Krav Maga is not a combat sport; it’s a self-defense system designed to protect the user from real-world and life-threatening situations. One of the basic principles of this type of protection is the use of “simultaneous counterattacks.”
What are simultaneous counterattacks?
A counterattack is defined as a responsive attack made toward an enemy or opponent after said enemy has already made an effort to cause harm. In the Krav Maga system taught at Krav Maga Worldwide, one of the basic principles students learn is to defend and counterattack simultaneously….or to use “simultaneous counterattacks”. This is to say, the student at Krav Maga Worldwide is taught not just to defend against a punch, a choke, a headlock, etc...but to be defending against that attack while counterattacking at the same time. The Krav Maga Worldwide student develops the mindset that the quickest way to get safe is to eliminate, or neutralize whoever might be attacking them. This can’t be done simply by using sound defensive technique. Thus Krav Maga doesn’t just teach blocking, redirecting, dodging, or how to get out of a hold...we teach students to do all of those things WHILE counterattacking and fighting back with the intent of completely eliminating or neutralizing the attacker.
Many self-defense programs treat defensive and offensive moves as separate actions. For example, you block with a defensive barrier, and then kick (or hit, punch, etc) when there is an opening. While this approach can work, it’s far more effective to combine offensive and defensive actions into one movement.
For example, if the opponent aims for your neck, you would not simply try to prevent him from attacking. While blocking the attack, the user would simultaneously implement a counterattack to the eyes, groin, throat, or stomach of the opponent.
The Importance of Keeping It Simple
While simultaneous counterattacks are extremely imperative in the use of Krav Maga, it’s important to remember the idea that “less is more.” You don’t need to overcomplicate your attacks. In the real world, self-defense situations are unpredictable so it’s important not to just memorize fight patterns. Rather, just keep it simple and focus on striking targets that will cause immediate damage to the attacker.
Your Journey Begins Now
Want to increase your inner warrior? It all begins with a class. These counterattacks are learned as part of the Krav Maga self-defense system. When you register for a Krav Maga Worldwide class, you’ll learn various blocks and hits so that you can perform simultaneous counterattacks without a moment’s hesitation.
