Krav Maga is used by Israeli Defense Forces.

Krav Maga, meaning “contact combat” or “close combat” in Hebrew, was founded in the 1930s by Slovakian Imi Lichtenfeld, who initially established the martial art to protect himself in the streets of WWII Germany from anti-Semitic gangs. Lichtenfeld ultimately immigrated to Israel and introduced his self-defense system to the Israeli Defense Forces. Today, this form of combat training has become a popular workout at many gyms worldwide.

Compact Movements
Krav-security.com reports Lichtenfeld’s combat requires short and concise movements. Your hands, knees and elbows should be compacted and securely pressed against your body. Krav Maga demands short movements because they are more economical and cause less fatigue. Short strikes are quicker and more efficient because less distance is covered to hit your intended target. Krav Maga practitioners are known to suffer less stamina issues during an altercation because their energy is expended in a more productive and effective manner.

Straight Punch
Mademan.com lauds the forcefulness of the straight punch. The straight punch is useful because it is a compact movement that can inflict damage on an opponent while keeping you in a guarded defense. Your knuckles should be vertical when delivering the punch. Furthermore, to attain maximum power, lean into the strike while keeping your head in a lowered position for defensive purposes. It is imperative that one of your hands always remains elevated to maintain defense.

Low-Risk Kicks
Krav Maga stresses compressed motions. Hence, kicking is often considered a liability in this type of combat. Still, kicking can be a sound skill when used properly. Krav Maga focuses on low licks that tend to be less risky than more advanced ones. Leg techniques like heel, slap, knee and sweep kicks are deemed relatively safe.

Mentality
Krav Maga urges preemptive attacks to opponents’ most susceptible points like the jaw, eyes, groin, throat and knee. It is vital to always be mindful of your environment. Such consciousness will enable you to fend off other potential attackers and seek nearby objects that could be used as viable weapons. Furthermore, keen awareness during a struggle will allow you to always look for escape routes.

Warning and Disclaimer
A significant amount of practice and training is required to become a competent Krav Maga artist. Beyond physical techniques, fostering a distinct mental attitude is equally critical for this type of combat. You should never attempt these techniques without proper preparation.

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