Darren Levine - Krav Maga for Beginners

Fighting Stance.The fighting stance in Krav Maga is used when preparing for a confrontation or after the initial attack and defense. The following description assumes a right-handed student. Left-handed students will simply substitute “right” for “left.”

The Stance: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and take a comfortable step forward with your left foot. Keep your weight on the balls (not the heels) of your feet. The toes of both feet should generally point forward, but the forward foot may turn slightly inward for better balance.

Keeping your hands relaxed (not in fists), hold them up about chin height and a comfortable distance away from your face. Make sure your elbows are in and fairly close to your body, and your shoulders are relatively squared (not turned sideways) to an opponent. Keeping a constantly tight fist tightens up the muscles of the forearm and slows down reaction time. Tighten your fist as you send a punch; otherwise, keep your fingers more relaxed.

Groundfighting Position.When training on the ground, it’s imperative to protect your head and tailbone from the ground, while keeping your feet between you and your attacker. There are various valid positions or “stances” while on the ground, but the back position is preferred at beginner levels. For more information on basic groundfighting, see pages 157-85.

Krav Maga refers to techniques that are designed to cause damage and end conflicts as combatives. These techniques are most often categorized as punches, knees, kicks, elbows, headbutts, and the like, although any strike, grab, bite, or other personal weapon is classified as a combative. Combatives are like tools in a tool box. While a few certain tools are more often used, it’s best to have others available just in case the need arises.

As stated, the primary goal of combatives is to interrupt the on-going attack. Krav Maga emphasizes the use of multiple combatives in order to overwhelm the assailant. This approach causes a shift in the predator vs. prey mentality, rendering the attacker unwilling or unable to continue the fight, even if just momentarily to facilitate escape. The ability to generate enough power in combatives is made possible through the use and understanding of physics. Proper technique in training allows the transfer of force from the defender to the attacker, turning the defender from “victim to victor.”

Combatives are categorized according to ranges. In order to be successful in a fight or self-defense situation, it’s important to be versed in all ranges. While some ranges could be broken down into sub-ranges, this book will describe four primary categories.

Long Range.Combatives in this range are typically kicks, which are not only the longest weapon but also the strongest. The opportunity to use combatives in this range often indicates the recognition of a threat early in the conflict or in the finishing or escaping stage of the conflict.

Intermediate Range.This range is normally characterized as “punching range,” although this is slightly misleading since other combatives are utilized in this range and some punches are not. Intermediate combatives, such as straight punches, palm heel strikes, hammerfists, and eye strikes, are most effective when the arm is able to reach full extension.

Close Range.Most attacks and threats occur in this range, where an attacker can intimidate, choke, bearhug, headlock, or otherwise grab the defender. Combatives in this range include hook and uppercut punches, elbows, knees, headbutts, and stomps. Other effective combatives in this range may include hair grabs, bites, and gouges, although these weapons are typically more prevalent in groundfighting.

Groundfighting Range.Combatives in this range are essentially the same as those in close range, although the setting, posture, and leverage are different. It’s important to note that Krav Maga makes a distinction between groundfighting and grappling, in that the goals of each are different. While groundfighting certainly incorporates techniques from grappling, it’s designed to get the defender up and away as soon as possible. Aggressive combatives, coupled with a basic understanding of positions, is the most efficient way to accomplish this goal.

In Krav Maga, students are encouraged to strike vulnerable areas of the attacker’s body. This allows smaller defenders to use inherent human weaknesses to render attackers unable or unwilling to continue fighting or, at the very least, facilitate escape.

While there are many vulnerable targets on the body, Krav Maga basic training tends to emphasize the groin, eyes, throat, liver, chin/jaw, and knees. Additional viable targets include kidneys, instep, solar plexus, ears, fingers, and other joints. The diagram below illustrates the location of these preferred targets.

Straight punches may be performed with either the lead hand or the rear hand. Although the word “jab” sometimes creeps into our vocabulary, we try not to use it. A “jab” in boxing is, by design, a weaker punch that is used to score points or set up a stronger cross. On the street you’re not fighting for points. We want your forward-hand punch (for most of us, that’s the left) to be as strong as possible. To ensure this, make sure your fighting stance is squared up to the opponent. That is, your shoulders and hips are facing almost totally forward. Of course, your left side will be a little bit in front because of your stance and thus your forward punch won’t be quite as strong as your rear punch, but you should still work to put as much power into that forward hand as possible.

In order to punch with maximum power (especially when throwing a punch from the rear hand), it’s important to use your core and legs to drive the motion. Think of it like throwing a ball as far as possible: engage your hips and legs, and then your arm, in order to generate power. Punching effectively is similar. To engage your rear leg, pivot that back foot. It helps to imagine squashing a bug or putting out a cigarette. When punching, it’s also important to think in terms of punching through the target, not to it.