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Krav Maga and the Human Reaction to stress

by British Krav Maga Association Instructor - Mark Edwards

Welcome to the first part of this important topic, enjoy. In order to survive a physical encounter it is important to understand how our bodies react when under stress, by understanding this we can better prepare for conflict.

The human body has evolved a survival stress reaction to fear, which equates to ‘Fight – Flight or Freeze.’

A natural human instinct and one felt by both the practitioner and his attacker.

Fight
• Stand and physically confront the situation.

Flight
• Escape / run away.

Fight then Flight
• Physically confront the situation in order to initiate an escape.

Freeze

• A lack of direct action in the main is due to poor/ unrealistic training and other contributory factors:

1. Poor self-confidence / self-belief / determination.
2. Indecision / lack of personal initiative.
3. Denial.
4. Poor understanding of the Human Stress Reaction.
5. Disorientation from fatigue, surprise or shock.

Fortunately these can be overcome by realistic and effective Krav Maga training which we will now discuss.

Human Stress Responce Effects

Close range (within 1m) sight loss - underlines the importance of:

a. Clearing space between the defender and the attacker.
b. Nullifying the opponent.
c. All round observation.
d. Applying principles - not situation specific techniques.
e. Achieve combative completeness.
f. Develop mental and physical robustness through demanding training, drills and sparring.

Tunnel vision – focused on opponent equals loss of situational awareness.

Hearing impaired – underlines the importance of verbal instructions that are:

a. Authorative
b. Simple
c. Loud (includes for the benefit of witnesses)
d. Repeated

Memory loss – underlines the importance of body language and verbal instructions that are:

a. Simple
b. Loud (includes for benefit of witnesses)
c. Repeated

Concentration impaired – leads to poor (Conflict Resolution) decision making.

Dry mouth

Involuntary shaking – with increased muscle action / tension and energy production

Churning stomach – as available blood is diverted to muscles.

Pallor – as available blood is diverted to muscles.

Increased sweating – to aid heat loss.

Voice change – control breathing enabling the ability to remain authorative.

HSR EXPERIENCED BY BOTH DEFENDER AND ATTACKER.

The combination of understanding the body’ s natural reaction to stress, the decision making sequence and realistic training enables a Krav Maga practitioner to resolve each unique situation quickly using a reasonable level of force. Its also important to note that these reactions will be felt by both defender and attacker, so the person who best understands these and trains hard enough to simulate them is likely to be better prepared for any conflict situation.

INOCULATION EFFECT

An inoculation works by introducing an inert form of a disease so that the body can build up immunity to that disease when exposed at full strength.

Realistic close combat training develops immunity to real life street encounters preparing the practitioner both mentally and physically.

Until next time stay safe.

Mark Edwards

About the Author

Mark Edwards a former Warrant Officer in the Royal Marines has enjoyed a highly successful and distinguished military career spanning twenty four years.

During this time he saw extensive operational service operating in high risk environments including Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mark first became involved in martial arts when he joined the Royal Marines undertaking the rigorous unarmed combat syllabus during commando training. Four years ago Mark discovered Krav Maga and was instantly hooked and has trained extensively to become a qualified instructor this year.

Alongside his military career Mark has gained extensive experience in the private security industry as a fully licensed and Home Office approved Close Protection Officer and has provided personal security to several sports celebrities as well as providing specialist security services to a number of victims of stalking and harassment.

Mark a former Royal Marines Chief Instructor is a seasoned trainer qualifying at the highest level as a military instructor and mentor. During his career he was involved in training potential Commandos, NCOs’ and Young Officers at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines.

It was as a senior instructor that Mark became interested in personal development and peak human performance and migrated to teaching in the adult further education sector gaining a Certificate In Education with Plymouth University.

To book Private or Class training please contact Mark Via the Book Now page