Krav Maga or self defense for that Matter should be a principle-based approach. While techniques are certainly important they can fail under stress leaving the raw principles of the style. Understanding both Krav Maga and general Self Defense principles is one of the most important aspects for new and developing students. Without these guidelines to fall back on the learning process can be more difficult and defending your self will be even harder if and when a technique fails.
These articles can also act as a study guide for UTKM students.
Below are links to breakdowns of various topics in Krav Maga and Self Defense. Click on the link to access the topic.
General Self Defense Principles
These are ideas and concepts that should be universal to any good reality, principle-based self defense system no matter the style.
- Critical Thinking
- Use of Force
- Action Vs Reaction
- Fight, Flight, Freeze
- The Stages of Self Defense
- Mental Awareness Colour Code
- Base, Posture, Structure
- Create Space
- The Body: Weapons and Ranges
- The Body: Vulnerable points
- The Body: Circulatory System
- Training and muscle memory
Krav Maga Principles
These are Krav Maga specific Ideas or concepts that were either put in place at its foundation or added later as it was developed.
- Situational Awareness -Assess, Assess, Assess
- Keep your hands up
- Simultaneous Defend & Attack
- Cause pain, Off balance, Disrupt
- Retzef
- The Safety of Assumption
- Avoid The Ground
- Keep it Simple
- Gross motor movement over fine motor movement
- Hard on Soft, Soft on Hard
- Avoid the Injury
- Attack Types
- Attack Patterns
- When in doubt: Head or Groin
- Learn to walk in peace
These are principles or concepts we have learned through Krav Maga and have integrated them into our teachings while still sticking to all the above principles or concepts.
Basic Weapons Self-Defense Principles
Basic & Novice Krav Maga Strategies
*This page is subject to change please check in quarterly to see for updates.