Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The Cauldron
The first 2 hours of the first day consists of “The Cauldron.” This is the
attendee’s opportunity to prove they have:
1) the basic conditioning to be an instructor
2) the basic understanding of techniques to continue the course
The Cauldron is very intense, and consists of the following:
• Five 2-minute rounds of aggressive focus mitt work with basic punches
and elbows; one minute rest
Results
All attendees who can satisfactorily survive The Cauldron and complete the
program will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Candidates who display proficiency in teaching will receive an enhanced Bronze,
Silver, or Gold certificate.
Bronze = acceptable physical and teaching abilities
Silver = exceptional physical and teaching abilities
Gold = outstanding physical and teaching abilities
All results will be posted at www.kravmagaalliance.com. Attendees who would
like to improve their ranking will be provided opportunities to do so.
2
Page
DAY ONE
9am – 11am The Cauldron
11am – 12:00 Lecture: “Understanding Self Defense”
12:00 – 1:30pm Technique Review
• Straight Punch
• Eye Strike
• Front Kick
• Elbows
• Knees
• Round Kick
1:30 – 2:30 LUNCH
2:30 – 2:40 Lecture: “Teaching Template”
2:40 – 3:30 Mock Teaching #1
3:30 – 4:30 Technique Review
• Hammerfist Punches
• Choke Front
• Choke Side
• Choke Behind
4:30 – 5:30 Lecture: “The Importance of Stages”
Lecture: “Qualities of A Great Instructor”
3
Day Two
9:00 – 9:15am Lecture: “Principles of Warm Up”
Warm Up
9:15 – 9:40 DRILLS
9:40 – 11:00 Finish mock teaching from yesterday
11:00 – 12:00pm Technique Review
• 360 Defense
• Inside Defense
• Wrist Releases
• Ground Positions
• Ground: Getting Up
4
Page
5
Page
Day Three
9:00 – 10:00am Lecture: “Safety In Training”
10:00 – 11:00am Technique Review
6
Page
c) Define “better”
