Why Krav Maga

[RS24]

Hey newbie here and Ive just started looking into this. So here is my question, what makes Krav Maga superior to say boxing or Jiu Jitzu?

[usnavy_233]

In my opinion,
BJJ is a sport. Granted it's a fighting sport, but it's still a sport. Boxing is good for learning how to strike but there's allot more to fighting than just striking. Krav is a no nonsense practical fighting system that has been tried and tested many times over, especially by the Israeli Defense Force. Just my $.02

-Walt

[SunnySD]

OK, this will be a busy thread, there was a good one \"Why Krav Maga\" dated January 13th that covers this point pretty well.

I think it depends on what the person is looking for, I just know that for me I'd been hankering to put the gloves back on after a brief stint of boxing as a teenager.

I'm not interested in sport fighting, but I am interested in having an option if I'm carjacked, held and gunpoint, knife point, rather than just raise your hands and hope for the best. Right or wrong, I don't believe that other systems available to the public address this, and other street situations, as its core philosophy.

Our class has a high attrition rate, maybe 50% in the 1st 2 months, so I would say there are many people who try KM and lean more towards boxing, judo, etc.

However, the LEOs and the military in our class almost all stick with it for much longer, many have been in the class for more than my 2 years. That to me gives it relevance and authenticity. I would ask them more of their opinions but they seem reluctant to discuss their LE jobs.

Of course, the classes are a blast, terrific workout and I like my fellow students.

So, KM isn't for everyone, but I'm sure having a good time so far!!

[RS24]

thanks for the responses. I do love boxing, but Im looking for something to learn the art and skill of all round fighting. I would really like to be able to defend myself if I ever got into a situation where I was outnumbered, or against a weapon. I would also like to find something to keep me in shape as I get older. I was watching some class the other day at the gym and they were doing some sort of skill fighting, but it was a joke. I wanted to laugh at these guys, I am looking for something a little more hardcore, not a gimic class I guess

[Karlhungus]

Are you saying you watched a Krav class at your gym that seemed gimmicky, or was it some other class?

I think that you should give Krav a shot, since most studio's offer a free intro class or 2. It sounds like it is what you are looking for. Don't think that you are learning MMA or anything though. Remember that it is SELF DEFENSE though.

But as for some of the things you listed:

Defend against multiple attackers - check

Defend against knives - check

Something to keep you in shape as you get older -Definately more physically challenging than most traditional martial arts

Something that isn't gimmicky - Depends on the person, but for the most part people recognize Krav Maga as a \"practical\" self defense. Most of the people who criticize it have an agenda. Usually loyalty to another MA.

So, go check it out. See what you think and decide for yourself.

[Andre]

Is there a troll running around here :roll:

[G.V.]

Q: Why krav maga?

A: Why not?

[dkst]

What you didn't see where the hours put into that \"skill fighting\". You have to take things step by step. You have to have a strong foundation in order to move to the more advanced things. Some drills in class look funny, but they have a greater purpose, they are often one part of many.

Krav Maga, is about survival, it is about being able to live other day. You can take other forms of fighting, boxing, Bjj, etc. KM brings it all togher, washes away the pretty stuff, and provides you with a no non-sense self-defense.

Like others have said, take a class or two. I would suggest a level 1 class and a mixed level class (if they offer one). Here is Chicago you can take a Level 1 and then on Fridays they offer an all level class. Bring water.

[KravMDjeff]

I like Krav Maga because no one except the people who have done it know how to pronounce it.

By now, everyone knows how to say \"kung-fu\" or \"tae kwon do\".

But a linguistic challenge is really important when you're learning to defend yourself.

[RS24]

thanks again for all the replies. I think I am going to be able to check it out more next week. Heres a question...is KM more grappling or striking?

[Anonymous]

thanks again for all the replies. I think I am going to be able to check it out more next week. Heres a question...is KM more grappling or striking?

Striking. From what I've been told in class (and witnessed on video) the LAST place you want to be in a street fight is on the ground grappling. If the person attacking you has a knife or friends it could spell your demise. They do, however, teach groundwork, in fact we just did 3 days straight of Ground work this week.

According to the KMWW Curriculum, here is what is required in the way of groundwork for some of the phases:

Yellow Groundwork
A. Movement
B. Kicks on the Ground
C. Getting Up
D. Stripping/Clearing Foot Grab

Orange Groundwork
A. Mounted, Defense v. Punches (buck hips)
B. Mounted, Trap and Roll
C. Choke While Mounted
D. Headlock or Close Choke while Mounted
E. Ground-fighting: Escaped From Guard (Elbows)
F. Ground-fighting: Kick Off From Guard

Green Groundwork
A. Choke from the Side
B. Headlock from the Side (Basic Position)
C. Headlock from the Side (Weight Forward, Leg Wrap)
D. Headlock from the Side (Weight Forward, with Space)
E. Headlock from the Side (Weight Back: Shoulder Pull or Leg Sweep)
F. Headlock from Behind
G. Arm Bar
H. Guard Escape (ankle lock)
I. Guard Escape (stacking)

Blue Groundwork
A. Attacker Straddling, Pinning Wrists
B. Triangle Choke


Just to give you an Idea...

[jarcher]

I like Krav Maga because no one except the people who have done it know how to pronounce it.


This is the down side to taking KM; you have to explain it to everyone you ever mention it to. I now just tell people I have a Karate class and no one ever asks \"what's that?\"

Personally, I find it addicting.

[PhilST]

[/quote]
This is the down side to taking KM; you have to explain it to everyone you ever mention it to. I now just tell people I have a Karate class and no one ever asks \"what's that?\"

Personally, I find it addicting.[/quote]

This is expecially true in the UK, KM is almost completely unknown outside of London. But another thing I notice is if you tell someone you do \"Karate\" or somesuch they dont bat an eyelid, whereas if you tell them you do KM and its an \"israeli military system\", they start to look at you like you're turning psychotic.

Just my scientific observations :wink:

[RS24]

ha thanks again boys. I wont be a newbie for long, looking to start this week

[SexyBaldMan]

ha thanks again boys. I wont be a newbie for long, looking to start this week

ha, you are a noob for the first year.. :P :shock: :D

[Anonymous]

I tell 'em I do Rex Kwon Do...
Now, Bow to your Sensi, BOW TO YOUR SENSI!

[pperkins]

Most fighting stlyles are scenario based. For instance, if two hands are on your neck, then a certain series of moves needs to be executed. To be honest, I think the main difference between BJJ and KM is that BJJ assumes a one-on-one/no weapons fight and KM assumes a one-on-many/weapons allowed fight.

I have taken both BJJ and KM. In a one-on-one fight, I'd personally be surprised if a KM person could beat a BJJ person. BJJ has you focus more on sparring, so I think you get a better sense of how to create combinations of attacks (Wrestlers call it "mat awareness"). KM tends to focus on the execution of one set of moves designed to finish the situation as soon as possible, where BJJ is happy to leave you tied up with someone for 30 minutes if needed. BJJ may be more "sport like", but that doesn't make it less effective as a street tool.

If I were alone in an alley being chased by three guys with knives, then I'd be much happier that I know KM. KM is probably the best training available for someone interested in self-defense, because it makes no assumptions about what might come at you.

If you have the time and cash flow, I would recommend going to Krav twice per week and BJJ twice per week.

[leejam99]

I tell 'em I do Rex Kwon Do...
Now, Bow to your Sensi, BOW TO YOUR SENSI!

hahah!

i think i found my next sig line!

those of you in SO would so get it!