David Kahn - Krav Maga Fundamental Strategies

BY DAVID KAHN

YMAA Publication Center, Inc.

Main Office:

PO Box 480

Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, 03894

1-800-669-8892

ISBN: 9781594398131 (print) ISBN: 9781594398148 (ebook)

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.

First edition. Copyright 2021 by David Kahn

Editing by Doran Hunter

Cover design by Axie Breen

20210930

Publishers Cataloging in Publication

Names: Kahn, David, 1972- author.

Title: Krav maga fundamental strategies / by David Kahn.

Description: First edition. | Wolfeboro, New Hampshire : YMAA Publication Center, [2021] | On cover: The contact combat system of the Israel Defense Forces. | Includes bibliography and index.

Identifiers: ISBN: 9781594398131 (print) | 9781594398148 (ebook) | LCCN: 2021937558

Subjects: LCSH: Krav maga. | Krav maga--Training. | Self-defense. | Self-defense--Training. | Hand-to- hand fighting. | Hand-to-hand fighting--Training. | Martial arts--Training. | BISAC: SPORTS & RECREATION / Martial Arts / General. | SOCIAL SCIENCE / Violence in Society.

Classification: LCC: GV1111 .K255 2021 | DDC: 796.81--dc23

The practice, treatments, and methods described in this book should not be used as an alternative to professional medical diagnosis or treatment. The author and the publisher of this book are NOT RESPONSIBLE in any manner whatsoever for any injury or negative effects that may occur through following the instructions and advice contained herein.

It is recommended that, before beginning any treatment or exercise program, you consult your medical professional to determine whether you should undertake this course of practice.

Warning: While self-defense is legal, fighting is illegal. If you dont know the difference, youll go to jail, because you arent defending yourself. You are fightingor worse. Readers are encouraged to be aware of all appropriate local and national laws relating to self-defense, reasonable force, and the use of weaponry, and to act in accordance with all applicable laws at all times. Understand that while legal definitions and interpretations are generally uniform, there are smallbut very importantdifferences from state to state and even city to city. To stay out of jail, you need to know these differences. Neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for the use or misuse of information contained in this book. Nothing in this document constitutes a legal opinion, nor should any of its contents be treated as such. While the author believes everything herein is accurate, any questions regarding specific self-defense situations, legal liability, and/or interpretation of federal, state, or local laws should always be addressed by an attorney at law.

When it comes to martial arts, self-defense, and related topics, no text, no matter how well written, can substitute for professional hands-on instruction. These materials should be used for academic study only.

For Claire, Benjamin, and Leo

In Loving Memory of Helen Brener Smith

For my fellow instructor, photographer, editor, confidant, and overall great friend

Paul Karleen

In memoriam of krav maga pioneer Alan M. Feldman

An Israeli Krav Maga blessing

The Book of Psalms, chapter 144:1

A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD, my rock,
Who trains my hands for war,
And my fingers for battle.

Krav Maga: An Essential Guide to the Renowned MethodFor Fitness and Self-Defense

Advanced Krav Maga: The Next Level of Fitness and Self-Defense

Krav Maga Weapon Defenses

Krav Maga Professional Tactics

Krav Maga Defense: How to Defend Yourself against the 12 Most Common Unarmed Street Attacks

Krav Maga Combatives

: Col. Corey L. Britcher

: Paul Karleen

As a martial artist for over thirty years and a Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics Instructor, I am constantly looking for that program that will take my officers to the next level. When I was promoted to colonel and took the helm of the Bureau of Law Enforcement, one of my first priorities was to revamp our program. At that time, approximately 99 percent of our use-of-force incidents were hands-on with a violator, and many times the officer ended up getting injured. Upon closer examination, officers were reacting to an attack with a simple defense and then waiting for the next attack. Additionally, the tactics were difficult and, without constant practice, needed to be retaught every year. There had to be a better way.

I had always been impressed with krav maga but never had the opportunity to train in the system. Upon learning that there was a Police Krav Maga program, I immediately set out to find out about it. Enter David Kahn. When I reached out to him, he explained the program and offered to come to Pennsylvania and run a course. That was in 2014. Now, as a Level-2 Police Krav Maga and Civilian Krav Maga instructor, I am hooked on the program. Not only are the techniques effective, efficient, and easy to retain, the kravist mind-set is also something that is missing in most law enforcement programs. The concept of (use-of-force compliant) retzev turns an officer with basic skills into a winner. This mind-set allows the defender to overwhelm the attacker and successfully take the individual into custody while limiting the risk for injury to all parties.

I cannot say enough about the level of instruction that David Kahn offers, the krav maga system, and the information within this book. Krav Maga Fundamental Strategies is a must-read for any dedicated kravist.

Col. Corey L. Britcher, Ret.

Director Pennsylvania Bureau of Law Enforcement

Fish & Boat Commission

Why a book on krav maga strategies? To answer that I need to begin with a few personal reflections. For a number of reasons, nearly a decade ago I sensed the need to acquire some skills to enhance my own physical safety and that of my family. The online information I found about Israeli Krav Maga as taught in a nearby facility intrigued me. So, I signed up, not knowing the impact this would have on my life. As I got more and more into training under the superb instruction of David Kahn, I learned quickly that I would be improving my physical conditioning. And I felt a new sense of empowerment at being able to execute techniques as I practiced with my partners. But, most importantly, new ways of thinking gradually started to come in alongside increased technical proficiency: I started to acquire an ability to assess what was going on around me wherever I found myselfin a store, in a parking lot, in a crowd at a ball game, or simply walking in our neighborhoodand envisioning what I would do if danger came my way. How would I respond if those three people suddenly jumped me? What would I do if that guy over there was armed and hostile? Would a kick be the best tool? How many punches could I land? What if hes had some self-defense training? Maybe I should just retreat. I was connecting my everyday situations to the techniques I was honing. I was planning.