Krav Maga is one of the best forms of self defense in the modern world. Unlike traditional martial arts it can be learnt very quickly. Due to its simplicity once learnt it is easy to retain and use in stressful situations. Traditional martial arts are generally quite complex more difficult to learn and retain and many are generally quite useless in a violent confrontation when no rules exist.
Not all Krav maga clubs are equal and even in the same club the effectiveness in down to the instructor in charge. If you are looming for to practice Krav maga I would recommend a club that allows sparing. Sparing is a vital skill to practice to prepare for a real street fight or other violent situation.
After practicing Krav Maga for about six months one should be able to defend themselves or prevent the common forms of Unarmed attacks. Some people are quicker and some are a bit slower.
Krav Maga does include defense against weapons. Some of the knife defenses may work against an untrained attacker with a knife. However if the attacker knows how to use a knife well it would be a challenge for any Krav Maga practitioner or any martial arts expert. I have tested this with some very highly acclaimed self defence instructors and they could not defend themselves against the me attacking them with a rubber knife.
Krav Maga also has some gun disarms that are fun yo practice. They would only work if the person with the gun was in very close range and even then it would be questionable. Against someone who knows how to use a gun they would be completely useless.
The most important thing with Krav Maga and any self defence is the ability to react instantly and fearlessly with the upmost amount of violence and aggression.
If any self defense instructor tells you that you do not need to be aggressive or violent to be able to defend yourself. I would suggest you find another instructor.
It is better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6. Basically it is better to charged for defending yourself that being killed.
Benefit of Krav Maga.
1. Great all round exercise.
2. Suitable for all ages and sexes.
3. Easy to learn and effective to use.
4. No need to train for years.
5. Effective against larger attackers.
6. Increases self awareness.
7. Prevents you bring in a violent situation.
8. Reduces the risk of sexual violence.
One final point no form if self defence is perfect and preventing and avoiding situations where you may be at risk are vital.
I once stood up to a crown of drunk football hooligans on the ferry. I stood in the middle of the group and shouted bad words and asked them to shut up. They did. Had they decided to attack me I would not have been able to defend myself and it was a very stupid thing to do. I think the only reason they did not beat me to a pulp was a psychological one and nothing more. Do not ever confront people or crowds unless it is unavoidable.
