If you are interested in Krav Maga but not sure whether to get a professional training in it, these answers to Frequently Asked Questions about this self defense system would help you make up your mind. Read on.

Krav Maga as a close combat system, is quite different from other martial arts. While martial arts like karate have spiritual and sporting elements, Krav Maga has nothing as such. It is a pure self defense system created to defend yourselves in real time situations. These basic questions and answers about Krav Maga would help you develop a basic understanding about the system.

Q. How did Krav Maga come into being?

Krav Maga was derived from street-fighting skills where you instinctively try to defend yourselves from the attackers by any means possible. The goal of this fighting technique is to respond to an attack with overwhelming force in the quickest time possible.

Q. Who founded Krav Maga?

Imi Lichtenfeld, an Israeli citizen, is credited as the founder of this self defense technique. The term means “close combat” in Hebrew and was developed in the 1930s by Imi Lichtenfeld.

Q. What are the basic principles of Krav Maga?

General principles of Krav Maga include counter attacking as soon as possible or attacking preemptively, targeting most vulnerable parts of the body, trying to neutralize the opponents as quickly as possible, using available objects as weapons and maintaining awareness of the surroundings to deal with any possible threat.

Q. How does Krav Maga differ from other close combat systems?

Krav Maga differs from other close fighting systems such as Karate in that it has no real rules, no competitions and no sporting applications. It is just and just for self defense.

Q. What about basic training?

Basic Krav Maga training is a mixed aerobic and anaerobic workout. Protective pads and other personal protection equipment are usually used during initial training. Practical scenarios are used to train personnel for situations encountered in real world situations.

Q. What are the four arms of Krav Maga defense system?

Krav Maga self defense system has four arms: Civilian, Military, Law Enforcement and VIP Protection.

Q. What is the objective of civilian Krav Maga training?

The training is designed to prepare civilians to defend themselves in any type of street confrontation. The technique prepares practitioners to defend against bare handed opponents as well as armed assailants wielding edged, impact or firearms. Multiple opponent strategies and tactics are also taught. In short, the civilian training focuses on street-proven self-defense techniques.

Q. How can Krav Maga fighters strike with such force during a close combat?

During close combat, punches and strikes are usually short because of the short distance between fighters. Force is generated by using the full body mass in motion behind all punches and strikes.

Q. Is background in other martial arts useful?

Of course. If you know other martial arts, you would definitely learn Krav Maga faster.

Q. Can trainees get hurt while training?

Professional training is imparted under the eye of watchful instructors and the trainees are allowed to dress in protective wear. However, chances of an injury is always there, as in other martial arts.

Designed for street fighting, Krav Maga techniques are highly effective in taking out an opponent quickly. Apart from the real fighting, the system also helps the trainees to gain self confidence and fitness.