|
ABOUT KRAV MAGA
Imrich Sde-Or
Read More About Krav Maga
Articles on Israeli Martial Arts
INSIDE THE MARTIAL ARTS OF THE ISRAELI MILITARY
by Jim Wagner and Major Avi Nardia
KRAV MAGA, A GENERALIZATION
By Lt. Colonel Chaim Peer
Krav Maga (krahv muh-GAH) , the Israeli self defense and fighting
system, is the official hand-to-hand combat system of the Israeli
Defense Forces. The name Krav Maga simply means contact fight or
battle or the touch of the fighter. It was developed by Imrich ("Imi")
Sde-Or, a
champion heavyweight boxer, studied jiu-jitsu and judo and
was a dancer and trapeze acrobat. Imi utilized his knowledge
in the above sports to develop the Israeli martial art of self
defense. Teacher and martial arts master,
In the early 1940's, the underground liberation organizations were fighting for the independence of the State of Israel. Since
it was illegal to carry weapons, the fighters went into battle
with knives and sticks and their knowledge of Krav Maga and they were extremely successful. The developer of Krav Maga realized
that the defense needs of the Israeli fighter were different from
those needed by classical martial artists and therefore Krav Maga
incorporates new techniques which are needed as defense against
pistols, guns and hand grenades.
Krav Maga is the official martial art taught in the
Israel defense forces and it is also taught in many public schools
in Israel.
|