B. Integrated System
1. Effective movements that reappear throughout the system
E. Aggressiveness
1. Neutralize attacker more quickly
V. Additional Issues
A. Escalation/De-Escalation
1. Move from passive to aggressive immediately, but be able to de-
escalate
TEACHING TEMPLATE
I. STRUCTURE OF A LESSON
A. Live Demonstration
1. Aggressive and realistic from 2-3 angles
B. Slow &Fluid
1. Smooth, clean techniques slowly from 1-2 angles
2. Initial reaction
3. Counterattacks
D. Student Participation
1. Dry work/mirror work in stages
10
Page
II. Stages
A. Vital to break techniques into logical stages
B. Don’t overwhelm them with information
C. Break up the technique logically
1. Reaction to address immediate danger
3. Initial counterattack
E. Planned interruptions
11
Page
2. What is it?
2. Depth of knowledge
3. Creativity
4. Connection to students
6. Entertainment value
7. PASSION
H. Brainstorm Session
1. Practical ways to display the qualities listed above
12
Page
3. Partial demonstrations
4. Student demonstrations
b) Validates technique
B. Verbal Explanations
1. Clear and concise
2. Key words
C. Voice
1. Most powerful tool
2. Don’t be monotone
4. Authoritative
D. Knowledge
1. Clear, concise explanations
a) Avoid absolutes
13
E. Position In Room
1. Front
2. Middle
F. Body Language
1. Posture
2. Hand gestures
G. Student Connection
1. Praise
2. Learn names
3. Appropriate contact
4. Eye contact
5. Notice improvements
14
Page
CLASS MANAGEMENT
I. Establish Authority
H. They listen when you talk
I. They stop when you call “Time!”
1. Safety
2. Position of authority
K. Put on a pedestal
1. Not for ego; “don’t believe your own press”
A. Front of room
Page
B. Middle of room
1. Difficult, but sometimes interesting
D. Student positions
1. Line
2. Semi-circle
3. 3 sides of a square
C. Challenging students
1. Don’t get caught up in comparisons of other systems or
techniques
view
Page
17
Page
PRINCIPLES OF WARM UP
C. Improve performance
B. Heart rate up
III. Timing
A. 7-10 minutes, so that you have adequate time for the lesson
18
Page
D. Maximal v. Optimal
1. We are not trying to reach extremes of mobility, just adequate
mobility for exercise
B. Dynamic Stretching
1. Dynamic stretches more beneficial to prepare for dynamic
activity like Krav Maga
2. Elbows
3. Wrists
4. Knees
5. Ankles
VI. Games
A. If at the beginning of warm up, very light!
B. At the end of warm up, slightly more active
20
Page
SAFETY IN TRAINING
II. Essentials
A. First Aid
B. Communications
C. Emergency services
D. CPR
E. Audience or passersby
21
Page
IV. Students
A. Proper attire
V. Know Techniques
A. Inherent dangers (headlocks, chokes, etc.)
VII. Liability
A. Waivers v. moral obligation
22
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUES AND TEACHING POINTS
23
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Neutral or Passive Stance
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. None_______________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
24
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Fighting Stance
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #25
1. Weak side is forward; feet are one natural step forward and back, hip or
shoulder width apart; back heel off the ground______________________
2. Hands up around chin height; slightly away from your face; and apart;___
elbows down and in to protect the body___________________________
3. Shoulders and hips relatively square to opponent (do NOT blade your
body sideways too much)_____________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. Hands held down (often at chest height rather than chin height)_________
2. Stance too narrow, or feet not set far enough forward and back_________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
25
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Moving in Fighting Stance
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #26
1. Push off with back foot (relative to the direction you want to travel)______
2. Open the forward foot and then close with the rear foot to end up in the
same fighting stance__________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. Opening the forward foot, but then not closing enough, so the stance
widens too much; have the student bring the back foot with them.______
2. Stepping with the forward foot rather than pushing off with the back one;
this leads to a less explosive movement._________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
26
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Punch Mechanics
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #28
3. Striking surface varies by type of punch (fist, palm heel, eye strike)______
4. Punch through target (not just to the surface) and recoil immediately!____
Common Mistakes:
1. Lifting elbow to early, which makes the punch easier to see, exposes the
ribs, and sends the weakest part of the hand (pinky side) to the target.
Train to keep elbow down as punch develops.______________________
4. Students lean over hips, rather than rotate them. Have student focus on
rotating hips, rather than leaning body forward._____________________
27
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Left Straight Punch
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #29
2. Be sure shoulders and hips are relatively square in stance, so the forward
hand punch as power._________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. Same as “Punch Mechanics” above.______________________________
2. Lifting elbow early is very common in the forward hand punch; students
feel like they are getting more power (because the arm feels like it is____
moving more). Keep elbow down._______________________________
3. Students fail to recoil. Tell them to bring the punch straight back.______
4. ___________________________________________________________
28
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Right Straight Punch
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #30
2. Pivot rear foot “as though squashing a bug” to drive power forward. Hip
should rotate!________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. Failure to pivot rear foot OR pivot for its own sake, rather to to drive power
forward. Make student understand that pivot should drive power from the
ground, up through the body, into punch._________________________
2. Floating punch: hand penetrates target, then floats or drops down and
away, rather than recoiling. Very common, especially on rear hand punch.
