Krav vs. Krav

Leaving politics aside, we should remember that Krav Maga has real world applications:

The IDF’s top units – including Sayeret Matkal, Duvdevan and Shayetet 13 – each chose their top fighters to battle against each other in the second annual Krav Maga competition, which took place at the IDF’s School for Combat Fitness in Netanya.

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During the competition, some fighters exhibited styles from different forms of martial arts, including Muay Thai and Judo

“Some people who practice Krav Maga have practiced other fighting style like Judo and boxing before coming to the army, so sometimes it shows in their fighting,” said Maj. Yaron Minister, who oversees training Krav Maga throughout the IDF. However, according to Maj. Minister, some soldiers begin learning Krav Maga without any previous background.

“Krav Maga is an Israeli form of self defense that’s self encompassing. It’s a system that provides solutions for immediate problems. It has no rules, except to move from a trapped position to a position of control: this could mean disabling your opponent, or escape.”

“We are trying to create a buzz about Krav Maga,” said Maj. Minister. “We are trying to embed it into the army as a way of life for a fighter.”

“What we do today with the elite units,” added Maj. Minister “will tomorrow be incorporated into regular units.”

One of the biggest concerns in the IDF is the kidnapping of soldiers.

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Ordinarily, the armored brigade would have no need for Krav Maga training, yet this perception changed after capture of Gilad Shalit, who was himself in an armored unit.

I imagine the Krav Maga taught by the Israeli Defense Forces differs a bit from that taught by Krav Maga Worldwide, but it follows the same basic principles:

I think I’m in love.

PS: Give you any scenario ideas, Patrick? Hair-pulling doesn’t seem to be a problem for either one of us.