History

KRAV MAGA

From the outset, the original concept of Krav Maga was to take the most effective and practical techniques of other fighting styles (originally: European boxing, wrestling, and street fighting) and to make them rapidly teachable to military conscripts. Krav Maga’s philosophy emphasizes aggression, and simultaneous defensive and offensive maneuvers. It has been used by the Israel Defense Forces’ special forces units, security forces and regular infantry units.

Closely related variations have been developed and adopted by Israeli law enforcement and intelligence organizations. There are several organizations teaching variations of Krav Maga internationally. In addition, there are two types of this martial art: one type is used in the Israeli security forces and the other type is in civilian use.

The Traditional Krav Maga (TKM) organization was established by Erez Sharabi and his senior students, in order to preserve the principles and spirit of Krav Maga training passed on the by the founder, Imi Lichtenfeld (Sde-Or) and his distinctive student Eli Avikzar. The founders of the organization are currently instructors for Krav Maga and experienced in both civilian and defense fields. The founder’s deep familiarity with the Krav Maga technique inspired them to create a new establishment while preserving Krav Maga’s principles. TKM will strive to develop, enhance and improve the method based on the principles of Krav Maga and the spirit of its founders. Within the organization there are dozens of black belt members certified with both the Wingate Institute and the Israeli Defense Forces.

The Krav Maga method is made up of two main parts:

• Self Defense – This part includes structured exercises to protect against threats, attacks, sharp objects attacks, live weapons, bear hugs, chokes, kicks and punches etc. The exercises relate to a wide range of scenarios such as: standing, on the ground, sitting, while in a vehicle, hostages, and attacks on a third party.

Generally the exercise is over as soon as the threat no longer exists. This can happen by either counter attack, neutralizing controlling your opponent or by getting away from the scene. The self-defense exercises are based on simple, natural and basic movement which allows effective execution by anybody.

• Face to Face Combat – This part is made up of punches, kicks, and defending in motion. The goal of this section is to prepare the student for a conflict from both the physical and mental aspects. Face to face combat is more complex and can last relatively longer than self-defense. Violent conflict usually starts when an effort to execute a self-defense exercise develops into a fight.

The Principles of Krav Maga:

• Be modest – Try to avoid conflict as much as you can. Control your mental state, so that it will not affect you during a threat or conflict. Be prepared to accept criticism and guidance.
• Act to the best of your ability but act smartly – Your physical and mental condition will determine your capability to confront your attacker. You need to maximize your ability and surroundings in order to fight your attacker in the best way possible.
• The simple way is the shortest and fastest way – Strive for simplicity and effectiveness.
• Minimum movement against maximum force – Use minimum movement and energy in order to protect yourself. At the same time you must strive to respond to multiple threats with minimum movement.
• Don’t get hurt, but if you do, continue fighting – You need to reach a high self-defense level in order to avoid getting hurt. If you do get injured, then continue fighting even under the new circumstances.

Achieve proficiency to avoid harming the attacker beyond necessity – Strive for self-control and be considerate to other people even during dangerous conflicts. Use your knowledge as needed with common sense.