Have student recoil immediately, like a piston in the cylinder.___________
3. ___________________________________________________________
29
4. ___________________________________________________________
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Palm Heel Strike
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE # 31
3. Rotate hand (as with fist) - this helps protect against sprained wrist____
4. This strike is slightly less powerful (but still strong) and a little safer (avoids
possible injury to knuckles and fingers.___________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. Curling fingers too much so top knuckles are exposed to impact. This can
hurt or jam the fingers. Fingers should be extended more, and flexed
back.______________________________________________________
2. Lifting elbow too early. NOTE: this strike WILL cause the elbow to roll out
a little more (physiology of hand position) but try to keep elbow down as
much as possible._________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
30
4. ___________________________________________________________
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Eye Strike
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #32
3. Fingers slightly flexed so that if they bend on contact, they bend naturally,
rather than hyper-extending._________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
31
4. ___________________________________________________________
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Straight Punches Moving Forward
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” NOT IN BOOK
2. The step should add power to the punch, but should not be too big (this is
different from the Advance, where we “burst” in).___________________
3. .__________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. Huge advance – students don’t need to cover enormous distance._____
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
32
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Straight Punches Moving Forward
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” NOT IN BOOK
2. The step should add power to the punch, but should not be too big.
3. .__________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. Huge retreat – students don’t need to cover enormous distance._____
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
33
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Straight Punch with Advance
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #33
3. Give the opponent an attack as you advance, rather than just advancing
where he is free to counter.____________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. Huge advance – students don’t need to cover enormous distance._____
2. Punch too early (battering ram effect) – the punch only needs to precede
the advance by a fraction.______________________________________
3. Heavy landing – be sure the student lands lightly enough so they are
ready for the rest of the fight.________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
34
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Straight Punch with Retreat
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #34
2. Punch can be made to head or body (head is better; body if you are also
slipping his punch).___________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. Retreat first, then punch: this is too late. Punch should be made as you
retreat._____________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
35
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Straight Punch Low
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE 35
2. Keep chin tucked, roll shoulder up; opposite hand comes over to help
cover.
Common Mistakes:
1. Student keeps head up, while punching low – drop head down so you can
stay covered!
3. Student fails to commit – this reduces powr and leaves head outside in
punching range. Commit to punch to strike to body has power, and gets
you inside his range.
4. ___________________________________________________________
36
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Hammerfist to the Side
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #36
2. As hand travels toward target, back of hand should face the target. Rotate
as contact is made, striking with “meat” part of fist (pinky side). As you
strike, other hand should come up to cover.
3. Hips must rotate and outside foot should pivot for power; stepping is OK
but hand should lead the motion; do NOT rely on being able to step all the
time.
Common Mistakes:
1. Winding up too much. The defender should not wind up before striking –
the strike will arrive too late.
2. Failure to pivot – students don’t turn hips. This strike will lack power. Look
for hip rotation and pivot of the foot.
3. Sliding off target – students sometimes “slash” along the surface of the
target, rather than breaking it. Be sure they break through!
4. ___________________________________________________________
37
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Forward Hammerfist
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #38
1. Hand may lift slightly upward, but not too much – do not lift it backward.
2. Strike downward, rotating shoulder and hip for power; drive with your legs.
3. Fist starts with palm forward toward target; rotate on contact for added
power.
4. Note that, from a fighting stance, the forward hand will be considerably
weaker; it is often better to make a rear-hand/forward hand combination,
so the second punch can load up.
Common Mistakes:
1. Too much wind up – students throw the hand back, which exposes their
face to danger.
2. Using arm only – if students do not use hip and leg, the strike will have no
power.
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
38
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Downward Hammerfist
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #39
2. As you strike downward, create power by rotating your hip and shoulder
inward and downward. Bend at the knees; do NOT bend at the waist.
3. As the fist descends, start with the palm facing downward. Rotate the fist
on contact to generate extra power, striking with the meat part of the fist.
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. Students bend at the waist – this reduces power and makes them lose
balance. They should drop their weight straight down by bend knees and
rotating hip inward, rather than bending over at the waist.
2. Sliding off target – students slide their hand along target rather than
breaking through it. Be sure they break through the target and recoil.
