In this article we take a look at why Krav Maga has become such a popular and effective form of self defence. So let’s discuss. How effective is Krav Maga for Self Defence?
What is Krav Maga?
Krav Maga is a real life, self defence system developed by Imi Lichtenfeld. Krav is one of the most effective forms of self defence. It was initially developed for Jewish people in Bratislava and later for the Israeli Defence Forces.
Imi Lichtenfeld adopted elements from boxing, wrestling and street fighting. He then combined them with techniques from Karate and Judo. In creating the system of Krav Mga Lichtenfeld adapted everything for simple, fast and effective real life application. The first complete system of Krav Maga self defence was born.
The History of Krav Maga
Imi Lichtenfeld developed Krav Maga in 1930s Bratislava, which was then Czechoslovakia. He went on to develop Krav Maga further over many decades, eventually bringing it into the public domain. At its core he developed Krav Maga as a means of self defence that anyone could learn and use.
In Bratislava, Lichtenfeld first started training local leaders of Jewish youth organisations. His initial goal was to create a system of self defence and fighting which would be taught in all schools throughout Bratislava.
Lichtenfeld later went on to teach Krav Maga in Warsaw, Poland after developing it further. However, he had to stop teaching the techniques when the Nazis invaded Poland.
Lichtenfeld then moved to Israel where he took interest in training the Israeli soldiers how to defend themselves using Krav Maga close combat techniques.
He became Head Instructor for Physical Fitness at the Wingate Institute, where he trained fitness instructors. The trained instructors then went out into the countryside and began teaching what they had learnt from him, Krav Maga.
In time, everyone in Israel was practicing Krav Maga including school children!
How Effective is Krav Maga for Self Defence?
Krav Maga teaches students how to defend themselves against all types of attack through partner work, simulation and stress testing of real life self defence situations.
It teaches students how to recognise threatening behaviour and to act decisively before the escalation to physical violence. Krav Maga also teaches students to defend and counter completely unexpected threats and physical attacks with and without armed assailants.
An important aspect of Krav Maga training as a self defence system is that it gives students the tools to overcome opponents in completely “unfair” situations quickly and decisively; a larger or stronger opponent, multiple opponents, opponents with weapons and unexpected attacks.
Why Is Krav Maga Extremely Effective?
Krav Maga is widely considered to be one of the best self defence systems in the world today. It is taught to military, policing, personal protection and civilians students all over the world. Krav Maga for self defence is very effective for a number of key reasons:
- Students begin learning a complete set of physical self defence skills for specific self defence situations from their very first class.
- It was designed, at its core, as a modern self defence system that anyone can learn and apply effectively in a relatively short time.
- Krav Maga techniques are highly practical and based on the application of instinctive movements and natural reactions making then fast and effective in stressful situations.
- Krav Maga trains students both physically and mentally so that they can be effective under real pressure.
- It helps students build vital confidence through their learning and skills.
- Krav Maga gives students a strong foundation in understanding both the predatory mindset and the mindset of spontaneous threat so that they can see and deal with threatening situations much earlier than an untrained person. We will discuss this very interesting subject further in a future blog.
Krav Maga is Effective and Versatile
There are many different techniques taught in a typical Krav Maga class. For example, the system teaches defences against choke-holds, headlocks, bear hugs, jumper grabs, weapon threats and hair grabs to name a few.
Krav Maga techniques can be applied when out on the street in a real-life threat or attack self defence situation. One of the core principles of Krav Maga teaching is that everything we do must be not only be simple and fast but also adaptable so that anyone can be an effective Kravist – regardless of age, gender, size, weight and even physical ability.
The Main Aim of Krav Maga
The main aim of Krav Maga is to enable students to defend themselves in close combat, ‘real life’ situations within a year rather than years.
However many aspects of Krav Maga training empower students to recognise threat and threat patterns early. This enables them to avoid becoming targets of an attack in the first place. Krav Maga practitioners often say, “We train in Krav Maga so we’ll never need to use Krav Maga”.
OK, Krav Maga is Effective but is Krav Maga Training Safe?
Training in a professional Krav Maga environment allows students to practice self defence in a safe environment. There they gain confidence and learn how to protect themselves from all types of attack.
However, Krav Maga training can only be both effective and safe if it is learned in an environment with highly qualified and experienced instructors.
An incorrect execution of a Krav Maga technique without correct safety protocols can seriously injure your assailant or you. This is why it’s important that you learn this system from experts like the instructors at Eitan Krav Maga. We specialise in teaching authentic Israeli Krav Maga training together with experience for real life combat situations.
Finally, it’s vital to train with expert instructors as the effectiveness of Krav Maga also brings responsibility for those who learn how to use is. Understanding, the law, moral and ethical considerations is important. Understanding the effect of each technique on an opponent is vital. Both are essential knowledge in the Krav Maga learning process.
Krav Maga for Self Defence: How Can I Start to Learn Krav Maga?
Hopefully in this article we’ve covered everything you need to know about how effective Krav mage is for self defence.
Head over to the EITAN Krav Maga website to book your introductory class for a reduced cost.
We have an introductory offer so that you’re not breaking the bank and you can join us for a fully immersive class. This way, you’ll learn actual life, self defence skills to take away with you and you will discover whether Krav Maga is definitely for you. We warn you though, it’s addictive; we almost guarantee that if you come to a taster session, you’ll sign up for more!
Thank you for your interest in Krav Maga. For more information and booking your first immersive class go to our website at eitankravmaga.com.