Introduction and Basic Principles and Techniques

Krav Maga, a potent fighting and self defense system, is based on a flow that emphasize the natural movements of the human body. It can help any person defend against possible attaches in any situation, based purely on the basic Principles and Techniques that form the basis of the Krav Maga self defense system.

This hand to hand fighting style, from Israel, was established in the early 30’s. They style was derives from street fighting where the use of natural reflexes was key to defend yourself. There are no set rules for Krav Maga, it is also not a sport you will see at the Olympics, but s is bases on some pure principles and techniques that makes this style unique and brutally effective.

9 Basic Principles of Krav Maga:

1. Eliminate those unnecessary movements and complicated twists and turns.
2. Face your opponent, keep eye contact and don’t turn your back on him/her.
3. No Spinning or jumping. Keep your feet securely on the ground.
4. Strike from where you are. Changing you position to be able to strike wastes valuable time in a self defense situation.
5. Every strike must be a powerful blow and aimed at weakening your opponent or attacker. Even better would be a combination of strikes for immediate take down.
6. Key point of attack should be to the throat, eyes, jaw, groin or knees.
7. Combination of hand and foot attacks make the this technique more effective in attack and defense.
8. Body strength is not the main factor for this fighting style, instead body momentum is used to generate quick consecutive strikes.
9. Once momentum in your attack starts, it should not be stopped until you opponent is knocked down.

Self Defense Techniques

Krav Maga teaches you to defend and attack at the same time. Students are shown how to use different techniques while blocking attacks that in turn assists in defense against all types of kicks and punches. The method of blocking will automatically assist in protecting yourself against attacks from different.

Specific training is done to assist in defense against weapon, this includes practicing defense against weapons such as knifes, sticks, guns and other sharp items that can be used as weapons.

Techniques using the body

Using the arms is an obvious place to start. Striking is predominantly practiced and should be quick, consecutive and with the most power possible. All types of strikes are taught and includes punching in a straight line, lower down , uppercuts and other types of palm and chop strikes. The elbow is also popular as strikes can be very effective with little energy.

Techniques using the legs as attack and defense include a range of lower down kicks aiming at the attackers lower body and legs. Knee strikes are especially effective as it can stop you attacker and take him to the ground.

The head is also used and a attacking technique in Krav Maga. Blows to the opponent’s head and torso is taught and used often to ensure maximum effect with as little physical strength as possible.

Other Krav Maga Techniques

Even though one of the key principles is to stay sure footed, certain throws and take down as taught for versatility and ability to fight on the ground. These include one or two legged throws, hip throws etc.

Ground fighting has become very popular in the MMA circles as being an effective means of self defense. It then only makes sense that an effective self defense system includes the flexibility of being able to be effective on the ground.

Krav Maga teaches the most effective combination of hand, legs and head techniques while being in the ground. Students are also taught defense while on the ground. This will include certain types of chokes head locks etc.

Summary of Principles and Techniques

Krav Maga truly is one of the most lethal of Self Defense fighting arts. Being able to defend and attack at the same time, being flexible on the ground and the ability to defends against weapons makes this my first choice in Self Defense. A solid history of proper Principles and Techniques makes me love it even more.