The fastest way to Self Defence?

Having taught a handfull of other martial arts over the years I would definatley answer - "Learn  Krav Maga."

I know you are probably thinking ah but he would say that - he teaches it? The question is what do I teach the most important people in my life; My children.  Again - no doubt or reservation: Krav Maga.

I love the martial arts.  I love the power, the beauty, the diversity. I have been involved with them since 1971.  An inconvienent fact is that most wont work for self defence - despite the claims.  Martial Arts and Self Defence are totally different types of training. It’s rather like comparing a driving test to Formula 1. A similar process in theory but....

I hold Black Belts or teaching qualifications in 4 other systems but for self-protection for my kids - I teach them Krav Maga. I don’t say this lightly, I love the martial arts.  My kids don’t. They could learn Kickboxing; wing chun, Jeet Kune Do, Karate or Kapap. But they want something simple that does not take years and will work. Hence Krav Maga.

Krav Maga is unique in this respect and has been proven all over the world as fast to learn, easy to retain and instinctive to apply.  In fact the system of Krav Maga is so well proven its used by over 500 military and Law Enforcement Agencies across the world. What’s more it's the only system anywhere taught for nearly 70 years to the military in a consistent form.

People chose Krav Maga because of its history and reputation. Its used by over 500 Military and Law Enforcement Units for a reason.  When people talk about Krav Maga they mean  Krav Maga. Not Commando Krav Maga, Kapap or any of the recently copycat systems.

Despite their claims none of these systems are used outside of the organisations selling them - avoid them

The founder Imi was literally a genius at developing combat ready troops in a short period of time. 

When we say Krav Maga we mean Krav Maga. Not commando Krav Maga or anything prefaced xxx Krav Maga OR claiming a similar history.

None of these systems are used outside of the organisations selling them.

What makes Krav Maga so fast to learn compared with a traditional Martial Arts Approach?

1. There is no padding

Krav Maga gets straight to the point addressing real situations and real scenarios. Katas, forms or patterns are often created to fill out a syllabus and give trainees training activities or goals to aim for. Krav Maga is different.

If some one grabs you, kick him in the groin or head butt him then breakaway, someone pins you to the ground, bite, gouge, spit, tear, then reverse the position and break away. There is no need to create a form to practice this - its done fast and hard against resisting partners. This is how Krav Maga works.

2. A Street orientated approach

Krav Maga has no Dojo rules. No Mumbo Jumbo so often associated with traditional martial arts. Its straight to the point.

What is the problem - what is the simplest solution? Someone trying to grab you kicks him in the groin and hammer the back of his head. Someone grabbed you or trying to wrestle you - bite him - make space grab the testicles then perform a release - it’s the Krav Maga way.

3.Training under pressure

Simple, proven methods are practised then applied hard and fast against a resisting attacker. Then the process is repeated rapidly to engrain the correct response in a life like situation. The idea is to engrain the techniques under high stress and fatigue until the practitioner can perform the moves without hesitation and thinking. This is what makes this system so effective. This constant practice under simulated real world combat conditions is what sets Krav Maga apart from other traditional martial arts.

4. Training mental toughness

There is no way around it. Krav Maga training is hard. It builds tougher people.  Krav practitioners are fit, physically robust and have a tough, resistant mindset built from hard physical training. There are no Black Belts, grand titles. No short cuts, no bullshit and no secret techniques. Just tough training under pressure. The results are impressive.

5. A combat proven method.

Krav Maga has been in service since 1948. In that time its been taught all over the world to hundreds of police, close protection, security and Law Enforcement personnel.  It’s the most combat proven system in modern history for a reason.  Krav Maga has in fact proved so successful that dozens of organisations claim to be associated with it, have learned elements of it or were some how better than it. In short of its preceded by another word i.e. Commando Krav Maga, it is probably not Krav Maga at all.  Dozens of individuals crop up on copycat systems - the reason people want Krav Maga is the history, the combat proven approach and most important the peace of mind knowing this stuff works.

6. Suitable for a wide range of the population

Anyone can learn Krav Maga, but if you're lacking in physical fitness you're going to find the classes very intense. But you'll learn to be smart, difficult to control and dangerous as an advasary if you are threatened. The common characteristic amongst good Krav Maga practitioners is not youth, speed, size or skill. Its mental attitude - and anyone can build that.

Anyone can learn Krav Maga, but if you're lacking in physical fitness you're going to find the classes very intense. Classes are typically built around a lot of cardio, and they continually drill self-defence techniques over and over again until you just want to quit. It's not uncommon to test your skills against 3 or 4 opponents until you are able to perform the techniques with ease and skill.

So, what is the fastest way to learn Krav Maga?

Depending on budget and time you have 3 options.

1. Regular classes. The cheapest option and a highly effective way to learn to defend yourself whilst improving your fitness.

The downside is that this is the slowest route often taking 3 months or more to build an effective skill set.

I know many individuals claim to teach a proficient system in only weeks. But it’s a claim that’s all. The reason military and Law Enforcement agencies (Well over 500) use Krav Maga is the speed with which people can learn it. Next time you read these claims bear that in mind.

2. Intensive Camps/Courses Krav Maga BootCamps
Probably the best overall option. We run Krav Maga BootCamp - The UK's most successful Krav Maga BootCamp. We consistently teach people with NO EXPERIENCE to defend themselves against realistic street attacks and threats in only 2 days. It’s a tough old process but works - and works very well indeed.

The main advantage of Krav Maga BootCamps over the other 2 training methods is speed. The Boot Camp offers the fastest route to skill development.

This is the approach followed by military and Law Enforcement agencies and is the single most effective method we know of.

Downsides - its a tough 2 or 3 days - may not be convenient and is often requires travel and accommodation.

Interested in attending This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it email us.

3. Private Training.
Private training accelerates learning considerably. The main reason for this is that the whole session is focused around you and immediate coaching feedback will enable you to develop more quickly. Private training is especially beneficial to overcome sticking points or to develop specific skills. In terms of developing overall skill - Private training is the pinnacle of training and will develop you to the highest standard of the 3 methods.

The downsides are cost (around £35 per hour) and it still takes time to develop (unlike a boot camp where maybe you train for 15 or 21 hours in one quick hit)

I hope this helps guys, got a question - ask it here?

Paul

Krav Maga Bristol