3. ___________________________________________________________
39
4. ___________________________________________________________
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Horizontal High Elbow Strike (Elbow #1)
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE # 40
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
40
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Sideways Elbow Strike (Elbow #2)
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE # 41
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
41
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Horizontal Elbow Strike Backward (Elbow #3)
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #42
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
42
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Vertical Elbow Strike Backward Low (Elbow #4)
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #43
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
43
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Vertical Elbow Strike Backward (Elbow #5)
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #44
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
44
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Vertical Elbow Strike Forward and Upward (Elbow #6)
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #45
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
45
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Vertical Elbow Strike Forward and Down (Elbow #7)
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #46
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
46
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Front Kick (Regular)
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #47
2. As kick develops, unfold knee. Be sure you hip travels forward! (Note: this
sometimes gives the impression that we are leaning our shoulders back.
This is not the case.)
3. Keep your hands up! Point toes; strike with instep or shin (shin preferred)
4. Recoil into fighting stance; you may land forward if this is tactically sound.
Either way, control your foot rather than just dropping it down.
5. Kick through the target; do not kick to surface, strike through to break!
Common Mistakes:
1. Hip stays back – students send the leg, but do not use hip; this kick will
lack power.
2. Student leans forward; similar to #1 above, if the student leans forward,
the leg and hip will not want to move.
3. Student drops hands; hands should stay up during the kick. Some
counterbalancing movement is OK.
4. Foot lands heavily; whether you land forward or back, control your recoil.
47
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Front Kick (Vertical Target)
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #48
Common Mistakes:
1. Leaving hip back; If the student does not involve the hip, there will be no
power.
2. Hands drop – students do this automatically for counter-balance. Allow
them to “pump” the elbow a little, but don’t let hands drop.
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
48
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Round Kick
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #49
Common Mistakes:
1. No pivot; students swing their leg without hip rotation – this lacks power
and may actually hurt their base knee. Students should pivot on the ball
of the foot.
2. Hands drop – hands should stay up, but may “pump” slightly for
counterbalance.
3. Constant stepping – some systems advocate always stepping into a round
kick; we allow for a step, but also train students to kick without stepping.
4. ___________________________________________________________
49
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Knee Strike
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #50
2. Pull your opponent in and/or down, and bring your bent knee up
explosively. Drive your hip forward and upward, with your toes pointed.
3. Strike with a small surface area just above the knee cap. Target areas are
the groin, midsection, or face. Recoil immediately for stability!
4. Alternate hold: Muay Thai clinch (a.k.a. double neck tie)
Common Mistakes:
1. Students throw their whole body at the target, rather than extending their
hip; this lacks power and takes them off balance. They should drive their
hip, not launch their whole body.
2. Students strike with their whole thigh – this disperses force. Strike with a
small surface area to get greater penetration.
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
50
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Round Knee Strike
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE # 51
2. As you strike, roll your hip in a similar fashion to a round kick to strike on a
horizontal (or diagonal) angle.
3. This kick is delivered to the side ribs, stomach, or head.
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
51
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: 360° Defense (Outside Defense)
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #54
1. Wrist to wrist; blade of your arm; bend in your elbow; put weight in your
defense!
2. On #1, be sure your defense is slightly forward, not directly overhead.
3. On #6 and #7, bend at the waist. Do NOT bend at the knees.
4. Do not think defense, think offense. Train to defend without moving the
feet (as though you are late). Later, if you are early, you can burst in.
5. Look at center of chest, do not follow each strike with your eyes.
Common Mistakes:
1. Students collapse their arms – they must put weight in their defense; think
of attacking the attack.
2. Eyes follow attack – if the student looks at one attack, he will miss the next
one; eyes should be “diffused” at center of chest, to see everything.
3. Bending at knees – this will bring the body closer to the weapon on a low
attack. Bend at the waist instead.
4. Students “hinge” at elbow in a circular motion – this is slower and weaker;
instead, think of sending whole forearm as a defense, extending from
upper arm and shoulder.
52
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Inside Defense against Straight Punch
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #56
Common Mistakes:
1. Slapping/overcommitting/big defense – students get nervous and make
much too big a motion. Have the attacker go slowly, and allow them to
see how small a defense they can make.
2. Defender moves hand inward, but not forward. If he does this, he can
only defend when the punch reaches his face. The defense should be
forward as well as inward, so you can defend farther from your face if you
react early.
