What is Krav Maga?
Krav-Maga is a collection of effective techniques from many existing martial arts. To understand what Krav-Maga is, we will go back to the period when it was created. Even before the creation of the State of Israel, this method was developed by a man named Imi Sde-Or (1910-1998) in the 1930s. He was a boxing champion and expert in hand-to-hand combat. Over the years, he developed his Krav-Maga method and passed on its foundations to Jews who lived in European communities and had to defend themselves against the Nazis. Over time, this method was introduced into the Israel Defence Forces. Jewish fighters had to undergo training in effective combat against a larger and more powerful enemy. There was no time to waste years learning complex fighting techniques. The goal of the Israeli method was to be easy to learn on the one hand and deadly on the other.
How is Krav-Maga different from other martial arts?
While this method is good for self-defence against sudden attacks, it is not effective in Combined Martial Arts arena fights where the principle of sudden disappears. In Krav-Maga, a small number of techniques are taught. These are commonly referred to as targeted attack or defence scenarios. That is, a highly efficient solution is created for each scenario. After that, the same scenario is worked out to perfection. For example, a scenario against a sudden attack: with a knife, a stick, or a threat from close range with a revolver. The method includes all kinds of development of the situation and their lightning-fast solutions. Also, all available items are used as tools for defence and attack, such as keys, bags, mobile phones, and much more; include Muay Thai techniques, punches, elbows, kicks, and knees… Like Russian Sambo, this method was developed primarily for military and police purposes. Particular emphasis was placed on painful and suffocating techniques for arresting and escorting a suspect. Also, the method uses many different types of locks and deadlocks to paralyze the upper body and subdue the enemy.
Krav-Maga tactical training, knife protection
In Krav Maga, several general scenarios are created for specific, special events. As a result, Krav Maga for the needs of the army differs from the needs of the Israeli police. That is, the army is trained to attack targets versus the Israeli police, which must defend against attack. In addition, it (the Israeli police) should be more transparent in terms of law and citizens. That is, the question is introduced about the principle of a proportionate reaction, a preliminary diagnosis, a calming and adequate-correct approach in various situations to avoid the use of force as much as possible. Although the basic movements are almost identical in the basic courses taught in the Army and the Israel Police, the scripts used in the advanced courses are completely different. This is exactly what makes Krav-Maga so famous, as it creates customized scenarios for specific cases. Further, the students work them out, to the level of instincts. In fact, this is the secret of the main success of the method. Many repetitions of the same scenarios until they become instinctive.
Is Krav-Maga effective against other martial arts?
Scenarios are effective against stereotyped movements, but less effective when fighting with a Combined Martial Arts (MMA) specialist. If, the (MMA) expert did not lose the battle in the first few seconds, then usually he wins! Thanks to his versatility, years of standing and floor training, control of evasive movements of hands and feet, ability to read the enemy, and the ability to predict future movements. For example, against a Thai boxer, it will be difficult for a Krav-Maga fighter to fight for simple reasons: Thai boxers specialize in powerful and dexterous movements, defence, and throws. Strengthens bones and the ability to withstand strong impacts throughout their lives. In such difficult cases, the narrow training in Krav-Maga loses to situations in mixed battles in the arena. Also, we cannot expect the average person to be in the physical shape of an athlete in arena fights. However, this method is great for defending against street attackers. Usually, the average attacker uses the same structured attacks that are practiced in the Krav-Maga basic courses. In such an arena, in most cases, the instinctive reactions from the Krav Maga world are effective and lifesaving.
What is Tactical Krav-Maga?
Just so you understand how difficult it is to deal with a person armed with weapons: cold, hot, etc. First of all, the mental aspect, when a person is not mentally prepared for the above-described situation, usually immediately puts into stress and loses to the enemy, without having a chance to escape. The Krav-Maga operational course was designed specifically to protect against armed attackers: with a knife, stick, or firearm. This course, in comparison with the usual Krav Maga course, requires the trainee to have basic knowledge and skills. That is, it is impossible to learn it without basic training, like in “classic Russian Sambo”, which consists as a basic to start training in “combat Russian Sambo”. In targeted scenarios, Krav-Maga is provided with concrete solutions from a compilation of real-world problems and attacks that we hear in the news around the world. Closest to reality, this is one of the reasons why this direction has become so famous all over the world. It is practiced in the armies of the United States, Russia, and many other countries around the world.
Why is psychological preparation for action important in tactical Krav-Maga?
It is necessary to prepare the trainee, first of all, for the psychological aspect, for stress resistance in cases of attack with the use of weapons. To do this, many exercises and repetitions are performed using rubber equipment simulating various and very common attacks, until the reaction turns into a defensive instinct. Usually, our brains stop thinking when such an event occurs, and the real battle ends in a matter of seconds. Trainees go through many repetitions to prepare for such attack scenarios. Such training greatly increases the chances of survival. In the Israeli Army and Police, tactical self-defence is a compulsory course for cadets, and different operational units receive such training at completely different levels.
What does the training equipment of the Krav-Maga trainer include?
Following the history of the method, great importance is attached to the formation of functional muscles. On the one hand, it is necessary to work on speed and agility in movement, and on the other hand, to develop muscles to increase strength and power. To succeed in this task: Need to work with small weights, many reps in each set; Also combine with strength training, it is advisable to consult with a trainer so as not to damage the muscle ligaments; It is recommended to work with a wrist expander and rubber for dynamic loading; With heavy training rope; a lot of reps on a heavy and light boxing bag; With a punching bag, etc … It is imperative to practice throwing, choking, blocking, kicking, and punching. Punches and knees on the trainer’s abdomen may only be performed with suitable and safe belly protectors! In the tactical training of Krav-Maga, rubbery equipment is used like a knife, a stick, etc… One needs to use equipment that has passed strict safety tests. When signing up for a club, check if their floor is well protected and if there is a suitable protective pad against falls, throws, etc. In prestigious schools, there is also an Octagon.
Summary on Krav-Maga
We have covered several important practical principles of the Krav-Maga philosophy. We saw that, in this method, they teach to avoid quarrels as much as possible, but, unfortunately, this does not always depend on us, and sometimes we are required to protect our lives or the lives of our relatives. It turned out that Krav-Maga is free, street fighting, with quick and simple techniques using natural body movements. In the classroom, target scenarios are brought to the level of instincts. That is, they teach to neutralize and capture the enemy as quickly as possible. Avoiding injury by acting most quickly and shortly. Much time is devoted to the development of cardiopulmonary endurance. That is, running, lifting weights, and building the muscles necessary for street fighting. We discussed how Krav-Maga differs from other martial arts, and why it is worth combining with other martial arts together.
