Krav-Maga is an Israeli Martial art that was developed as a tactical system to teach the various aspects of preventing and overcoming violence and attacks in any form. The Krav-Maga training deals with various styles and forms of self-defense, use of combat skills, and for attacking and subduing the attacker. The founder of this Martial art is Imi Lichtenfeld. The best part of the Krav-Maga Martial art system is that it is easy to learn and incorporates a horizontal system with a logical approach. It can be learnt, retained and performed by anyone under any condition.

Basic principles

In Krav Maga, there are no hard-and-fast rules, and no distinction in training for men and women. It is not a sport, and there are no specific uniforms, attire or competitions, although some organizations recognise progress through training with rank badges and different levels. All the techniques focus on maximum efficiency in real-life conditions. Krav Maga generally assumes that the individual attacking will give no quarter; therefore, as a response the attacks and defenses are intended only for use in potentially lethal threat situations with the aim to neutralize and escape as rapidly and safely as possible. Crippling attacks to vulnerable body parts, including groin and eye strikes, headbutts, and other efficient and potentially brutal attacks, improvised use of any objects available, and maximizing personal safety in a fight, are emphasized. However, it must be stressed that instructors can and do demonstrate how to moderate the techniques to fit the circumstances. While no limits are placed on techniques to be used in life-threatening situations, the legal need to inflict the appropriate minimal damage in other circumstances is recognized and stressed.

The guiding principles for those performing Krav Maga techniques are as follows:

    * Do not get hurt
    * Quickly neutralize the attacker
    * Quickly transition from defensive to offensive techniques
    * Exploit the natural reflexes of the body
    * Exploit all vulnerable points on the body
    * Use any available objects as aids

These premises were developed in the context of life-threatening situations. Krav Maga Instructors constantly stress the need to match the response to the danger or risk.

In general, Krav Maga requires the user to deal first with the immediate threat, prevent further attacks, and then neutralize the attacker. Actions are carried out in a methodical manner. Krav Maga emphasizes preventing further attack from the attacker. As such, some circumstances may require action in anticipation of being attacked, in order to avoid the development of dangerous situations.