Defenses and Self-Defense

Whenever possible, Krav Maga prefers to defend kicks with the legs. However, in certain instances it may be necessary to make hand defenses instead. This section describes both leg and hand defenses against low kicks. It also touches on several common self-defense scenarios.

Choke Defense against a Wall

These defenses are directly related to Choke with a Push (page 66). However, some points of emphasis are important enough to warrant a separate lesson. Basic knowledge of this type of choke must include the understanding that you may be driven both back into the wall and upward.

Headlock from Behind

Headlocks from behind represent the most dangerous and immediate threats. All training should consider this danger and the need to respond as quickly as possible. The bar-arm version of the headlock presents a more immediate attack, quickly crushing the windpipe. However, it is moderately easier to defend. The carotid choke takes slightly longer before it is effective, but is more difficult to deal with.

Although we present two headlock defenses, a quick review will reveal that they are essentially the same defense. The only real differences are: a) you have to reach farther back against the carotid choke, and b) the bar arm requires you to pluck down along your chest, whereas the carotid choke requires you to pluck along your shoulder. This plucking angle happens almost automatically.

A Note on Training from a Disadvantage : Although Krav Maga principles always emphasize training from a disadvantage, you should never let anyone get you into a strong headlock (especially the carotid choke) and then try to make the defense. Always respond as early as possible!

Bearhugs

Bearhugs represent a common type of attack, especially (but not exclusively) against women. You should be aware of the following: Assuming you are surprised, if the attacker’s intention is to take you to the ground, you are going to the ground, and you fight from there. None of these techniques (in fact, no technique) will work if you are totally surprised by a “dumping” motion. That’s where groundfighting comes in.

These techniques assume that either there is some delay in the dumping technique (caused by you or the attacker’s method) or that his intention is to hold you, or take you somewhere, rather than put you on the ground immediately.

Bearhugs are a part of many dangerous scenarios, including being carried into a secluded area or being dumped on the ground. However, while all these situations are problematic, there is no immediate danger presented by the bearhug itself. Unlike chokes, bearhugs themselves do not cause immediate damage. This is important because with no immediate danger to address, Krav Maga’s response is to counterattack immediately. If there is even minimal space to operate, Krav Maga simply counterattacks. If the attacker is hugging you close enough to limit even short knees and foot stomps, you must create at least minimal space to operate.

All these techniques will begin with a “space and base” reaction; shift your hips back, body slightly forward, feet in a fighting stance, and center of gravity low.

Falls

The fight is unpredictable, and you may end up on the ground for a variety of reasons (slipping, being swept, or tripping over obstacles, for example). It is important to learn how to fall safely.