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Most Commonly Asked Questions about Krav Maga

What is Krav Maga™?

Krav Maga™ is the official self defense and fighting system used by the Israeli Defense Forces (I.D.F.), Israeli Police and Security Services, and numerous U.S. law enforcement agencies. Developed and refined during years of conflict, Krav Maga™ emphasizes easy-to-learn techniques that have been battle-tested in real, life threatening confrontations.

Self defense is the foundation of Krav Maga™. Students learn to defend themselves against hostile actions, to avoid injury, and to quickly overcome their assailant. Krav Maga™ defenses address a wide variety of aggressive acts, such as punches, kicks, chokes, bearhugs, headlocks, grabs, as well as defenses against multiple assailants and assailants armed with a firearm, edged weapon, or blunt object. Hand to hand combat constitutes a more advanced and sophisticated phase of Krav Maga™ which teaches how to neutralize an opponent quickly and effectively.

Krav Maga™ is a modern method characterized by a coherent and logical way of thinking which builds up easy, natural, and practical techniques featuring simple movements of the human body. Krav Maga™ training simulates real life situations. It teaches people how to save lives and to cope with common street violence. Where Did Krav Maga™ come from?

Krav Maga™ was developed in the 1940's by Imi Lichtenfeld, who carefully refined the system during his career as Chief Instructor of Hand to Hand Combat for the Israeli Defense Forces. Faced with the task of preparing a wide variety of soldiers – from physically fit high school graduates to out-of-shape forty year olds – Imi developed a comprehensive system that relied on simple, instinctive moves rather than rigid techniques requiring years of training.

How is Krav Maga™ diffrent from other Martial Arts?

Krav Maga™ is not a traditional martial art. Although there are some similarities between Krav Maga™ and other martial arts.

he Krav Maga™ system was created with great importance placed on bringing students to a high level of skill in a relatively short period of time. It is considered to be a modern, highly refined, street fighting system, designed to be utilized against muggings, street attacks, and sexual assaults.

Special Characteristics are:

• Students are instructed in state-of-the-art defensive principles that apply to a variety of threatening attacks that occur during commonly documented street crimes.
• Students train from a position of disadvantage in real time and real speed.
• Defensive maneuvers are combined with simultaneous counterattacks until all potential danger is eliminated.
• Unique training methods are employed to simulate violent street encounters. This is necessary to place students under extreme stress while performing Krav Maga™ techniques. Students learn to go from a passive to an aggressive state quickly.

Krav Maga™ also teaches students to function with their attention divided; while fatigued; and when they are faced with a multitude of spontaneous attack scenarios.

Do I have to have experience in Martial Arts to participate in Krav Maga™?

NO. For many people, Krav Maga™ is their first experience practicing any form of Martial arts. Students come to Krav Maga™ training from a variety of fitness and sports backgrounds. Some have no previous training at all.

How long will it take me to learn?

The learning curve varies by student. The basics can be learned in a few classes although proficiency depends on regular repetition and training. Mastering the more sophisticated techniques takes longer.