Krav Maga Guide: "Learn Self-Defense"

Increase Alertness: With frequent reports of knife attacks, Molotov cocktails being thrown at cars, and other attempted attacks, we need to be extra cautious. Although we have faith and pray, according to Moshe Kunikov (25), a Krav Maga instructor, just like in every other area of our lives, we must make an effort. This involves learning self-defense techniques.

"Jewish heroism throughout history has always interested me," says Kunikov, married and residing in Bat Ayin. "From the activities of the underground in the ghettos to today. I always aspired to work in this field, and nine years ago, I fulfilled this dream. I joined a Krav Maga training program under an international company owned by my cousin, who teaches Krav Maga worldwide." Today, he recommends that men follow his path and learn Krav Maga to be prepared for any scenario.

Why Krav Maga specifically? Why not techniques from judo, for example?

"The techniques you learn in Krav Maga are closest to scenarios that may occur in reality. In judo, for example, there are 'throws' - lifting and throwing the opponent forcefully to the ground. But if the opponent is very strong or heavy, this won't work. In contrast, Krav Maga - unlike other martial arts that 'drag on' with solutions, the first and perhaps most important principle is that as soon as you encounter an attack, your goal is to end it as quickly as possible."

According to him, there are several principles we should follow - but first and foremost, we need alertness.

What do you mean by 'alertness'? It's not realistic to walk down the street fearing every step.

"It's true, we shouldn’t be paranoid and worry unnecessarily, but we do need to be aware of how to identify a ‘lone wolf’ attacker and be alert to various preliminary signs in their behavior. A lone wolf is someone who doesn't consult anyone about their plan. They wake up, decide to commit their act, take an item like a knife or screwdriver, and proceed with a single thought in mind: to harm as many people as possible. The attack is executed in a fraction of a second. Since preventing such attacks is very difficult, increasing alertness is essential. It helps us identify suspicious signs in behavior and appearance."

Like what?

Long and warm clothing on a hot day, an unexpected approach (e.g., if everyone waits in line and someone emerges from a corner), strange mumbling, and tunnel vision - focusing only on the target without noticing anything else around. Signs may also include someone staring blankly, appearing anxious, with hands in pockets and sweating. It's important to notice the position of their hands. If I see their hands are behind their back, I presume they are holding something, and the first question that should flash in my mind is what are they holding and can it endanger me?

So what do you do if you genuinely suspect someone? According to Kunikov, maintaining hand superiority is crucial. "Our hands must always be above theirs," he explains. "If their hands are in pockets, ours should be above. Why? If they attack towards the head, they must go through our hands first, which are guarding. Secondly, hands above can easily reach his head, where there's a strong vulnerability, the eyes - either by driving our fingers into them or throwing an object at them to distract him from his target and buy response time."

The Five Principles of Conduct During an Attack

Aggressiveness - I need to react as aggressively as possible, using every force to protect myself.

Don't Wrestle – The idea is minimal struggle and attempt to reach the knife and disarm him.

Outburst – When someone comes towards me intending to attack, I have no time to hesitate. I must be confident in myself and my movements. The emphasis is to react – even if the reaction later proves not the best, it's better than freezing.

Damage Minimization – Don't panic if you see a drop of blood in the situation. The main goal is to minimize damage as much as possible.

Knife Control – We must do everything possible to disarm the attacker. It's essential to repeat the action multiple times because someone under the influence of adrenaline usually doesn't feel any pain.