Why Choose Krav Maga?

Submitted by: Avi Moyal

Krav Maga is one of the most widely used and effective self-defense systems. It has a widespread following in six continents. Though commonly used by armed forces, not many common people know about it. Read on to know how Krav Maga can help you.

Krav Maga is easily the most modern method of protecting oneself from armed and unarmed people posing danger to your life. It can be learned easily and implemented quickly. It has been growing in popularity since early 1990’s. Number of schools providing various Krav Maga skills and trainings has multiplied recently, which is an indicator of how its popularity is increasing. There are various Krav Maga schools in the UK, US, Spain, Germany, China, Italy, South Africa, Australia and Brazil among other countries around the globe.

The philosophy of Krav Maga stresses on threat neutralization, simultaneous defense, offensive maneuvers and aggression. There are various reasons why one may choose to undergo Krav Maga training. Some of them are listed below:

Self Defense

With each class that you attend, Krav Maga teaches you valuable street smart self-defense skills. The world is not as safe as we would like it to be, that being said there's no guarantee that you are safe within your own home. Hence, Krav Maga focuses on teaching you practical and proven techniques against the most common real life attacks you might end up facing.

Keep in Shape

Practicing Krav Maga on a daily basis not only helps you lose body weight but it also helps you gain muscles. End result you will look fitter and feel much better than ever. The difference is made evident when you notice how differently your clothes fit once the training is in progress. Krav Maga will increase your endurance level along with stamina, strength and flexibility. The training methods and games guarantee to improve your heart rate. You are sure to breathe better, sleep better and feel an increase in energy level throughout the day.

Reduce Stress

Krav Maga is a real high energy workout and stress reliever. Its training methods have been designed in a way that they teach you to assert yourself under any circumstances. These drills will also help you avoid the need for a physical confrontation altogether. You are also trained to overcome your anxieties and fears. Krav Maga has special training drills that help you function under stress, shock and the adrenal rush of a sudden encounter. More importantly, skills you develop during Krav Maga training will help you deal with most of life's challenges in a more effective way.

Confidence Building

Krav Maga is an extension of your own natural reactions, thus it's easy to learn and implement. Its training is bound to take your self-confidence to roaring new heights. It will continue to soar as you constantly learn about new techniques. Most of the trainees, who undergo Krav Maga training report that they feel good about themselves. All the trainers are professionally trained to keep you motivated to achieve your self-defense and fitness goals.

On successfully completing Krav Maga training, a trainee can defend himself against kicks, punches, chokes, grabs, sticks, bats and multiple attackers among others.

About the Author: The author of this article is professionally associated with International Krav Maga Federation, a leading organization committed to teaching the most effective self-defense system available today. Website: http://kravmaga-ikmf.com/

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Will Krav Maga Work For You?

Submitted by: Avi Moyal

Krav Maga is a martial art people aren't very familiar with and have plenty of questions to ask about. Read on to know what a globally famed Krav instructor has to say about some often asked questions regarding this martial technique.

People often ask me about Krav Maga. Their questions are like – 'Will Krav Maga work for me?' 'Is it as good as they say?' 'Can I really take out a dozen men with it?'

I've a short answer for all these questions – It depends. It depends on who is teaching it. It depends on who is learning it. It depends on the objective.

This explains it all in short. It is to the point, concise and accurate.

But, it is inadequate. Because it does not explain the complexity of the issue. The three statements, though looking simple, are quite complex and complex questions cannot have simple answers. They need elaboration.

Let's take the first answer first – 'It depends on who is teaching it'. An ideal trainer must have three core skills. 1) Profound knowledge of the art and passion to teach it 2) ability to share his/her knowledge and experiences to the trainee without any prejudice 3) They must have ability to learn, unlearn and relearn. I can go on making a long list of trainer skills but they are secondary. These are the three basic essential skills.

Now, the second answer – 'It depends on who is learning it'. Krav is intense and its training should be intense as well, or else it isn't being taught properly. After a few days training, if you feel you are physically capable of the training, the answer is Yes. You Can Do Krav Maga. If you find yourself wanting, you better quit the training.

