Literally translated as “close combat” or “contact combat,” Krav Maga is one of the most lethally effective hand-to-hand combat techniques in the world. It was developed by Imi Lichtenfeld, a Czech-born former heavyweight boxing champion trained in self-defense tactics by his father, a police officer. In 1940, facing Nazi persecution, Lichtenfeld was forced to emigrate to what was then Palestine (now Israel). After the formation of an Israeli state in 1948, he was asked to develop self-defense and hand-to-hand combat techniques for the elite units of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The Principles of Krav Maga: Krav Maga is a combat oriented martial art that was later modified to have more civilian self defense aspects. The core principles of Krav Maga are
Avoid injury
- Defend and attack as quickly as possible
- Use the body's natural reflexes
- Take advantage of your opponent's vulnerable points
- Use any tool or weapon at your disposal
Techniques
Krav Maga consists of kicks and punches similar to those used in other martial arts. Also used are elbows, knees, joint locks, throws and some weapon disarm techniques.
The Krav Maga is not an mixed martial art system, rather, it was developed with the perception that the classic martial arts were lacking various elements. The defense needs in the eras that the classic martial arts were developed were different than those of today. New unique techniques for defense against pistols, guns and hand grenades were considered needed, and therefore developed.
Krav Maga has no katas or specific sequences that must be followed. Students use the basic moves in conjunction with any one of a number of other moves to fend off an attack, the key idea being adaptability to new situations through improvisation. Emphasis is put on speed, endurance, strength, accuracy and co-ordination especially for intensive Krav Maga training.
