Krav Maga – Principles & Concepts

Krav Maga is not a combat sport and not a style for self-display. It is a pragmatic self-defense system for real-world violence.

The following principles shape our training and our understanding of Krav Maga.

Avoidance whenever possible

Awareness is more important than technique.
The earlier you recognize danger, the less likely you are to fight it.

Act first – finish fast

Hesitation costs lives.
Waiting or freezing does not work under real stress.

Only simple things work under stress

Complexity fails under pressure.
If you cannot access it under stress, it is useless.

Protect yourself while attacking

Defense and offense are one movement.
Pure blocking or retreating is not enough.

Target vulnerabilities

Eyes, throat, groin, balance – not ego.
The goal is effectiveness, not fairness.

Understand positioning

Angles matter more than strength.
Positioning decides before technique begins.

Always expect resistance

Train against pressure, chaos and exhaustion.
Cooperative scenarios do not prepare you for reality.

Stay alert and keep moving

One threat is rarely the only threat.
It is not over until you are home.

Weapons change everything

Always assume they exist and act accordingly.
Unarmed assumptions are dangerous.

Survival is the goal

Not winning.
Not looking good.
Getting home.

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