Krav maga is a combating military style that was first introduced and practiced by the Israeli Self-Defense Force in the 1940s but has become a common self-defense technique for civilians worldwide because of its easy and effective self-defense moves.
Krav Maga is Hebrew for “contact combat,” derived from the seamless and effective combination of different martial art styles and techniques; moves from combat styles like aikido, karate, boxing judo, and wrestling can be seen in Krav Maga moves.
Like learning every other skill, Krav Maga requires you to have a teacher/instructor, someone who is qualified and well versed in the principles and techniques of this martial art style. You could also learn at any training center near you to reduce expenses. If these two options aren’t available like we saw in the eventful year 2020, you can train and practice independently.
This article will examine the benefits of Krav Maga and the basic training techniques involved in Krav Maga.
Benefits of Krav Maga
Krav Maga was created by Hungarian-Israeli martial artist Imi Lichtenfeld, a boxer and wrestler who in the mid-to-late 1930s protected Jewish quarters from fascists organizations in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia.
Due to its effectiveness in real-life situations, he started giving out combat training lessons after his aliyah to Mandatory Palestine. Below are some of the benefits Imi Lichtenfeld and every other martial artist gained from practicing Krav Maga:
Krav Maga Boots Self-confidence:
The sole purpose of Krav Maga is to teach its students how to defend and protect themselves from incoming attacks and that knowledge comes hand-in-hand with an increased level of confidence. Krav Maga students have confessed to standing and walking taller after a combat lesson.
Heightens Your Senses
Training and honing your Krav Maga technique significantly improves one’s senses; you get more in tune with your environment and the events that occur in it. An improved sense of awareness is necessary for this combat style as it alerts you of any possible attack.
Teach Self-discipline
Another benefit of Krav Maga is that it instills discipline in its students. The new growth in the self-discipline of contact combat students stems from the number of training hours mastering this self-defense technique.
Stress Relief
The nature of Krav Maga exercises is very relaxing and calming; although very physical, this combat method’s techniques work towards reducing stress and helping you in stressful situations.
Weight loss
A krav maga training session can go on for hours, which results in the burning of calories, which inherently leads to a significant loss in weight.
Fitness
Krav training targets and improves the cardiovascular system; you might also notice an improvement in flexibility, stamina, and strength after some training weeks. Do not overexert yourself during training; also, be careful as it is easy to get an injury, especially foot injuries during sessions. If you do get a foot injury, the R.I.C.E method will help heal it.
There are nine basic moves you must learn when training in Krav Maga; they include:
Neutral Stance
The first technique taught in Krav Maga is the neutral/passive stance. In this stance, the legs are shoulder-width apart, and the arms are down. Holding this stance does not make it perfect; it is supposed to depict you as an unsuspecting victim.
Fighting Stance
The fighting stance can also be referred to as the guard or protection stance. In this stance, the legs are planted firmly on the ground, with the power leg behind and the other slightly in front. The hands are raised to chin level and position, so the elbows block and protect the ribs.
The guard stance doesn’t necessarily mean that a fighter is ready to attack; it could also imply that he/she is ready to defend against and counterattack.
360 Blocking
Most martial arts have defense techniques respective to their combat style; Krav Maga’s defense technique is the 360 blocking defense concept.
To carry out this defense technique, change your stance into a position that allows sudden and powerful movement, then block the oncoming attack with your forearm.
Punching
Straight punches pack a lot of power; landing punches to the nose, ear, jaw, or neck of your attackers can go a long way in destabilizing him/her. To serve a powerful punch, enter the fighting stance, then punch. Always rotate your front foot and extend your arm when punching horizontally.
Elbow Strikes
Elbow strikes are essential techniques anyone looking to practice Krav Maga must learn. The tip of the ulna and bottom of the humerus is a krav maga martial artist’s greatest weapon; using these two bones, one can strike in different directions with ample power and balance.
Groin Attacks
Going for the groin is always a good idea, especially if your assailant is male; a good kick to the groin can harm or destabilize your attack long enough for you to escape.
You can carry out groin attacks in Krav Maga by slightly leaning backward, pushing the hips upwards, and using the curved part of your foot or knee to kick at the groin.
Front Choke Defense
The front choke is a type of strangulation; always avoid getting caught in it as the front choke is a life-threatening attack. To counterattack this, shoot your arm up and twist your body into a 180-degree angle. As you twist, capture your attacker’s arm and free yourself. You can follow the front choke defense with an attack or defense technique.
Stepping Side Kick
Stepping a sidekick is an evasive technique; it easily helps you avoid attacks from your enemy if he/she is beside you. Carry out this move by rotating your hips and kicking your opponent’s knee or abdomen with your heel.
Palm Strike
Palm strikes share the same movement with that of the punching technique; the only difference is you hit with an open fist instead of clenched ones.
