Krav Maga
Krav Maga (Hebrew for Contact Combat) is the official close-combat system of the Israeli Defense Forces and is highly favored by the U.S. military and law enforcement. Unlike traditional martial arts, Krav Maga has no katas, rituals, or unnecessary elements. It is built on straightforward principles and natural movements, designed to teach practical self-defense in the shortest time possible. Students will learn to defend against common attacks such as chokes, grabs, and bearhugs, as well as threats involving guns, knives, and sticks. Krav Maga also prepares individuals to stay effective under the stress and shock of sudden, violent encounters. This battle-tested system has proven its effectiveness both in combat and on the streets, consistently making people safer.
Krav Maga focuses on a few core principles:
- Counterattacking immediately, or even striking preemptively.
- Targeting the body’s most vulnerable areas, such as the eyes, jaw, throat, groin, and knees.
- Neutralizing the threat as quickly as possible by delivering continuous counterattacks, and if needed, employing takedowns or joint breaks.
- Staying aware of your surroundings while addressing the threat, to spot escape routes, additional attackers, or objects that could aid in defense or attack.
These principles are executed through a range of aggressive striking techniques, including punches, headbutts, low kicks, elbows, and knees. Krav Maga also incorporates biting, eye-gouging, and the use of improvised weapons to escape danger. The system follows one main rule: “Don’t get hurt!” This is achieved through highly efficient and forceful counterattacks, enabling practitioners to escape from dangerous situations.
Krav Maga students practice these intense counterattacks through drills designed to simulate real-life scenarios. These drills not only prepare students to respond aggressively to attacks but also provide a comprehensive aerobic and anaerobic workout. Krav Maga is one of the few systems that improves physical fitness while simultaneously teaching effective self-defense skills.