Take the third one – 'It depends on the objective'. In fact, Krav has just one objective: to make a person ready for street defense, against armed or unarmed attackers. This martial art is a no nonsense street fighting system that focuses on real life violent encounters. It is the hardest of all martial arts and you have to be willing to push yourselves to the limit of your physical capabilities. Often, you will feel fatigued while performing techniques to mimic a possible self defense situation. Krav works your body hard in training to prepare yourselves for the worst street scenario. You must be prepared for it beforehand.

Although Krav does not focus on fitness, it will get you in fighting shape. Being prepared is essential to fight off attackers and escape. Hence, Krav training will get you in excellent shape, though it does not intend that. However, if all you want is strength training or cardio workout, you better consult the personal trainer at the local gym. Krav must only be given a try if you want to learn to defend yourselves.

I hope I have been able to give proper conclusion to the questions. Although there are several organizations across the world conducting Krav training, I would advise you to take the training under a local organization affiliated to International Krav Maga Federation (IKMF), the apex body of Krav trainers. It would let you get the real thing that might one day save your life.

About the Author: Author of this article, a famed martial arts instructor, is associated with the International Krav Maga federation (IKMF), is the original most veteran KravMaga organization. Website: http://www.kravmaga-ikmf.com/

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Kickboxing Workout Routines

Submitted by: Dr. Al Parker

You will improve your health and have a physically fit body by getting into kick-boxing workout routines. This is the best way for you to have a stronger body and gain confidence in yourself. Kick-boxing workouts can help you to be at your best fighting form as well.

Many people see positive results from kick-boxing training. You will build stronger and more defined arms and legs. These workouts help you gain a sense of inner strength and emotional peace.

Kick-boxing training classes got to the mainstream of fitness training in the mid-nineties. They improve cardiovascular endurance and toning of the muscles by high repition workouts. Tae boe workout videos also popularized these kick-boxing exercises.

Cardio-boxing training classes and the innovative variations of the sparring jabs, power punches, defense, and fitness blend together with aerobics exercises. A real kick-boxing workout or routine will teach the proper execution of the punch and kick combinations. For more intense workouts you will combine these moves together creating a devestating blow to you opponent and increasing your cardiovascular endurance.

The combinations you perform with blocks, jabs, and kicks are executed to an imagined opponent in some classes, and in some, you may partner up and practice on the pads. Each has its benefits, since you get to practice technique with an imaginary partner and then get to feel what it is like connecting your jabs, crosses, and kicks to a physical opponent.

You may enjoy other benefits aside from the physical aspects of boxing trainings. Cardio-kick boxing workouts allow you to burn about 350 to 500 calories in just an hour. These workouts also help maintain the heart rate at 75 to 85 % of maximum, otherwise known as the “target heart rate”. This has been proven to be the recommended range to condition your cardiovascular system.

Kick-boxing training classes improve your speed, resistance, and strength. Flexibility and the reflexes of the muscles are also enhanced. Repetitive motion by sparring and jogging while you punch helps your arms and legs gain strength and power.

These workouts also enable your movements to become more fluid with practice. With just a little practice, it is hard to tell yourself from “Sugar” Ray Leonard……or maybe not.

These movements require you to develop balance and coordination that enable your body become more agile and stable.

You will also learn more about self- defense skills, which you may use in case a co-worker gets frisky, or your boss fires you;) But seriously, it feels good to feel strong enough to defend yourself. It gives you a special inner calmness.

In addition, some feel a great release from stress when they are able to manifest their aggressions on a punching bag or even into the air for that matter.. It really helps to let out your frustrations and problems on an inanimate object…..I don’t have any science behind that, but it sure works. Once these things are releases, you feel light, calm, relaxed and at peace.

Whatever your reason for boxing training, its never too late to start. You can join a gym and beat the crap out of your buddies, or just watch Tae Bo on the weekends. Either way, you will definitely enjoy a more physically fit body.

About the Author: Dr. Parker is a surgical resident with a special interest in nutrition, fitness and the improvement of overall health. He has helped many people, patients and non-patients, acheive their fitness goals using little to no equipment and the most time effiecient workout routines possible. If you would like more information on his fitness program, go to: http://www.plantoberipped.com.

