Page 40 - Complete Krav maga : the ultimate guide to over 250 self-defense and combative techniques

(with the pinky side outermost, toward your opponent). The fist is the head of

the hammer, and the forearm is the handle. Good targets for hammerfist punches
include the nose, throat, temple, and side of jaw.

Elbow strikes are used when your opponent is very close. Practice elbows in
relation to punches by studying the distance continuum: punches are for medium
to long range, elbows are for close range. Practice elbow strikes in seven
directions, as detailed in this section. Practice solo, facing a mirror. Practice

pivoting to strike in any direction.

Kicks give greater reach and are generally more powerful than punches because
they are both longer and stronger. Kicks are also sneakier and add more weapons
to your arsenal. Krav Maga emphasizes low kicks because they are much more
practical for the street. Later in the system we add high kicks to improve our

athletic ability, but we always prefer low kicks to the groin or legs. Our motto is:
“If you want to kick him in the head, kick him in the groin first; when he falls
down, then you can kick him in the head!”

Once you’re comfortable with the basic combatives, you should start practicing
combinations at various levels and using various strikes. Kick/punch
combinations also introduce the idea of a distance continuum. It’s important to

develop a sense of the most appropriate attack for any given range as that
distance changes (in other words, as you move in or out).

Defenses and Self-Defense

Krav Maga defines “self-defense” in simple terms: The attacker has committed
himself to an attack while you are unprepared, forcing you to respond to an

immediate threat from a position of disadvantage.

While such defenses as 360° Defense and Inside Defense could be put into the
self-defense category when used as reflex reactions against a surprise punch, in
general, the self-defense category covers defenses against chokes, bearhugs,
headlocks, and other holds. In more advanced phases of training, self-defense

will include responses to knife and stick attacks as well as threats with a
handgun.

Several main criteria should be used to examine and understand any defense
technique in Krav Maga. The technique should: