Krav Maga is a self-defense system which was developed by Imi Lichtenfeld, a Jew who grew up in Hungary during the Second World War. Lichtenfeld began to develop the system to defend himself and others against Nazist groups during the war. He escaped Hungary after the Nazis occupied the country and moved to Palestine. After the establishment of the state of Israel, he instructed Krav Maga to the Israeli Defense Forces. Krav Maga is now taught as self-defense method around the world. This page is a guide on how to learn Krav Maga.
Krav Maga is a self-defense system which was developed by Imi Lichtenfeld, a Jew who grew up in Hungary during the Second World War. Lichtenfeld began to develop the system to defend himself and others against Nazist groups during the war. He escaped Hungary after the Nazis occupied the country and moved to Palestine. After the establishment of the state of Israel, he instructed Krav Maga to the Israeli Defense Forces. Krav Maga is now taught as self-defense method around the world. This page is a guide on how to learn Krav Maga.
Introduction
- Krav Maga is a self-defense method which focuses on surviving an attack by using defense and offensive manouvres. The founder of Krav Maga, Imi Lichtenfeld, taught it to the Israeli Defense Forces. The teaching of Krav Maga is different from the teaching of many other types of self-defense because it's not seen as a sport, has no official federation and has no set and uniform rules. Instead, the teaching focuses on the self-defense aspect and protecting yourself from real-life scenarios.
Step 1: The Fundamentals of Krav Maga
- Although Krav Maga does not have set and specific regulations, there are some common characteristics in the way it is taught.
- Krav Maga teaches students to prevent, overcome and escape violence and attacks.
- It is not only a self-defense system, but also focuses on protecting others.
- Mental control is part of the teaching.
- While there are no specific restrictions on techniques when using Krav Maga in real life, Krav Maga practitioners are not supposed to use more violence than necessary.
- The incorporation of nearby objects as weapons is stressed.
- Awareness of one's surroundings is taught as one step to preventing attacks.
Step 2: The Teaching of Krav Maga
- Krav Maga has developed since it was founded and several different versions have emerged.
- No belts are worn during training, but there are international recognized standards for belts.
- While there are no set restrictions on how much and what type of violence to use in real-life Krav Maga, there are naturally specific restrictions during practice/training.
Step 3: Where to Learn it
- There are many places that teach Krav Maga. A good place to start looking for a class is through international Krav Maga organizations.
- The organization Krav Maga Worldwide teaches Krav Maga to law enforcement officials, government officials, military and civilians.
- Another respected organization is the International Krav Maga Federation.
Conclusion
To learn Krav Maga, familiarize yourself with the history and fundamental teachings of Krav Maga first. Understand the difference between Krav Maga practice and Krav Maga in real life. Locate a class and start learning.
