Krav Maga has a distinct set of concepts and training methodologies. Krav Maga's principles evolved from decades of front-line exposure to high-intensity violence and aggression. There are technical and tactical principles when it comes to defending yourself, or others, as well as principles that are directed to our way of life in combat.
Neutralise your threat
Immediately neutralizing your threat is the primary objective of Krav Maga. All other Krav Maga principles are ruled by this overarching purpose. Since Krav Maga's goal is to overwhelm and incapacitate your opponent as soon as possible, almost anything goes. When your life is on the line, fighting etiquette is irrelevant. When it comes to preserving your life, you do whatever it takes.
Understand your surroundings
Having situational awareness and a solid understanding of how street confrontations work can help you stay safe by identifying potential threats before they become actual attacks. It is for this reason that Krav Maga instructors emphasise scanning and evaluating threats before, during, and after violent encounters. While dealing with the threat, you need to be aware of your surroundings so that you can locate escape routes, spot further attackers, and take advantage of weapons of opportunity.
Focus on the body’s most vulnerable spots
It is never advisable to try and match the strength of an aggressor. Focus instead on body weaknesses such as eyes, throats, faces, groins, etc. and not on strongholds such as muscles. Eye gouging, groin strikes, and throat strikes are some of the most common counterattacks.
Avoid confrontation or finish the fight as quickly as possible
The safest alternative is to avoid violence, but if that is not possible, you must neutralise the threat as soon as possible. Then disengage and flee. This overriding purpose governs all other Krav Maga principles.
The longer combat lasts, the more likely you are to get injured, so it is critical to counter-attack as soon as possible (or even attack pre-emptively) in order to quickly turn the tables, disengage, and return home uninjured.
Our Adult & Teen self-defence classes are taught to the highest standard of the Krav Maga Global (KMG) syllabus. Book a trial class at a choice of locations to see what happens at a Krav Maga group class.