The Evolution of Krav Maga.....

Recently I had the opportunity to discuss the current state of Krav Maga with one of the world's best instructors. We were talking about the systems challenges and how these challenges would be met by those who are working tirelessly everyday to push this great system forward.

Krav Maga is still relatively young in North America, especially when you compare its popularity compared to say Tae Kwon Do. The reality is that prior to the 1950's Americans were not exposed to the martial arts. So the entire genre of martial arts is only 60 years old here in the U.S. . Compared to say Japan, China, Indonesia, Africa etc... the history of combat systems is extremely young here in North America.

These are interesting times indeed. Recently there have been many developments in the world of Reality Based Martial Arts, a world which Krav Maga is the premiere system by the way. There have been many instructors and systems which have been exposed as being less than what they have claimed the are.

Are there really "different styles" of Krav Maga? Is Krav Maga a generic term which describes all Israeli martial arts? Does the system have a specific set of techniques which makes it unique to other forms? Is this a principle based or a technique based system? Is there any room for improvement to the system? If so, who is "authorized" to make such a change?

These are just some of the questions surrounding our system. I will answer these questions to the best of my ability, which means that I am giving you my opinion. I know, I know, opinions are like some a certain part of the anatomy..... everyone has one. These opinions are based on conversations that I have had with some of the top practitioners and instructors in the world. Some of these individuals actually trained with Imi. Others have contributed much to the system and are recognized around the world as experts in Krav Maga.

So let's get busy.

1.Are there really "different styles" of Krav Maga?

I don't think that there are different styles of Krav Maga. However I do think that there are different interpretations of Krav Maga. The system has been practiced in an ever changing environment, Israel, for many years. Remember Krav Maga is a military system and each unit in the military has a different area of expertise. So one unity may have need for more expertise in a particular set of tactics in Krav Maga that another unit may not require. The system was created to provide options for the practitioner. So if the techniques can be modified to fit the task what governs the techniques? In other words how is the technique selected for the practioner? What is the criteria?

These to me are the more important issues. I submit that the principles that govern our system are far more important than any particular technique or set of techniques. Principles. Rules. Not Dogma. Principles. In an individuals personal expression of Krav Maga the techniques need only to fit the principle of the users comfort and ability to perform the technique under stress. This is a different thing entirely from inserting a technique into the system simply because an instructor favors that technique and therefore he/she wants the students to know the technique.

So if we are evaluating the merit of a particular Krav Maga organizations techniques then we should use some sort of generally accepted principles in order to properly assess the technique.

1. Is the technique based on natural movements or does it require heavy memorization?
2. Can a smaller person perform the technique against a much larger attacker/
3. Does the technique solve multiple attacks or is it only applicable in a specific situation?
4. Has the technique been tested under stress and pressure?
5. Is there already a technique in the system that can be applied to the situation?


These are just a few of the questions that we should be asking regarding any technique in Krav Maga. If the technique can pass this little quiz then it is more than likely "Krav Maga". Now if in fact the technique has a base or root in another system, that is fine. This means that the technique is probably based in truth because truth is eternal and it is consistent in any form.

There is a difference between the way Krav Maga is presented in the IDF, The IDF spec forces, Civilians and law enforcement here in the U.S. and around the world. Does this mean that the Krav Maga being taught at your school is "watered down"? Truthfully, I don't know. Is it watered down just because your instructor was not an IDF Krav Maga Instructor? Of course not. However to claim that what is taught at the local Krav Maga school is always the same as what is being taught in Israel is not at all accurate.

The instructors overall understanding of Krav Maga is the most important attribute that an instructor should have. There is a difference because most of us as instructors have not had to grow up in Israel, a place where your life is on the line daily. So of course the techniques have been modified to fit our environment. Is this a bad thing? I don't think so. I think this shows the beauty of the system the way Imi intended.



Is Krav Maga a generic term which describes all Israeli martial arts? Yes and No. Yes first. Has anyone ever asked you "what kid of Karate" you take? Well this illustrates my point. If you go to certain parts of the U.S. and order dinner at a restaurant the waitress will come to your table and ask you "what kind of Coke" you want. I have been asked this many times and sometimes my answer is Pepsi. They are using the term Coke to define carbonated beverages generically. So in some circles in Israel "Krav Maga" is used in a similar manner that Karate is used. However Krav Maga is a specific system with specific principles, techniques, tactics and strategy. One cannot just grab a technique from Judo and call it Krav Maga.

So it is sometimes generic when spoken of. However it is very specific when studied and practiced.

Is there any room for improvement to the system? If so, who is "authorized" to make such a change?

The system was created to deal with a myriad of situations so as situations change the system must be able to adapt to them. The Wingate Institute and the IDF will always be viewed as the governing bodies of Krav Maga on an official basis anyways. However there are very talented instructors who have devoted their lives to training and teaching at the highest levels. They have earned the right to look at the system and make it more efficient. Of course the principles that are listed above must be adhered to above all.

In order for this system to continue to be the recognized leader in the Reality Based Systems revolution we have to maintain our principles without becoming rigid. Our principles must serve as a checklist. The curriculum of the different organizations should be evaluated and it should be said here that not all teachers or curriculum are the same. They are not equal. Just as all law schools are not equal.

Lastly,

The evolution of our system can't happen if one organization and therefore one instructor is the only source of Krav Maga. It is not possible. Imi is gone now. His teachings live in all of us. We have to improve what he gave us. We have to search for ourselves and remain humble enough to always be a student. I am blessed. My mentors, peers and friends share this mindset. These men are leading the way in the next evolution of Krav Maga and I have a front row seat. I am glad that I have the blog to give you all the play by play.

Be safe. Train hard.