Krav Maga: The Art Of Israeli Combat

Krav Maga: The Art of Israeli Combat  

By Grandmaster Avi “The Hammer” Cohen  

Alright, listen up, future street-smart warrior. You’ve just cracked open the door to the most brutally honest, no-nonsense, no-flip-kicks-allowed fighting system on the planet: Krav Maga. And I’m not just some guy who watched a YouTube tutorial and now calls himself a “self-defense expert.” I’ve trained Israeli commandos, bodyguards for world leaders, and even that one celebrity who shall remain nameless (let’s just say he sings about being lonely and has a pet tiger). I’ve been punched, kicked, choked, and thrown more times than I’ve had hot meals—probably because I *am* the hot meal in most sparring sessions.

So, if you’re ready to learn how to defend yourself like a real human being (not a movie hero who does backflips off refrigerators), then strap in. We’re diving deep into Krav Maga—the art of survival, the science of getting home safely, and the only martial art where the goal is to stop fighting as fast as possible. Because in real life, the best fight is the one you don’t have. But if you *do* have one? You finish it. Fast. Clean. And preferably before your dinner gets cold.

Let’s get to work.

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What the Heck Is Krav Maga?

First things first: Krav Maga is not a sport. It’s not about trophies, belts, or looking cool in slow motion. It’s about surviving a real-world threat—whether that’s a punch in a bar, a knife at an ATM, or a guy trying to yank you into a van while yelling “You’re coming with me!” (Spoiler: That’s a no from me, pal.)

Krav Maga, which literally means “contact combat” in Hebrew, was developed in the 1940s by Imi Lichtenfeld, a Slovakian-Israeli guy who was basically a real-life action hero. He combined boxing, wrestling, street fighting, and a dash of common sense to create a system for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). No fancy rituals. No katas. No bowing to a tree. Just pure, unfiltered effectiveness.

And that’s the philosophy: Simplicity, aggression, and efficiency. If it works, we use it. If it looks cool but doesn’t stop a threat, we toss it like last week’s hummus.

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The Core Principles: Your Survival GPS

Before we get into the how-to’s, you need to understand the five golden rules of Krav Maga. Think of them as your mental seatbelt. Buckle up.

1. **Neutralize the Threat Fast**  

   Your only job is to stop the danger. Not to show off your spinning elbow. Not to win a style points contest. You’re not auditioning for a dance-off. You’re trying to survive. So, target the eyes, throat, groin, knees—anything that shuts down the attacker fast.

2. **Simultaneous Defense and Attack**  

   In Krav Maga, we don’t believe in “block then punch.” That’s like saying, “Excuse me, sir, while I politely defend myself before I retaliate.” Nope. We block and strike at the same time. Defense and offense are like peanut butter and jelly—better together.

3. **Aggression is Your Best Friend**  

   Hesitation gets you hurt. In Krav Maga, we go from zero to “holy crap, what just happened?” in 0.5 seconds. You don’t wait for permission. You don’t ask nicely. You explode with controlled aggression. Think of it like a startled cat that suddenly turns into a Tasmanian devil.

4. **Use Natural Movements**  

   We don’t teach you to kick like a crane or spin like a top. We use movements your body already knows—like pushing, pulling, stomping, and punching. If it feels awkward in training, it’ll feel impossible under stress. So we keep it natural.

5. **Always Be Aware (Situational Awareness)**  

   The best defense is not being there. Avoid bad situations. Scan your surroundings. Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Your spidey sense isn’t just for comic book nerds.

Got it? Good. Now let’s get physical.

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The Foundation: Stance and Movement

You can’t fight if you’re wobbling like a drunk flamingo. So first, we build a solid base.

Your Krav Maga stance is not about looking cool. It’s about being ready to explode in any direction. Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, weight balanced. One foot slightly forward (doesn’t matter which—unless you’re left-handed, then lead with your left). Hands up, elbows in, like you’re guarding your face from a surprise popcorn explosion.

This isn’t a boxing stance. It’s a *survival* stance. You’re not here to spar. You’re here to survive.

Now, movement. In Krav Maga, we don’t dance around. We move with purpose. Step, strike, finish. We use small, efficient steps—like a ninja who’s late for dinner. No big, flashy moves. Just quick, direct motion.

And always, *always* keep your eyes on the threat. Don’t look down at your feet. Don’t check your phone. (Seriously, if you’re reading this during a fight, you’ve already lost.)

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The Weapons: Your Body, Upgraded

You don’t need a sword or a gun. You’ve got five natural weapons built right in. Let’s meet them.

1. **The Forward Elbow**  

   This is your go-to close-range weapon. Imagine someone gets in your face—literally. You don’t have room to punch. So you drive your elbow straight into their nose. It’s like a piston. Fast, brutal, and very effective at making people regret their life choices.

   Technique: Rotate your hips, snap your elbow forward, aim for the bridge of the nose. Follow through like you’re trying to punch through their skull. Then disengage. No victory dance. Just move.

2. **The Straight Punch (Palm Strike Alternative)**  

   In Krav Maga, we actually prefer palm strikes over closed-fist punches—especially for beginners. Why? Because punching with a closed fist can break your hand. And a broken hand is not helpful when you need to open a door, grab a weapon, or eat a sandwich.

   Palm strike: Keep your hand open, fingers up, strike with the base of your palm. Aim for the nose or chin. It’s like giving someone a really aggressive high-five.

   If you *must* punch, keep your wrist straight, knuckles aligned, and don’t overextend. And for the love of all that is holy, don’t yell “Hi-yah!” unless you want to get laughed at in prison.

3. **The Groin Strike (Front Kick)**  

   The groin is nature’s off switch. Whether male or female, it’s a sensitive zone. A solid kick there will make anyone double over, cry, or question their life decisions.

   Technique: Chamber your knee (like you’re stepping over a puddle), then snap your foot forward. Aim high—right into the pelvis. Use the ball of your foot. And yes, it counts if they’re wearing jeans. Jeans don’t make you invincible.

4. **The Eye Strike (Finger Jab)**  

   This one’s simple: poke the eyes. Not a tap. A *jab*. Like you’re trying to turn their eyeballs into scrambled eggs.

   Use your fingers (preferably not your pinky—too fragile). Aim for the soft tissue. One solid jab can blind, disorient, and create the opening you need to escape.

   Pro tip: If you’re really committed, go for the throat right after. But don’t be surprised if they start crying. We’re not monsters—we’re just effective.

5. **The Headbutt**  

   Yes, you read that right. Headbutts are real. And in Krav Maga, they’re legal. Especially in close quarters.

   Technique: Lower your head slightly, tuck your chin, and drive your forehead into the attacker’s nose or jaw. Think of it like a goat with a grudge.

   Warning: Do *not* headbutt someone wearing a helmet. Or concrete. Or another goat. You’ll lose that fight.

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Defending Against Common Attacks

Now, let’s get into the real stuff. The stuff that keeps you alive when things go sideways.

**1. Defending Against a Front Choke (Standing)**

Scenario: Someone grabs you by the throat from the front. You can’t breathe. You’re panicking. Bad news.

Good news: We’ve got a move.

Step 1: **Simultaneous Defense and Attack**  

   As soon as hands touch your throat, explode. Don’t freeze. Don’t negotiate. Explode.

   Drive both hands up along their arms (like climbing a ladder), breaking their grip. At the same time, deliver a palm strike to the nose.

Step 2: **Follow-Up**  

   Once they’re stunned, go for the eyes or groin. Then disengage. Run. Scream. Call 911. Do *not* stick around for a rematch.

Remember: The goal isn’t to “win” the fight. It’s to survive and escape.

**2. Defending Against a Bear Hug (From Behind)**

Scenario: Big guy, strong arms, crushing you like a vending machine snack.

Step 1: **Stomp the Foot**  

   Yes, stomp. Hard. On the top of their foot. With your heel. Like you’re squashing a bug.

   This causes pain, makes them loosen their grip, and gives you space.

Step 2: **Elbow Back**  

   Drive your elbow into their ribs or solar plexus. Rotate your body, generate power from the hips.

Step 3: **Turn and Counter**  

   Once free, turn, strike the groin or face, and escape.

Bonus: If they’re holding you too tight, bite. I’m not joking. Krav Maga doesn’t care about etiquette. Survival does not require manners.

**3. Defending Against a Punch**

Scenario: Someone swings at your face. Classic.

Step 1: **Defend with a Blocking Motion**  

   Use your forearm to deflect the punch. But don’t just block—*redirect* it. Push it past your head.

   At the same time, counter with a palm strike to the nose.

Step 2: **Follow with Groin Strike**  

   Step in, deliver a knee or front kick to the groin.

Step 3: **Escape**  

   Don’t wait for them to recover. Move. Get to safety.

**4. Defending Against a Knife Attack (Front)**

This is serious. Knives are fast, silent, and deadly. But Krav Maga has a response.

Step 1: **Angle Off the Line of Attack**  

   Don’t stand there like a target. Move at a 45-degree angle to the outside. This takes you off the direct path of the blade.

Step 2: **Deflect and Control**  

   Use both hands to slap the attacker’s arm *down and across* your body. This disrupts their aim and buys you time.

Step 3: **Counterattack Immediately**  

   Once you’ve deflected, go for the eyes, throat, or groin. Then escape.

Important: If you can’t escape, you may need to control the weapon hand and strike until the threat is neutralized. But again—your goal is to get away, not to become a YouTube hero.

**5. Ground Defense (When You’re on the Bottom)**

Being on the ground is bad. Very bad. In Krav Maga, we avoid it at all costs. But if you’re there?

