6 Training Habits of a Successful Krav Maga Practitioner
We always talk about how Krav Maga is a practical form of self-defense that is easy and quick to learn. This is what probably attracted you to this style in the first place. Its simplicity comes from intuitive, logical movements that separate Krav Maga from martial arts that are based on complex movements that require strength, flexibility and years of training to execute efficiently. Despite its “ease of use” appeal, Krav Maga, like anything else, still requires training, dedication, patience and a good training methodology to be learned efficiently and to be used effectively in the real world.
Here are a few tips that have helped us in our training:
1. Start slow!
Do not rush through the new technique. When rushing through the movement you are more likely to make mistakes. Learn and understand all the components of the technique and train slow through every movement. Your body will internalize the technique better when every step is accentuated. Don’t be shy about asking your partner to slow down their attacks if needed. You are not trying to prove yourself in front of your peers, rather your partner’s role is to help you learn Krav Maga and vice versa.
2. Work with a purpose!
Although working slow, avoid breaking up the technique into distinct steps. In Krav Maga fluidity in movement is highly encouraged. Your body and mind will get used to working in a continuous motion. Despite the slow speed, do not compromise the delivery and intent of your combatives. Make sure to extend your punches and kicks, and be decisive with your striking. Remember, you are training for a potential real life confrontation, where your goal is to neutralize your threat and get home safely. Your training attitude, mental condition and physical movement should have a purpose that is reflective of that goal.
3. Pick up speed!
After getting comfortable with the technique, start picking up speed. Remember that the first rule of Krav Maga is don’t get hurt. So obviously keep your own safety and partner’s safety in mind when performing at a higher pace. Try to keep the same body mechanics as you had when working at a slower tempo. If you detect a major mistake in your technique, decrease the speed and repeat the technique until the mistake is eliminated.
4. Do not over-think!
At the end of the class we usually have a drill that tests your performance under higher tempo and more stress. This is your time to stop thinking and trust your Krav Maga training. On the street you will have no or little time to think, your training will take over and you will instinctively defend the attack and neutralize the danger. The way you train during your end drills must mimic this situation. Do not try to guess or anticipate an attack. Try to react to the attack and let your body do the appropriate defense. Let your training and instincts take over. If you make a mistake, do not try to correct it, do what you can to finish the defense, do not dwell on the error and simply correct it next time.
5. Practice at home!
If you have any free time at home you can practice Krav Maga “dry” in front of a mirror. Ten to fifteen minutes a day is plenty if you can devote the time. Imagine the attack and slowly perform the appropriate defense. Make sure to put emphasis on good combatives and don’t forget to disengage and scan. You can stop yourself in the midst of the defense, check your form, correct any errors and continue.
6. Do not underestimate the basics!
Having a strong foundation and reinforcing the basics is the key to Krav Maga. The beauty of the system is that advanced techniques are built from the familiar movements, principles and tactics covered in the basic practitioner curriculum. Knowing how to defend against a stab with a bayonet attached to a rifle is cool, but not very practical in everyday life. But more importantly if you find yourself in front of an assailant with this weapon, you can rely on your 1.5 straight punch defense, good striking and basic principles to get you out of trouble. The technique (Graduate 2 level) is actually built upon the 1.5 movement (practitioner 1 curriculum) and an inside defense against a kick to the groin while in passive stance (practitioner 3).
Train hard. Stay safe.
Copyright © 2013 Impact Krav Maga Self-Defense, San Diego, All rights reserved.
