Skip to Main Content

Everything You Need to Know About Krav Maga

Krav Maga, translating to “contact combat,” is a style of mixed martial arts that was invented by the Israeli military in the 1940s. This style of training has been growing rapidly in popularity over recent years in the United States. Demonstrated in movies such as The Bourne Identity and The Expendables, Krav Maga self-defense techniques inflict maximum damage to an opponent through brutal counter attacks. While this style of fighting uses ruthless attacks, understanding the main principles of Krav Maga can offer many benefits to one’s life.

The Techniques

The core principle of Krav Maga is to avoid confrontation whenever possible. If that isn’t possible, students are encouraged to enter into combat and escape the situation as soon as possible. For this reason, techniques involve aggressive counter attacks to target the opponent’s weakest areas.
 
The techniques involve:
  • Preemptive attacks
  • Neutralizing opponent’s attacks while maintaining maximum effectiveness
  • Attacking vulnerable parts of the body—eyes, neck, face, throat, groin, or solar plexus
  • Maintaining situational awareness to assess all aspects of the situation—finding escape routes or using surrounding objects for defending or offending 

Core Principles

  • Avoid confrontation whenever possible
  • Never use unnecessary force
  • Train properly and avoid injury
  • Act in a humble manner
  • Practice good citizenship 

Benefits

Many students are initially drawn to Krav Maga to build their strength and acquire effective self-defense skills, but once they begin their training, they begin to realize the number of personal benefits involved in their training. The most dramatic benefit of training in this martial art is achieving peak physical shape through aerobic exercise. Students become stronger, more flexible, and faster.
 
Also, like many other physical activities, the training is a great way to release stress and keep endorphins flowing. Improved physical fitness and achieving belts will lead to an improved self-esteem, which can benefit every aspect of life. Unlike many ancient styles of martial arts, Krav Maga was developed in the 20th century. This makes this type of training extremely effective for realistic self-defense in an urban setting.
 
Thankfully, many students are unlikely to ever have to use their Krav Maga training in a real life combat situation. But students remain dedicated to their training because of its principles and positive effects on their lives. Contact New York Martial Arts today to find out how Krav Maga training can benefit you!

Martial Arts Will Improve Your Child’s Life

  Why martial arts will NOT make your child violent or overly aggressive: Here at NY Martial Arts Academy, we teach Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do, a martial art that teaches children discipline, respect, and self-control, which are integral...

Martial Arts Influence in School

  Practicing martial arts at New York Martial Arts Academy has a profound impact on a child’s life in school, extending far beyond self-defense. It fosters discipline, focus, and instills a strong work ethic. The structured training...

Unraveling the Ropes: Boxing vs. Kickboxing

Many of us fall head over heels for combat sports after witnessing iconic movie scenes or hearing tales of legendary fighters like Muhammad Ali and Bruce Lee. Whether it's the punch-packed drama of Rocky or the adrenaline-fueled action of UFC...

Bruce Lee's Influence on MMA

Bruce Lee's influence on mixed martial arts (MMA) cannot be overstated. Despite being known primarily as an iconic martial artist and actor, his philosophy and innovative approach to combat had a significant impact on the development and...

Bruce Lee: A Game-Changer in Martial Arts

Bruce Lee, a legendary martial artist, actor, and philosopher, is widely regarded as the pioneer who revolutionized the world of martial arts. His profound impact on the martial arts community and his ability to bridge the East-West cultural gap...

How Martial Arts Boosts Confidence in Children

​Building confidence in a child’s life is a significant benefit that comes from practicing Martial Arts. Confidence is a very important factor in a child’s life when facing scenarios like bullying. A confident child is never a...

The Best Boxers of Today

By Jessica Militello The boxing world is filled with an immense amount of talented and highly skilled fighters, each with their own individual style and strength. Fans gather from all over the world to watch their favorite fighter—based on...

The Best Female Fighters in the UFC

By Jessica Militello The women's division in the UFC has grown tremendously since women first started fighting in the organization in 2013. Since then, there have been many talented fighters to grace the octagon, from Ronda Rousey to up and...

The Best MMA Documentaries to Watch

By Jessica Militello There’s a lot of great documentaries on interesting and inspiring stories from the world of combat sports and the incredible stories of the fighters who are brave enough to step inside the ring. It’s hard not to...

Francis Ngannou Fighting Technique

By Jessica Militello Francis Ngannou most recently defended the title for the heavyweight championship on February 22 at UFC 270 against the interim champion Ciryl Gane. Ngannou is known for being a knockout artist with punching power equivalent...

Bruce Lee: The Greatest Martial Artist of All Time

Originally posted on 05/29/2020 It is widely accepted by fighters and other people around the world that Bruce Lee was the most influential martial artist of all time. From his famous action movies to his unique martial art of Jeet Kune...

Five of the Biggest Upsets in UFC History

By Jessica Militello Throughout the three decades of the UFC, there have been tons of historical moments and unforgettable upsets that shocked fight fans everywhere. These days, if you ask anyone what their favorites were, you’ll probably...

Sean O’Malley’s best fighting tactics

By Jessica Militello “Suga” Sean O’Malley’s career has been on the rise since he first got on the UFC’s radar back in 2017 on Dana White’s Contender Series. Since then, he’s had an impressive record of...

Looking back on the UFC-then and now

By Jessica Militello The UFC recently marked the 28th anniversary of their first fight card on November 12, 1993. At the time, the promotion had entirely different owners and was a fight to the death with virtually no rules in a quest to see...

How to Fight Like Nick Diaz

By Jessica Militello One of the UFC’s most legendary and respected fighters made a very long-awaited return to the octagon at UFC 266 for a rematch with Robbie Lawler that was 17 years in the making and many couldn’t even believe it...

Boxers Who Fight with Their Strong Side Forward

By Jessica Militello Most fighters that you watch from boxing to MMA adopt a stance that is either orthodox or southpaw. In these combat sports, it has always been a tradition to stand with your less dominant side forward and your lead hand...

How Martial Arts Help Develop Greater Self Discipline

Originally posted on 08/09/2016 While practicing martial arts is an excellent way to improve your physical health and learn self-defense maneuvers, its greatest advantage is arguably in its ability to help finesse self-discipline...

Should the Oblique Stomp be Banned from the UFC?

By Jessica Militello Every once in a while the MMA community revisits the debate of whether or not moves like the oblique stomp should be made illegal in the UFC. The question has been getting attention again lately after viewers watched the...
Page: 1234567 - All