3. Leaning out of the fight and/or retreating. Students should not think too
defensively: tuck the chin, trust the defense, and stay in the fight!
4. Hand gets dragged backward. This takes the hand out of position. Keep
enough tension/firmness in the palm to keep your hand forward. Let the
attacker’s punch slide off.
53
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Inside Defense against Straight Punch Low
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #57
Common Mistakes:
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
54
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Inside Defense and 360° against Punches
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #58
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
55
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Choke from the Front (Two-Handed Pluck)
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #60
Common Mistakes:
1. Students pluck downward. This inhibits the pluck, since the defender’s
shoulders are in the way.
2. Students pluck at the wrist or forearm, rather than the thumbs. This
reduces leverage. They should send their hands where they feel
pain…which is right at the thumbs.
3. Students use strength (reaching and grabbing, rather than plucking
explosively). Make sure they make one fluid motion.
4. ___________________________________________________________
56
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Choke from the Front (One-Handed Pluck)
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #62
Common Mistakes:
1. Students don’t pluck effectively. Make sure they reach deep enough and
pluck outward, rather than downward.
2. Palm heel strike is jammed or stifled. Make sure they dip their shoulder
under the attacker’s hand or arm.
3. Note: this technique is less instinctive than the two-handed technique, but
works well.
4. ___________________________________________________________
57
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Choke from Behind
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE # 63
Common Mistakes:
1. The defender doesn’t reach back far enough. Make sure they reach as far
back as possible to ensure plucking at the attacker’s thumbs.
2. Grabbing rather than plucking – be sure the defender makes a smooth
motion to pluck, rather than a grab/stop/pull motion, which relies on
strength.
3. Counter is not simultaneous. Sometimes students pluck first, then strike
the groin. Encourage them to flow directly from the pluck to the
counterattack.
4. There are other ways to finish (create distance, give different
58
counterattacks, etc.) but the student should NEVER finish with their back
to the assailant.
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Choke from the Side
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #65
Common Mistakes:
1. Pluck is shallow – the student should reach farther so they ensure
plucking at the thumb.
2. Students always step in to make the defense – they should never assume
they can move their feet first. Learn to make the pluck in your place.
3. When would this attack happen? It might happen of it’s own accord; or it
may be that the defender was facing the attacker when the choke
developed, but turned away as a defensive reaction, and the choke came
from the side as a result.
4. ___________________________________________________________
59
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Choke from the Front with a Push
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #66
Common Mistakes:
1. Defender does not put bicep to ear – this will not create leverage at the
wrist. The defender must get the arm up so that they attack the wrist area.
If the arm is too far from the ear, they will make leverage on the attacker’s
forearm, which he can resist.
2. Defender “sweeps” his arm across rather than stabbing to the sky. This
can work many times, but may get tangled up if the attacker’s elbows are
bent. KM prefers the stab upward.
3. Defender takes a large first step to “stop” the push. This step is unrealistic
and actually creates more pressure on the throat. An instinctive step will
be small (and there may be several of them). Rely on a rotation even if
you are off balance.
4. Defenders mistake the elbow #7 for the defense. This elbow just gets the
60
hands out of your way. It is the ROTATION that removes the choke.
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Choke from Behind with a Push
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #68
Common Mistakes:
1. Students take a big step to “stop” the push. This is unlikely and will
increase pressure on the throat. The student should rely on a small step
and a sharp rotation, even if they are not yet on balance.
2. Students try to turn back into the attacker’s arm, which does not create
pressure on the wrist. The turn should be sharp and in the place, creating
leverage on the wrist.
3. Is it OK to wrap your arm around the attacker’s arms, rather than trap with
the elbow? For some individuals, this may be acceptable, but as a
general exercise, the answer is NO. Wrapping the arm connects us too
much to the attacker, and is not good for smaller defenders and/or
61
inexperienced grapplers.
