There is a range of scary scenarios that can catch you vulnerable and unprepared — mugging, kidnapping, and rape.
Defending yourself from violent attacks is a critical skill for people of all ages to know. Most attacks achieve tactical success because the opponent is untrained and does not know how to assess their surroundings.
But how can you prepare for assault? What if you are younger, smaller, older, or weaker than your assailant?
Anyone can learn Krav Maga’s brutal but effective approach so that you do not have to be a victim. Krav Maga focuses on results without the rules of fighting fair. This means Krav Maga is not a martial art but a revolutionary self-defense course — no forms, no rituals.
The Paseo Club is a social club based in Santa Clarita. We offer gym facilities, courts for pickleball and tennis, and a junior Olympic pool for swimming and water aerobics. We recently added classes in Krav Maga.
In this article, we will tell you what Krav Maga is, its origins, why it is so effective, and how you can sign up for your first Krav Maga class.
What is Krav Maga?
Brutal offensive techniques and quick counterattacks define the Krav Maga technique. I
t is the ideal self-defense fighting style for unexpected and dangerous situations and the preferred system for law enforcement agencies and U.S. military units.
Krav Maga is based on simple principles and instinctive movements. It teaches methods to use for personal protection in the shortest time possible.
What are the origins of Krav Maga?
Krav Maga’s founder, Imi Lichtenfeld, quickly learned that traditional martial arts would not protect him and his community.
Through years of street fighting, he developed a system that would not only be taught to families but to the Haganah, a paramilitary organization that fought to create the independent state of Israel.
Upon Israel’s founding, Lichtenfeld became the chief instructor for military self-defense. Krav Maga Worldwide began training civilian instructors internationally, reaching Los Angeles in the 1980s.
What other martial arts influence the method of Krav Maga?
Krav Maga can be described as mixed martial arts without rules. The class addresses new attack scenarios each week, ranging from kidnappings to being choked from a mounted position.
What are the key principles of Krav Maga?
There is only one principle: use what works.
This means you must employ three essential steps.
- Address the immediate threat
- Violently counterattack
- Evacuate the dangerous area
Krav Maga teaches ballistic attacks used to neutralize a threat. These combatives are basic: punch, kick, elbow, knee, eye gouge, and ear smash. But along with developing technique, the class builds your speed and aggression.
The curriculum incorporates a variety of drills — some to acclimate you to the sudden shock of being attacked, others designed to simulate the energy depletion in an actual confrontation.
The goal at the end of each day is to feel prepared to handle any self-defense situation.
What are the benefits of learning Krav Maga?
Most Krav students appreciate the class for two reasons: improving fitness and building confidence.
Aside from physical development, students are imbued with mental fortitude and what we refer to as a “survival mindset.” Participants complete class feeling accomplished and empowered to handle an attack.
Who should study Krav Maga?
The Krav program is designed for adults. However, parents frequently bring their teenage children to help them gain experience before going to college.
How can people prepare for their first Krav Maga class?
Though the class is by no means easy, it is designed for people without any prior martial arts experience.
To prepare for class, wear a comfortable set of clothes. Otherwise, all you need to do is show up.
The Paseo Club offers over 60 fitness classes each week. New cutting-edge classes are regularly added to the fitness calendar so members can get the best training programs possible.
The Paseo Club’s Victory Krav Maga program is taught by a Los Angeles-based Krav Maga Worldwide-certified instructor. Classes are offered Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:00-6:45 pm.
To learn more about the Paseo Club, schedule a tour. You can see all of the facilities and meet members and staff.
In the meantime, check out these three articles about fitness.
- What is TRX and Core class at the Paseo Club?
- What is LIFT? (Build your strength and tone your body)
- The Benefits of barre class (Dancing your way to fitness)
Topics:
