Krav Maga self-defense system was developed specifically to bring people with little to no hand-to-hand fighting skills, to a high level of proficiency in self-defense and fighting skills, in a very short period of time. The system was created by a man named Imi Lichtenfeld in the 1940’s. Imi grew up training in stand-up fighting, ground fighting, and grappling long before these combined elements were recognized as being the basis for Mixed Martial Arts. In a way, he was ahead of his time and he transferred all of that experience and knowledge into the Krav Maga fighting system.
There’s a big difference between Krav Maga self-defense and traditional martial arts. While there is a Krav Maga belt system and various Krav Maga belt levels that students progress through, there are not ceremonial elements like katas, performances, and traditional uniforms. It can also be said that Krav Maga is not necessarily a “martial art”. Krav Maga training is a principal based system that anyone can learn. It is objective as opposed to subjective.
Students who train Krav Maga at Atlanta Krav Maga are taught a principle based system that can be applied at all levels. Progressing through the Krav Maga belt system means training in increasingly complex situations and, accordingly, learning more complex techniques. However the principles of the system do not change and are not based on one particular “master” teacher’s interpretation or impression.
The other major difference between the Krav Maga self-defense system and other martial arts in that Krav Maga students learn to fight without rules. Thare “no holds barred.” Krav Maga self-defense teaches students to target vulnerable areas on an opponent or attacker. That means using techniques like groin strikes, eye gouges, and strikes to the back of the head, which are considered illegal in a sanctioned sport fight.
When you learn Krav Maga and learn to fight at Atlanta Krav Maga & Fitness, the focus is on survival. The focus is on staying safe. Sometimes that means deescalating a situation or avoiding a situation. This type of thinking and consistent focus in training leads students to developing what’s known as “situational awareness”. The ability to recognize where dangers might be and, ultimately, avoid them.
The mission of Atlanta Krav Maga is to empower every person with real skills to be safer and stronger. It’s not about preparing for a competition. Now, there’s no doubt that people training in combat sport related martial arts will be developing fighting skills and learning to fight. In fact, much of the same striking and grappling that Krav Maga teaches, can be found in other marital arts. What’s significant is that the consistent focus on survival based training, the idea that you are training to “Fight back. Win. Go home safe.” helps students develop a mindset and a skillset that is different than that of one focused on competitions.