Israeli self-defence method focused on personal protection, responding to threats and escaping dangerous situations.
Krav Maga is a self-defence method developed to respond to threats and assaults. Depending on the school, training may include strikes, releases from holds, controls, stress drills and defensive scenarios.
Modern Krav Maga is associated with Imi Lichtenfeld, a boxer and wrestler from Bratislava who adapted his fighting experience to protecting people against antisemitic violence in the 1930s. He later helped teach close combat in Israel.
The primary aim is to protect oneself and escape danger. Methods differ between organisations, making it important to understand the school, instructor and exact training environment.
Krav Maga may appeal to people mainly seeking self-defence and ways to manage threatening situations rather than a competitive combat sport.
Israel Defense Forces — historical overview and Krav Maga methods
