not difficult to learn. This mixed martial art is based on natural reaction and movement as opposed to choreographed moves.
The technique used is designed to help you get the most out of your instinctive reaction. So, when compared to traditional martial arts, Krav Maga is relatively simple and easy to learn.
The basics of this mixed martial art are simple, but like other martial arts, you need serious training to become fully proficient.
How long does it take to learn Krav Maga?
It depends on many factors, including your natural abilities, your level of fitness and athleticism, and how often you train.
With the right training, you can learn the basics of this mixed martial art in less the six months. However, it will take you between 3 and 4 years to get to an advanced level.
Bottom line
Krav Maga is a self-defense system that aims to teach you how to use your body to fight back and win in case you are attacked.
People of all ages can learn Krav Maga for self-defense. Unlike traditional martial arts that follow specific choreographed moves, Krav Maga is quite different because it does not follow specific predetermined moves, which makes it easy to learn.
Krav Maga is ideal for people who want to increase their confidence while walking on the streets because they know they have what it takes to protect themselves and their loved ones.
