Welcome to the world of Krav Maga, the official self-defense and fighting system of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Developed for real-world situations, Krav Maga is renowned for its efficiency, simplicity, and brutal effectiveness. It’s not a traditional martial art, but a tactical system focused on practical self-defense. At Fusion Combat Training Center, we believe that understanding the core terminology is the first step on your journey to becoming a confident and capable defender. This guide will introduce you to the essential concepts and techniques you’ll encounter in your Krav Maga training. Ready to begin your Krav Maga journey? Find the perfect training path at Fusion Combat Training Center!

A beginner Krav Maga student practices a low straight punch during a training session.

The Philosophy Behind the System

Before we dive into the vocabulary, it’s crucial to grasp the mindset of Krav Maga. The system was created by Imi Lichtenfeld, a Hungarian-born Israeli martial artist, wrestler, and boxer. He developed it to help his Jewish community defend against fascist groups in pre-World War II Bratislava. Later, upon his immigration to Israel, he refined the system for the IDF. The core principles are:

Simplicity and Efficiency: Techniques are based on natural, instinctive movements and are designed to be effective under extreme stress. The goal is to finish a confrontation as quickly and decisively as possible.
Neutralize the Threat: The primary objective is to stop the immediate danger. This is achieved through simultaneous defense and counter-attack.
Continuous Motion (Retzev): The Hebrew word Retzev translates to “continuous motion.” It’s a key concept in Krav Maga that emphasizes relentless, aggressive attacks until the threat is neutralized. It’s about overwhelming the attacker and never giving them a chance to recover.
Use of Vulnerable Points: Because Krav Maga is not a sport, there are no rules. Practitioners are taught to target the body’s most vulnerable points, such as the eyes, throat, groin, and knees, to incapacitate an attacker regardless of their size or strength.

Core Terminology: Stances, Movements, and Commands

Here are some of the fundamental terms you’ll hear and use in a Krav Maga class:

Kida: A formal bow, similar to those in traditional martial arts, used at the beginning and end of a class to show respect to your instructor and fellow students.
Haganah: The Hebrew word for “defense.” While it’s also the name of the Jewish paramilitary organization in British-mandated Palestine, in Krav Maga, it refers to the defensive actions you take, such as blocks and redirections.
Stance: Unlike many martial arts with rigid stances, Krav Maga uses a simple, intuitive fighting stance. Your feet are shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and hands up to protect your face and head. This position allows for quick, explosive movements in any direction.
Movement: You’ll learn to move fluidly, using footwork to close distance, create distance, and shift your body off the line of attack. This is critical for both offense and defense.

Essential Techniques: Strikes and Defenses

Krav Maga’s techniques, often called “combatives,” are straightforward and highly effective. They are designed for maximum impact and minimum risk to the defender.

Strikes:
- Palm-Heel Strike: A strike with the heel of your palm, often aimed at the nose or jaw. It’s a powerful and safe alternative to a punch, as it reduces the risk of breaking your hand.
- Hammerfist: A strike using the pinky side of your fist, similar to swinging a hammer. It’s effective for striking an opponent’s head or body, especially in close quarters.
- Elbow Strike: A devastating close-range strike. You’ll learn various types of elbow strikes, including upward, downward, and horizontal, to use when an attacker is too close for a punch or kick.
- Knee Strike: Powerful strikes delivered to an attacker’s groin, thigh, or torso. These are especially useful in a clinch or a headlock.
- Groin Kick: The most famous and brutal of all Krav Maga techniques. A quick, explosive kick to the groin that can instantly neutralize a threat, allowing you to escape.
Defenses:
- 360 Defense: A core Krav Maga technique for defending against incoming strikes. It involves using your hands and forearms to deflect attacks from all angles, creating a shield around your head and upper body.
- Choke Defense: A set of techniques to escape from various chokes, both standing and on the ground. These defenses prioritize creating space and immediately counter-attacking the attacker’s vulnerable points.
- Weapon Defense: In advanced training, you will learn to defend against threats involving edged weapons (knives) and firearms. The principle is to control the weapon, counter-attack, and disarm the attacker as quickly as possible.

Situational Awareness: The First Line of Defense

Ultimately, Krav Maga emphasizes that the best fight is the one you avoid entirely. This is where situational awareness comes in.

OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act): A concept borrowed from military strategy, the OODA Loop is a decision-making model. You learn to observe your surroundings for threats, orient yourself to the situation, make a quick decision, and act decisively. Training helps to speed up this process, making your responses faster and more intuitive.
Avoidance and De-escalation: Krav Maga teaches you to identify potential threats and, when possible, to avoid or de-escalate confrontations before they become physical. This includes using a strong, confident posture and verbal commands to deter a potential attacker.

Getting Started at Fusion Combat Training Center

At Fusion Combat Training Center, our certified instructors will guide you through this terminology and these techniques in a safe, supportive environment. Our training program is designed to build your skills progressively, from basic strikes and defenses to advanced weapon disarms and third-party protection. We focus on conditioning your body and mind to react effectively under stress, ensuring that the techniques become second nature.

Are you ready to learn Krav Maga and build a foundation of practical self-defense? Visit our website or contact us today to schedule your first class.

Want to Know More?

Discover the Legacy: Learn more about the principles and techniques we teach in Denver, CO on our page for Krav Maga Classes for Adults or Krav Maga Classes for Kids.
Experience the Effectiveness: Feel the confidence that comes with practical self-defense skills. Sign up for a free trial class today!
Connect with Our History: Have questions about Krav Maga, Jiu-Jitsu, or Muay Thai for self-defense, or regarding our training philosophy? Contact us – we’d love to share more about our approach.