Developed for the Israel military forces and battle tested in real-life combat, Krav Maga has gained an international reputation as an easy-to-learn yet highly effective art of self-defense. Clearly written and extensively illustrated, Complete Krav Maga details every aspect of the system including dozens of hand-to-hand combat moves, over 20 weapons defense techniques and a complete physical conditioning workout program.
All the moves are described in depth from beginning Yellow Belt to advanced Black Belt, yet they are easy to learn because one of Krav Maga's strengths is its simplicity. Based on the principle that it is best to move from defense to attack as quickly as possible, Complete Krav Maga offers fast-escape maneuvers from attacks and holds. It then follows them up with specific counterattacks, including punches, kicks and throws.
The authors show how anyone (big or small, man or woman) can practice self defense by using Krav Maga to protect weak spots, exploit an assailant's vulnerabilities and turn the attacker’s force against him. Complete Krav Maga teaches the reader how to get in shape, gain confidence and feel safer and more secure every day.
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: Very Good Book!!!!!!!!! Comment: Well written!!! All this stuff works... I been learning Krav Maga for years and this is a great way to start!!!! Customer Rating: Summary: A poor example of a great fighting system Comment: As a police officer and former Marine, I know your life may depend on your CQC skills and this book does not do Krav Maga justice. This book is a poor overreach at explaining what I have seen to be an extremely effective fighting system. From sport ground fighting (not street combat), ineffective combative movements, to sloppy weapons defenses this is a poor rendition of Krav Maga training. A few examples of the bad techniques:
On pages 41-42, the other cover hand is left down, exposing your face and prohibiting a second strike with it. On page 126, this defense will not work if someone pulls back with force--which is likely. A simple turn and counterstrike will work against any type of rear pulling attack. On page 248, without stepping off the line of attack, this defense can get you stabbed.
On page 250, this defense does not move to the deadside and will get you killed as the attacker falls back from your punches and retains control of the handgun. The handgun is designed for him to hold--not you. If he falls to the ground you are in danger. To preform the defense properly you must move to the deadside while delivering strong, simultaneous counterattacks while controling the barrel.
On page 253, again, this defense does not move to the deadside and will get you killed as the attacker falls back from your punches and retains control of the handgun.
If you know Krav Maga, you'll know this book has too many mistakes to be an effective guide to anything, much less Krav Maga. Customer Rating: Summary: Simple but not easy Comment: Self defense (SD) covers a number of attributes: awareness, avoidance, deescalation, strategy, tactics, techniques, witness building, speaking to law enforcement and the legal system, torts, ad nauseum. This book on Krav Maga doesn't attempt to cover all of that, which is a shame, because they are necessary components of self defense. It does you little good to defend yourself only to be prosecuted and imprisoned later. That is what keeps a good, solid book about self defense from being great.
Based upon the information is does present, I find the book to be excellent. The SD material presented (techniques) aren't flashy nor need the coordination of a nineteen year old Olympian. These are solid techniques that are practical, simple and can be retained in an adrenal event (when adrenaline hits, conscious thought can go out the window. Think of people who freeze at public speaking. Now magnify that fear by about a million). The KISS method is always preferable. Save the fancy stuff for the next Matrix movie.
To sum up-
The good:
The techniques are solid, real-world techniques that are functional and appropriate. They are not useless chop and flop. Pictures are well-done and easy to see. The techniques are well-explained.
The bad:
No mention of appropriate use of force. No mention of legal strategies or that there are such things as laws regarding self defense. Little discussion on awareness and avoidance (the primary SD tools).
Bottom line:
If you have a good grasp on the other important parts of SD and just need a book on technique or maybe some more techniques to throw into your toolbox, this is a good book. A newbie wanting solid information of the totality of what it means to defend yourself can do better.
Customer Rating: Summary: Great overview for those interested in KM Comment: This is written for those who are just getting interested in Krav Maga and it does its job perfectly. I was contemplating joining a local KM class but wanted to see what techniques the training would entail.
This book goes through Levels 1 - 5 of the Krav Maga 'system' and throughly explains the moves. Each explanation has pictures to show the reader what's going on.
In short, it's a great book and covers a lot of material. Customer Rating: Summary: Good Book Comment: I really enjoyed the book. The progression of the book is done really well. It takes the reader from the basics to advanced moves very easily. Although it helps if the reader has had some fighting expreience, I have been practicing Martial Arts for over 20 years, the moves are simple and effective. I picked the system right up but someone with no Martial Arts experience may have some difficulty. Actually nearly all the techniques I had already been taught in my Jeet Kune Do studies, ther are many similarities between the two arts. The moves chosen are very effective and practical. The rifle and shotgun disarms are something not may systems incorperate.
If you are looking for an effective and practical system, Krav definately delivers.
