Krav Maga, What is it, How to Practice it and What are its Benefits

Fans of martial arts and self-defense disciplines you will like this article. While it is true that above all, avoid confrontations and fights, in certain cases, it is necessary to use in self-defense, some knowledge to nullify the threat that hangs over us or our loved ones. Krav Maga system emerges as protection against racist repression against Jews in the first third of the twentieth century.

What is Krav Maga?

It is a self-protection system or Personal Defense whose premise is clear: the best defense is a good offense. It is not a martial art but uses various styles of defense. Currently, the Army and the Armed Forces of Israel, listed as the greatest exponent of Krav Maga, adopting as a system of combat.

Origin of Krav Maga

Imi Lichtenfeld, a boxer high recognition, born in 1910 in Hungary and raised in a family of Jewish origin in Bratislava, is known as the founder of Krav Maga, in the middle of 1930. Due to threats to the Jewish population by the Nazis, Lichtenfeld devised a system of self – defense to protect him and his family.

Imi Lichtenfeld, the father of Krav Maga, always fought to protect his people against racist and fascist gangs, who oppressed the Jewish Quarter

Fighting Style Krav Maga

Krav Maga has been influenced by various styles of wrestling, martial arts, and other self-defense systems. In this sense, it is not surprising that we find items, skills, and movements derived from Boxing, Savate (French kickboxing), Muay Thai, Wing Chun, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, Grappling, and Wrestling.

Difference other martial arts

The main distinguishing feature is that Krav Maga uses contrasted techniques for use in real scenarios. Every movement or ability has been evaluated in any environment, from war to the streets, demonstrating its effectiveness.

The most effective system in extreme situations, which can happen at any time or place

Principles

This fighting system has a strong protective character, never to promote or encourage the use of violence or aggression. Thus, the values and principles which governed teach intelligent and socially appropriate methods to prevent or respond to danger, within the limits dictated by law.

Training

The goal of the training is to teach techniques and skills that are totally feasible for use in the real world. Arguably his goal would be ” to survive and escape” therefore much emphasis on simple, natural movements that are quick to learn and test under stress is made. Force as such is not the objective, but rather the speed and reflexes.

Exercises

Krav Maga considers the body as a weapon. A training session of this art can consist of: initial heating (activation of the cardiovascular system), exercises calisthenics (using own body weight) and skills (skills) or defense techniques to stop an attacker: punches, kicks, defense joints (elbow-knee), butting, flight maneuvers, drowning, against knives or fire …

How long is training Krav Maga?

It can range from the hour and a half, depending on the planning of each coach or trainer, and carries a high-intensity character. The frequency of workouts will depend on the involvement of the person and his physical condition, although it is usually recommended at least 3 sessions per week.

Levels of knowledge

There is what is called hierarchy or levels according to the degree of experience and knowledge of the person practicing Krav Maga. Progression is reflected in the belt color: yellow, orange, green, blue, brown and black. From here there Dan. To green technical aspects are evaluated, and thereafter, related to combat.

Combine Krav Maga and CrossFit

CrossFit as training methodology general-purpose, which aims to assess and enhance the physical capabilities with respect to engine control body, increase endurance and muscular strength, power, agility, coordination, balance, flexibility, and speed is the perfect complement to Krav Maga.

For whom it is indicated?

Not only for military or members of special forces, but Krav Maga is designed for anyone: from teachers, nurses, housewives, teenagers or even children seeking knowledge on how to protect themselves.

Benefits

• Learn to fend off a real danger
• Ability to handle high-stress situations
• Stay fit and increase skills such as agility, coordination, flexibility, endurance, and speed.

Where to practice Krav Maga?

Krav Maga can be practiced in any sports center available. Is being increasingly more common to see gyms that include the practice of this discipline since demand is experiencing.