Page 11 - Complete Krav maga : the ultimate guide to over 250 self-defense and combative techniques

What Is Krav Maga?

Krav Maga (pronounced KRAHV muh-GAH, which means “contact combat” in
Hebrew) is a simple, aggressive, easy-to-learn and easy-to-remember system of

self-defense. Krav Maga training focuses on principles rather than techniques
because no two attacks are ever the same. No two people are the same. And, in
fact, the same person confronted with a certain threat will react differently one
day compared to another day.

The essence of Krav Maga can be understood by defining some of these
principles. Among the principles that make up the Krav Maga system are the

following:

• Techniques should be movements based on natural instincts.

• Techniques must address the immediate danger.

• Techniques must defend and counterattack simultaneously.

• One defense must work against a variety of attacks.

• The system should be integrated so that movements learned in one area of
the system complement, rather than contradict, movements in another area.

• Techniques must be accessible to the average person, not just athletes.

• Techniques must work from a position of disadvantage.

• Training must include the stress experienced in real attacks.

These principles guide our training and our assessment of techniques. When we
find a weakness in a technique, or when a variation is considered, we ask
questions based on these guidelines. For instance, if an instructor suggests a
change in a technique, we don’t test it with our best athletes, we go to some of

our least-athletic students and see if they can perform the new technique
(principle: techniques must be accessible to the average person).

When judging a defensive technique, we measure its effectiveness by how well
it works if we are late (principle: techniques must work from a position of
disadvantage). If the technique only works when we are early or prepared, then