Inspired by his father, Shmuel, a detective in Czechoslovakia known for his ability to arrest the most violent of criminals, Imi Lichtenenfeld created krav maga in the 1930s as a self-defense method for the Jewish community in need of protection from fascist gangs, thugs and anti-Semites, according to Your Krav Maga Expert. When Lichtenenfeld, a boxing and wrestling expert, immigrated to Israel, he continued to develop his system to suit the needs of his new country. Krav maga, meaning "combat-contact," is used for overall commando combat training as opposed to as a martial art.
Techniques in Krav Maga
At its inception, what is now called krav maga was a style of hand-to-hand combat and included elements of judo, wrestling, stick-fighting, boxing, gun disarmament and knife fighting, according to Your Krav Maga Expert. It describes krav maga as a system for everything that a commando needs, such as combat training, extensive and rigorous physical conditioning, wilderness survival, firearm and explosive usage, and training in languages used by adversaries.
Martial Arts Versus Self-Defense
ITF Information uses a tea analogy to explain martial arts: A tea ceremony is a formal ceremonial act, much like martial arts, while making a cup of tea is a practical act, like krav maga and other forms of self-defense. These latter disciplines are not interested in the formalities and pageantry of martial arts: They are practical and efficient combat techniques for effectively and swiftly disarming and subduing your adversary.
Hwa Rangdo
In Korea, from about 1 B.C. to A.D. 7, the Hwa Rangdo of Korea had a similar need to defend their community and formed the Warrior Corps. They engaged in hand-to-hand and foot combat and put themselves through arduous and fierce training. According to ITF Information, they swam in cold winter waters, climbed tough mountains and put themselves through harsh tasks in order to become fierce warriors. The sites states that worldwide and throughout history, hand and feet combat styles have developed according to the needs and cultural background of a society.
Applied Martial Arts
Another similar system is applied martial arts, which borrows from traditions such as tae kwon do and kung fu to create an active street defense system. Included in this technique is an understanding of violence and how to deal with it when necessary both on a physical and emotional level.
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