Defenses and Self-Defense

Krav Maga defines “self-defense” in simple terms: The attacker has committed himself to an attack while you are unprepared, forcing you to respond to an immediate threat from a position of disadvantage.

While such defenses as 360° Defense and Inside Defense could be put into the self-defense category when used as reflex reactions against a surprise punch, in general, the self-defense category covers defenses against chokes, bearhugs, headlocks, and other holds. In more advanced phases of training, self-defense will include responses to knife and stick attacks as well as threats with a handgun.

Several main criteria should be used to examine and understand any defense technique in Krav Maga. The technique should:

• Be based on natural instincts/reactions.

• Be simple and usable by people of different strengths and body sizes.

• Work from a position of disadvantage or poor state of readiness.

• Address the immediate danger.

• Include a simultaneous (or nearly simultaneous) counterattack to neutralize further attacks.

• Be comprehensive enough to cover a wide variety of scenarios.

Soft Techniques

At times, a less-damaging technique may be the appropriate response to a situation. Examples of such situations include one person simply trying to delay another; a drunken but otherwise harmless acquaintance at a party; and a person holding onto a wrist and unaware of the defender’s urgent need to move away.

For these instances, “soft” techniques are designed to remove the defender from any potential danger without harming the other party. These techniques are to be used only if you feel no real threat. If you feel you are in danger, “harder” techniques (especially combatives) should be used.

Wrist releases work off of one basic principle: Move the blade of the wrist through the weakest part of the hold. In other words, take the thinnest angle of the arm out at the point where the other party’s thumb meets the fingers.

Groundfighting

Krav Maga assumes that, even if the attacker does not try to take you down, you may slip and find yourself down while the attacker is up. This section introduces basic groundfighting positioning and movement. Among the techniques are three basic kicks from the ground: front kick, round kick, and side kick.

Co-author Darren Levine demonstrates an elbow strike.

Fundamentals Neutral or Passive Stance

The neutral, or passive, stance is your natural, unprepared position. It is extremely useful for all aspects of training, considering that, on the street, you will most likely need to perform combatives and self-defense techniques without any preparation. Be sure to train from this position at least part of the time when working on combatives, and at all times when practicing self-defense techniques.

The Stance: Stand with your feet about hip-width apart (or less), with your arms hanging to the sides.

Fighting Stance

Tips: If your feet are too narrow, you’ll be unstable. If they’re too wide, you’ll open yourself up for a groin kick.

Take this stance when preparing for a confrontation. The description below assumes you are right- handed; if you’re left-handed, 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.