Step 1: **Protect Your Head**  

   Tuck your chin. Cover your face with your arms. Don’t let them punch freely.

Step 2: **Create Space**  

   Use your elbows, knees, and feet to push them away. Kick to the groin if possible.

Step 3: **Get Up**  

   The second you can, shrimp out, bridge, and stand. Do not stay down. The ground is not your friend.

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Weapons? We’ve Got Those Too

Krav Maga isn’t just about bare hands. We train with everyday objects because in real life, you don’t carry nunchucks in your pocket.

**Pen or Key Defense**  

   Hold a pen or key between your fingers and use it to strike the eyes or throat. It’s like turning your office supplies into a weapon.

**Towel or Belt as a Whip**  

   A belt or towel can be used to distract or strike. Wrap it around your hand, snap it at the face. Not lethal, but it buys time.

**Flashlight as a Striking Tool**  

   A heavy flashlight? Perfect for striking the temple or ribs. Plus, it helps you see in the dark. Two birds, one stone.

The rule: Use what’s available. Be creative. Be ruthless. Be safe.

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Mental Toughness: The Real Weapon

Here’s the truth: 80% of survival is mental.

You can know every technique, but if you freeze when the moment comes, you’re done.

So we train under stress. We simulate real attacks. We yell. We push. We make it messy.

Why? Because panic kills. Training under pressure builds confidence.

And confidence isn’t about being fearless. It’s about acting *despite* fear.

In Krav Maga, we call it “the switch.” One second, you’re calm. The next, you flip the switch and become a focused, aggressive defender.

Then, when it’s over, you flip it back. No lingering. No revenge. Just survival.

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Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Even the best students mess up. Here are the top five blunders:

1. **Freezing Up**  

   Fear is natural. But freezing? Deadly. Train until your body reacts automatically.

2. **Over-Committing**  

   Don’t go for ten strikes when one would do. Once the threat is neutralized, *escape*. Don’t turn into a vigilante.

3. **Ignoring the Environment**  

   Are you near a wall? A car? A fire hydrant? Use it. Or avoid it. Be aware.

4. **Fighting Fair**  

   Krav Maga doesn’t believe in fair fights. We believe in *effective* fights. Go for the eyes. Kick the groin. Bite if you have to. This isn’t a boxing match.

5. **Neglecting Awareness**  

   Most attacks happen because the victim didn’t see it coming. Stay alert. Trust your instincts. If a guy in a trench coat is following you while whispering poetry, *leave*.

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Training Tips for Beginners

You don’t need to be a soldier or a gym rat to learn Krav Maga. But you do need consistency.

1. **Start Slow**  

   Learn the basics. Master the stance, the strikes, the defenses. Speed comes later.

2. **Train with a Partner**  

   You can’t learn self-defense alone. Find a class, a friend, or a very patient family member.

3. **Practice Under Stress**  

   Do drills with loud noises, distractions, or time limits. Real fights aren’t calm.

4. **Stay Fit**  

   You don’t need to be Arnold Schwarzenegger. But basic fitness helps. Cardio, strength, flexibility.

5. **Think Like a Defender, Not a Fighter**  

   Your goal isn’t to dominate. It’s to survive. Keep that mindset.

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The Humor in Survival

Now, let’s lighten the mood.

Yes, Krav Maga is deadly serious. But that doesn’t mean we can’t laugh.

I once had a student who tried to do a headbutt… and missed. Hit the wall instead. Spent the next week with a bandage and a story he still won’t live down.

Another guy tried to palm strike a training dummy and sprained his wrist because he forgot to keep his hand flat. We now call him “Popsicle Hand.”

And don’t get me started on the guy who tried to use a banana as a weapon. (Spoiler: It did *not* go well.)

The point? We’re human. We make mistakes. But we learn. And we laugh. Because if you can’t laugh after getting thrown on your back for the tenth time, you’ll never survive the real thing.

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Final Thoughts: Be Smart, Be Safe, Be Ready

Krav Maga isn’t about becoming a one-man army. It’s about being smart, being aware, and being prepared.

You don’t need to walk around like a paranoid ninja. But you *should* know how to protect yourself.

Because the world isn’t always kind. And sometimes, the only thing standing between you and danger is what you’ve trained.

So train hard. Stay humble. And remember: the best Krav Maga move is walking away from a fight you didn’t start.

But if you *can’t* walk away?

Then make it fast. Make it brutal. And make sure you’re the one walking home.

Now go practice. And for the love of all that is holy—don’t try the headbutt on your little brother. Mom will be mad.

Stay safe. Shouts out to

Grandmaster Avi “The Hammer” Cohen  

Krav Maga Institute of Survival. You taught me sooo, so much and without you I would not be as deadly as I really am. Those years at the institute were the best years of my life. This is Andrew Burgess, signing off. I'll have fresh content for y'all soon.