Darren Levine - Krav Maga for Beginners

Do I have to control the attacker’s hand?

While it’s not a must to control the hand, it will serve to prevent or delay secondary attacks, and it aids in keeping the attacker close for follow-up counters.

If I don’t continue the plucking motion to the groin, what else can I do?

This is not really much of a problem; simply transition immediately to elbows to the face, continuing to strike as you turn.

Does it matter which side I move to when making the initial defense?

From a technique standpoint, it makes no difference. However, there may be some tactical considerations that dictate moving one way or another (e.g., obstructions to one side, carrying of weapons, injuries, etc.).

Training Tips:When turning to engage the attacker, it’s essential to continue striking while maintaining your footing.

In order to engage while reducing the chance of tripping on the attacker’s foot, your inside foot should make a “C” on the floor as you turn, maneuvering around the attacker’s foot and putting you in a fighting stance.

ATTACK→ This attack happens to the defender’s live side, and the attacker places both hands on the throat while pushing backward. The defender should train from a neutral position and should be pushed slightly off balance. The attacker should simulate a realistic attack, building in intensity as familiarity with the defense increases.

Safety in training note: Do not “punch” the hands into the defender’s throat when training. Apply the choke, then the push, to minimize the risk of injury.

IMMEDIATE DANGER→ Thumbs on throat, balance. The primary danger in this attack is the potential of the thumbs crushing the windpipe, as well as being pushed off balance.

SECONDARY DANGERS→ Immediate environment. Depending on the actual intent of the attack, the defender may be pushed into a wall, car, or other obstruction, further complicating the defense and increasing the danger. If the defense is performed early enough, this danger should be mitigated or removed altogether.

SOLUTION→ Rotational Defense ( note : the defense can be made to either side, but for demonstrative purposes, sides have been designated)

The natural reaction to this attack is for the arms to go up and for the defender to step back. Both of these motions are instinctual reactions designed to maintain balance, but the technique only requires one arm.

1As you step back with your left foot, stab your right arm straight up in the air, with the biceps and shoulder as close to your right ear as possible.

2Turn sharply to the left, creating pressure on the attacker’s wrist and relieving pres sure on your throat.

3Drop your right elbow straight down for a downward vertical strike (elbow #7) in order to clear the hands, and trap the arms using your left hand.

INITIAL COUNTERATTACK→ Sideways Elbow Strike (Elbow #2) (page 79). While not simultaneous to the defense, this elbow should immediately follow the clearing and trapping motions. Be sure to tuck your chin while delivering the elbow, and shift your weight into the counter.

NEUTRALIZING THE ATTACKER→ After the initial counterstrike, the defender should continue to strike with elbows and hammerfists to the head, while turning to face the attacker. Regardless of the combatives used, students must focus on rendering the attacker unwilling or unable to continue the assault.

• when training, lean back to simulate being off balance

• arm stabs straight up to defend at the wrist

• turn sharply after stepping and stabbing

• put weight into initial counter from the side

• aggressive, follow-up combatives

• disengage when deemed safe

This defense feels really strong. Can I do it if there is no push?

Yes, this defense is very strong, and it will certainly work against a “static” choke. Krav Maga teaches the plucking defense first, since it’s more instinctual and generally takes less time to learn.

Can I defend to either side?

You should train both sides after you have developed some familiarity with the defense. The defense works whether you step with the right foot and stab with the left or vice versa.

Training Tips:Allow the “attacker” to put you off balance before making the initial step. This will help to simulate a surprise attack, and you may even start with your eyes closed to force you to defend “late.”

Remember, the sharp turn makes the defense, not the elbow. It’s very important to stab the arm straight up and turn your body explosively. The technique does not rely on strength, but leverage.

ATTACK→ This attack happens to the defender’s dead side, and the attacker places both hands on the throat and neck while pushing forward. The defender should train from a neutral position and should be pushed slightly off balance. The attacker should simulate a realistic attack, building in intensity as familiarity with the defense increases.

Safety in training note: Do not “punch” the hands into the defender’s neck when training. Apply the choke, then the push, to minimize the risk of injury.

IMMEDIATE DANGER→ Neck, throat, balance. The primary dangers in this attack are the potential of a whiplash effect to the neck, the fingers crushing the windpipe, and being pushed off balance.

SECONDARY DANGERS→ Immediate environment. Depending on the actual intent of the attack, the defender may be pushed into a wall, car, or other obstruction, further complicating the defense and increasing the danger. If the defense is performed early enough, this danger should be mitigated or removed altogether.

SOLUTION→ Rotational Defense ( note : the defense can be made to either side, but for demonstrative purposes, sides have been designated)

The natural reaction to this attack is for the arms to go out and for the defender to step. Both of these motions are instinctual reactions designed to maintain balance, but the technique only requires one arm.

1As you step forward with your right foot, stab your left arm straight forward, with the biceps and shoulder as close to the left ear as possible. Turn sharply to the left, creating pressure on the attacker’s wrist and relieving pressure on your throat and neck. This turn should be greater than 90° in order to face the attacker.

2Continue to turn, stepping back with your left foot, establishing a strong base. Drop your left elbow down to clear and trap the attacker’s hands.

INITIAL COUNTERATTACK→ Punch (page 71). While not simultaneous to the defense, this punch should immediately follow the clearing and trapping motions. In keeping with the description above, this would be a right punch to the attacker’s face.