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Krav Maga – One of the Best Self Defense Arts

Submitted by: Avi Moyal

It is very important to avoid danger in order to lead a safe life. You need to stay alarmed every time and protect yourself from any miscreant. Krav Maga is one of the best self-defense arts that help to combat threatening situations. Its techniques are not only used by civilians, but military personnel as well.

With the increasing level of danger in society, there are always chances of facing situations that require you to know self-defense techniques. It becomes essential to learn how you can protect yourself and your loved ones in such situations. You can even learn the art of self-defense and pass it on to your coming generations.

Krav Maga was founded by Imi Litchenfeld (Sde – Or) who began training in 1948 in Israel. Initially, he gave training to the IDF soldiers in order to develop a strong self-defense system. His training included physical fitness, wrestling, swimming, use of knife and defense techniques against knife attacks. In 1964, when he retired from his training career in IDF, Imi made some modifications in his self-defense techniques to cater to the needs of civilians. He then laid the foundation of IKMF (International Krav Maga Federation) that is not only available in Israel, but in Australia, North America, Far East Asia and most of the European countries as well.

The basic aim of Krav Maga is to hurt the attacker intensely. Since there are no specific sporting rules, so anyone can learn the techniques which are easy to learn and implement. Punches are a very essential part of it. Some of the punches that are taught during the training programs include straight punch, low punch, hammerfist, palm heel strike, hook, uppercut, overhand and chop. People undergoing Krav Maga training are taught defending as well as attacking techniques. Krav Maga practitioners also learn the techniques to defend themselves against punches and kicks simultaneously from any angle. Once you learn the art, it is advisable to practice with complete protective gear.

A Krav Maga practitioner needs to know some basic principles. It includes finishing the fight as early as possible. Another basic principle involves neutralizing the attacker by responding him back with counter attacks and that too continuously. It is very important to be aware of the surroundings while dealing with the attacker. Always look for more attackers with him. It will be advantageous to look for objects so that you will get some help in attacking as well as defending yourself. Further, physical and mental control is also among the most basic principles of Krav Maga.

Whether you are a civilian or non-civilian, Krav Maga techniques are apt for personnel from various backgrounds. Its programs are available for civilians who want to learn it for self-defense or seeking a long term career as a Krav Maga instructor. It is one of the most popular and leading self-defense art among women. Besides these, Krav Maga also fined its way in military, law enforcement and V.I.P protection.

About the Author: The author of this article is associated with IKMF the original Kravmaga organization. Website: http://kravmaga-ikmf.com/

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Krav Maga - One of the Best Self-Defenses For Women

Submitted by: Avi Moyal

In today' turbulent time, it has become very important to stay alarmed all the time and protect yourself against miscreants. Krav Maga is one of the leading choices for women as their self-defence has become a major issue. Read on to find out more about Krav Maga.

Krav Maga is basically a non competitive eclectic self-defence system originated in Israel. It was founded by Imi (Lichtenfeld) Sde. Initially, it was practised by Israeli IDF soldiers to improve their combat abilities but now it has become one of the best self-defences programs for women. Krav Maga involves grappling and wrestling along with striking techniques. Everyone can easily learn the techniques of Krav Maga as it is not governed by sporting rules.

As danger lurks in every nook and corner, it has become important for women to learn a self-defence art. As Kravmaga can be quickly learned and implemented, it is one of the best options for the women. Krav Maga prepares them for whatever comes in their way and is considered as a perfect style for today's independent women. To learn Kravmaga, there is no limit of height or weight of a person.

Krav Maga trains the women in:

* Awareness- of the present and lurking dangers

* Prevention- against dangerous situations

* Response- to threat or attack in actual situations

* Self-realization- of your own physical strength and confidence that you can handle the situation

There are some basic principles of Krav Maga that the trainee needs to know. It involves finishing the fight as early as possible and attacking the most vulnerable parts of the body of the attackers, which includes face, knee, groin, neck, etc. Another basic principle of Krav Maga is to neutralize the attacker as quickly as possible by responding with continuous counter attacks. Also, one should be aware of the surroundings while handling the miscreant to look if there are more attackers. Looking for objects will also be beneficial as it can help you in attack or defence.

