A hand-to-hand combat system forged in Israel, Krav Maga focuses on simple techniques to disable and kill enemies, rather than on the mental, physical and spiritual holistic development found in traditional martial arts. Martial arts historian Dave Coffman states that Krav Maga and similar combatives arts provide suitable approaches for beginners. It takes less time to become proficient with simpler systems than does a more esoteric and "complete" martial art.
Basics
Developed for the use of Israeli police and soldiers, Krav Maga focuses on simplicity in concept and ease of execution. It shows you how to apply natural body movements to combat situations, rather than training your body in strenuous or unnatural motions as in other martial arts. Krav Maga follows a "funnel structure," teaching a handful of widely applicable techniques, rather than a different technique for every conceivable attack.
Preparation
Preparing for a Krav Maga class is in some ways easier than training for more esoteric martial arts training. Because it is designed to be simple and low-impact, you are less likely to need to be in good physical shape to begin training. Coffman warns that Krav Maga classes are often taught using forceful application. You will need to be mentally prepared for some physical impact and for being physically close to strangers. The best Krav Maga classes teach beginners how to handle this during the first stages of instruction, Coffman states.
Locations
Since its introduction to the United States in the late 1990s, Krav Maga has become increasingly available. As of 2010, major metropolitan areas typically have at least one Krav Maga school. If you can't find one advertised by name, check traditional martial arts schools that may have a Krav Maga instructor offering classes on site. Hagana, Rapid Assault Tactics and Last Resort Tactics are classes that apply philosophy and movements similar to Krav Maga and can be alternatives.
Beginner Technique
The Krav Maga pulse is one of the first techniques taught to a beginning student. It's applicable against any aggressive hand attack. As the attack comes in, step forward with the opposite foot. Block the attacking arm with the arm on the same side. Simultaneously, push the attacker's sternum hard with your palm. This jams the attack and sets your attacker back on his heels, off balance. You then follow up with a kick, hand strike or weapon attack according to the situation.
Weapons
Traditional martial arts typically reserve weapon training and weapon disarms for advanced students. Krav Maga students can expect weapons techniques beginning with their first class. Krav Maga weapon disarms are rarely different from their open-hand defenses: you will learn to apply the same beginning technique to any aggressive hand, whether or not it's holding a weapon. Krav Maga weapon attacks are similarly addressed from day one. One basic precept of this fighting system is that you should never fight unarmed by choice.
References
- Krav Maga Federation: Krav Maga: Biographies
- Dave Coffman; Martial Arts Historian; Hillsboro, Oregon
- "Complete Krav Maga;" Darren Levine; 2009
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