Already popular with law-enforcement agencies across the U.S., the martial art form Krav Maga got some extra attention in 2007 when Matt Damon showed off the moves in the film "The Bourne Ultimatum." If you want to learn Krav Maga yourself, your options include going to a training center or using online resources to teach yourself at home.
Definition
Krav Maga is the official self-defense system of the Israeli Defense Forces. It has gained popularity in the U.S. in recent years, partly because hundreds of law-enforcement agencies have begun teaching it to recruits, according to the Krav Maga Association of America. The system was created by Imi Lichtenfeld, and co-founder Darren Levine created the Krav Maga Worldwide association in 1999 to spread Krav Maga globally. Over 240 training centers are located in the U.S., Japan, Canada, Mexico and Europe.
Techniques
According to its founders, Krav Maga training emphasizes "instinctive movements, practical techniques and realistic training scenarios." Its emphasis on utilizing your reflexes, rather than choreographed movements, makes it easier to learn and remember than other martial art forms, according to Wired magazine. The program includes defense mechanisms against attacks from guns, knives and multiple assailants. It's also a good conditioning workout, according to Wired.
Training Options
There are a number of official Krav Maga training centers in the U.S, although they tend to be concentrated in major cities. The Krav Maga Worldwide website lists all affiliated training centers. If there isn't one near you, check with your local law enforcement department to see if any training is available to civilians. Some instructors may be willing to travel for lessons, if you're willing to pay for the privilege.
Solo Training
If you prefer to do Krav Maga training on your own, you can find training videos online from sites such as Krav Maga Bootcamp. Some of the program's moves have been incorporated into workouts by celebrities such as Maria Menounos, who shared moves like the Elbow and Knee Strike, Strike Down and Sprawl with Knee Tuck with Fitness magazine. The Sunday Times recommends doing additional conditioning moves, such as sprints, lunges, push-ups and plyometric hops, before beginning Krav Maga training to make the workouts easier and more effective.
Member Comments