The aim of Krav Maga is to hurt the attacker severely, therefore, protective equipment is used during the training program. There are various techniques in Krav Maga that can be quickly learned and implemented. Punches have great value in Krav Maga. Straight punch, palm heel strike, low punch, hammerfist, hook, uppercut, chop, overhand are some of the punches that are taught to the women during the training period. Kravmaga practitioners are taught to go from defending to attacking quickly. They also learn how to defend against both kicks and punches from any angle. After learning the art, it is advisable to practice it with full protective gear so that no harm can cause to you and the opponent.

The feature that works wonders for women practising Krav Maga is its shock value. Most of the attackers do not expect the women to defend themselves or counter attack and when they do, the miscreants are caught off guard. With the fact that Kravmaga is easy to learn and builds up the combat fitness and strength of the women, it has become the chosen self-defence all over the world.

About the Author: The author of this article is associated with Kravmaga IKMF, one of the best Kravmaga organisations. Website: http://kravmaga-ikmf.com/

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Increase Your Level Of Physical Fitness And Gain Extra Confidence While Having Fun.

Submitted by: Yoshi Kundagawa

Have you ever thought about increasing your fitness through martial arts? More and more people are becoming health conscious and trying to get fit by going to the gym, joining walking or jogging groups and joining other groups offering a health and fitness regime, but it does not take long before the boredom sets in and going to classes become a chore.

Martial arts have much to offer. Physically, the training involved has the benefits of strengthening and toning muscles, improving suppleness and agility, increases circulation and greatly improves coordination. Many people are now using martial arts as an alternative weight loss program with amazing results. On a more spiritual level, due to the mental discipline of martial arts, students become more self confident, can think clearer and make more rational decisions and gain relief from the potentially harmful effects of stress such as tension and anxiety.

Of course, martial arts are also practiced by an increasing number of people for the self-defense aspect, as the techniques used in martial arts, both physical and mental are an effective means of self-defense, armed and unarmed. Depending on what style you decide on learning, the intricate techniques can vary, some styles use a completely weaponless technique, others emphasis striking and/or kicking, using hands, feet, shins and knees for blocking and striking. Other styles use grappling but in all styles, the basics are virtually the same and offer a complete work out of mind and body.

Styles like Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing will keep you on the move, increase fitness levels quickly and take you excitement level to a new high while still providing the discipline necessary for gaining self control, many other styles offer slower yet similar techniques and mind control. Styles such as Tai Chi, although no longer practiced as a contact style, offers slow precise movements which improve circulation, add muscle tone, increase suppleness and in a wonderful style for relaxation, clearing the mind and general well being. This form is becoming increasing popular and can be practiced by people of all ages and abilities and is particularly beneficial to the elderly or those needing rehabilitation.

Increasing your fitness through martial arts will not only make you feel better, improve the many functions of mind and body but it will add fun and excitement to your training regime making going to classes something to look forward to rather than being a chore that you drag yourself to and eventually lose all interest in and give up. In addition to get fit and healthy you will also be learning the valuable art of self-defense.

About the Author: Yoshi I Kundagawa is a freelance journalist. He covers the mixed martial arts industry. For a free report on Fitness through Martial Arts visit his blog.

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Ting Jing: Listening to Energy For Health and Self Defense

Submitted by: Richard Clear

Once the basic skills of Tai Chi are mastered, students can begin to study jings. A jing is a way of moving energy using mind intent to achieve a specific expression. There are many different types of jings such as Fa Jing which is used for creating explosive energy or Tzeh Jing which can be used for stealing energy from an opponent.

Ting Jing is slightly different from most other jings because it is a way of guiding energy to the mind rather than sending energy in some other direction.Ting Jing means listening energy. It has to do with looking into an opponent and sensing that opponents' body state and eventually their intentions.

When a doctor or nurse listens to someones' pulse by putting a hand on the patient's wrist, they are doing something quite similar to Ting Jing. They are using an external signal to feel inside the person and tell what is happening. When someone is given a polygraph test, the heart beat as well as many other physical factors are used to attempt to decipher their intentions.

These kinds of skills can be developed so that they can be used in a combat situation as well. Here's one of the first drills used by students starting to learn Ting Jing. Close your eyes and put your hand on the outside of your partners' arm. Have your partner try to strike you with the arm you do not have your hand on. It is your job to try to feel exactly when your partner moves his arm. Have both people try both roles in this drill. If you are like most people, you'll find that it is very easy for you to sense when the other person is going to move their arm and very hard for the striker to move without being sensed.

