​KRAV MAGA TECHNIQUES

Alongside techniques developed by Lichtenfeld, Krav Maga integrates techniques from traditional Eastern European streetfighting, military combat, Kung-Fu, Karate, Boxing, Muay Thai, Judo, Aikido, Western Wrestling and Ju-Jitsu. While ancient martial arts already developed ways to reach all the angles of the human body with kicks and hand strikes, Krav Maga Kicks and Hand strikes are unique in their teaching methods and actual execution that calls for most efficiency and effectiveness in their respective need for execution.

Arm techniques
    Punches are highly emphasized in Krav Maga as basic strikes which are useful in almost any situation. Training in boxing is highly prized in Krav Maga (Lichtenfeld was himself a boxer at national-level). Among the punches taught are the straight punch, palm heel strike, low punch, hammerfist, hook, uppercut, chop, overhand, as well as a variety of elbow strikes.

Leg techniques
    While Krav Maga does use kicks, it focuses on efficient, low-risk kicks. The main focus is on low kicks. More advanced and risky kicks are taught at high levels, but use of them is discouraged. They are primarily taught so that practitioners are able to recognize them in case they are facing an opponent with a background in kick-heavy martial arts. Leg techniques that are taught include the front kick, round kick, side kick, back kick, heel kick, slap kicks, axe kicks, various knee strikes, and sweeping.

Head strikes
    Krav Maga uses all of the tools available, including the head.

Defense techniques
    Krav Maga practitioners are taught to go from defending to attacking as quickly as possible, and most blocking techniques are designed to facilitate this. They learn how to defend against both kicks and punches, as well as learning how to defend against attacks from any angle.

Throws and takedowns
    Throws are not covered much in Krav Maga, because the system stresses staying off of the ground. Some techniques that are taught include the wristlock, one and two leg takedowns, the hip throw, and the one arm shoulder throw.

Groundfighting
    While Krav Maga stresses staying off the ground at all costs, it accepts that you may eventually have no choice but to fight there. Students are taught the best positions while on the ground, how to throw certain kicks while on the ground, arm bars, triangle choke, and guillotine. They are also taught to defend against punches while mounted, chokes, headlocks, and what to do if their wrists are pinned.

Gun, knife and stick defenses
    Krav Maga details many ways to remove and defend yourself against many common weapon threats. These techniques include defences against guns, knives, and blunt striking weapons, such as sticks. The use of these techniques vary: each possible scenario requires its own set of actions.