Over time this ability can be developed so that in a combat situation, you can actually sense when your opponent is going to move even before they begin to move. With Ting Jing, you can also develop the ability to counter an attack using the right angle and direction so that an attack can be completely thwarted with very little effort.

You can even learn to sense weaknesses in your opponent's structure. This will enable you to exploit these structural breaks so that you can strike your opponent in ways that make it feel like they have been hit by a train even though you are using very little force yourself.

Ting Jing is one of the tools that makes Tai Chi a powerful tool for older folks or others who need to defend themselves against people who are much stronger than they are. Ting Jing also has important health benefits as well. Not only can you use it to feel what is happening inside an opponent's body, but you can also use it to feel what is happening inside your own body as well. For example, it can be used for deepening relaxation. Ting Jing helps to find tense spots in the body and also helps to remove them. Ting Jing can also be used to improve and deepen breathing and remove energy blockages in the body.

Ting Jing is a powerful tool both for self defense and for health. Whether you are a Tai Chi student or not, you can start listening to your body today.

About the Author: Sigung Richard Clear has over 30 years of continuous study in Tai Chi Chuan both in the U.S. and China. Check out more articles and his Tai Chi DVD selection at ClearsTaiChi.com.

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Learn The Safe And Correct Techniques Of Cardio Kickboxing

Mixed Martial Arts Styles And Techniques
By Chris Chew

There are several fighting styles and disciplines in the sport
of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay
Thai Kickboxing, Karate and Wrestling just to name a few. It is
very common for the fighters of MMA to train with different
coaches because of the different techniques and disciplines used
in the ring by various fighters.

The fighters are not trained only in the style of fighting but
overall fitness including training for stamina and endurance,
strength and power and body conditioning to take the punishments
dished out by opponents fight matches. Some of these fighting
techniques are described herebelow.

The Clinch is actually a dreadful lock or hold on the neck of
the opponent to keep him from moving out of striking range. This
move can also be used while trying a takedown and striking the
opponent using punches, elbow strikes and knees to the
opponent's body. The clinch is more commonly used by wrestlers
and muay thai kick boxers to immobilize their opponents while
executing other punishing moves or strikes.

Sprawl and brawl is a fighter's aim to avoid takedowns and to
remain in a standing position to strike his opponent. He tries
to avoid takedowns by sprawling and other defensive grappling
moves.

The sprawl is used when a fighter shoots a takedown aimed at
the sprawl and brawl fighter's legs. The sprawl and brawl
fighter shoots his legs back and positions himself on top of his
opponent's body to avoid the takedown. This move is often used
by muay thai boxers, karate exponents and wrestlers.

Submission grappling is usually used by fighters to takedown or
to grapple his opponent into a submission hold and forces the
opponent to submit, usually in severe pain. While there are
fighters, especially the heavier ones who use this grappling
technique to overwhelm their opponents, others will use other
techniques that are equally or even more devastating.

While fighters such as karate exponents may use more straight
punches and kicks at their opponent rather than grappling and
takedowns, muay thai fighters are usually more feared because
they are skilled to use all parts of their bodies to strike
their opponents no holds barred. This sometimes even includes
the head as in a head butt.

Fighters trained in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are also very much
respected. This is a martial art, combat sport and a self
defense system that focuses on grappling and especially on the
ground fighting. This is why when fighters meet an opponent who
is well skilled in jiu jitsu, they will have to avoid getting
grappled and taken down to the ring mat where a exponent's lock
is excruciatingly painful and almost impossible to break.

This art was actually of Japanese origin and it promotes the
principle that a weaker and smaller exponent can defend himself
well and even attack successfully against a bigger, stronger
opponent by using the science of leverage and other techniques
such as joint locks and chokeholds.

So as you can see, a successful Mixed Martial Arts competitor
must not only be trained in his own style of fighting
techniques, but must also learn how to strike and defend against
other styles and disciplines of the martial arts world and that
is a tall order indeed.

About the Author: Chris Chew is a fitness and health
consultant. Read his free articles at
http://www.sgfitnessonline.com and http://www.sgfitness.com

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