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Headlock from Behind (Bar Arm)
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #128
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Headlock from Behind (Carotid Choke)
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #130
4.
4. ___________________________________________________________
63
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Wrist Release: Same-Side Hand (Elbow to Elbow)
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #72
1. Roll your thumb toward the opening, blade of your arm leads the way; At
the same time, you’re your elbow to the attacker’s elbow.
2. Step back, creating distance, as your hands come up.
3. There is no need for counterattacks; the situation, by definition, does not
call for it.
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. Defender pulls the hand away, rather than taking the elbow forward. This
creates a “tug of war” rather than using leverage.
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
64
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Wrist Release: Opposite-Side Hand (Hitchhike Out)
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #73
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. Defender tries to pull the hand out of the grip, rather than using leverage.
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
65
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Wrist Release: Two Hands Held High
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #74
1. Roll the pinky side of both hands downward and outward, making leverage
against the attacker’s thumbs (the weak part of the grip).
2. Make the circle fairly tight – the wider the circle, the more the attacker can
compensate.
3. Complete the circle so your hands come up as you step back.
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. The defender pulls straight down; they must make a circular motion so
that they move against the weak part of the attacker’s grip.
2. The defender does not make a complete circle. This leaves the hands
down and the defender’s face open.
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
66
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Wrist Release: Two Hands Held Down
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #75
1. Bring both hands inward and upward; roll the thumb out the opening.
2. As you do so, curl your fingers and tuck your chin (this prevents
accidentally jabs at your own eyes or face).
3. Keep your hands up as you step back.
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
67
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Wrist Release: Wrist Held by Two Hands
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #76
1. With your free hand, reach between the attacker’s hands and grab your
own fist.
2. Lift your fist above the line of the attacker’s forearms.
3. Roll your elbow (of the arm that is caught) in a light imitation of elbow #1,
creating leverage against his wrists.
4. Step back and keep your hands up.
Common Mistakes:
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
68
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Back Position
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #77
1. Base foot close to your butt; other knee to your chest; head off the ground;
hips off the ground; hands up. Your chambered foot should be flexed
back.
2. Keep as little surface area as possible on the ground (less friction).
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. Knee is not chambered back – this means the leg is not really ready to
kick. The knee MUST be pulled back to the chest, ready to strike.
2. Hips are on the ground. This will reduce mobility and decrease the power
of a kick.
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________ 69
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Back Position: Movement on the Ground
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #78
1. Always keep your feet between you and the attacker! Use your planted
foot to turn and stop.
2. Keep the foot closest to the attacker chambered. If the attacker circles to
your left, keep your lift foot up. If he switches, you switch. This allows you
to kick him sooner, and makes it harder for him to get past your guard.
3. If the attacker is farther away, you can use your hands to help turn.
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. Defender lets the leg fall as he turns – this means he is not ready to kick.
Keep the chambered knee back at all times.
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
70
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Side Position
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE # 79
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
71
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Side Position: Movement on the Ground
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #80
1. If the defender moves to your live side, simply spin to follow him.
2. If the defender moves to your dead side, flip to switch your ground
position.
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes:
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
72
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Front Kick from the Ground
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE # 81
Common Mistakes:
1. Defender leaves his hips flat on the floor – the kick will lack power. You
MUST drive power into the kick.
2. Defender kicks, but does not recoil. Make sure you recoil every kick, even
if you are tired.
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
73
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Round Kick from the Ground
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE # 82
1. This kick is very much like a round kick from a standing position. It is
made when the attacker tries to get around your guard. Strike with the
shin.
2. For added power, make a slight scissor motion of your hips, rolling the
bottom hip underneath and the top hip over. Chop slightly downward as
you kick, aiming for the sides of the attacker’s knee.
3. The kick may be done with either leg; however, your base leg will be
stronger.
4. Recover by pulling the bottom knee up and turning both feet toward the
attacker. The most immediate recovery position is usually a Side Position.
Common Mistakes:
1. Students don’t scissor their hips. This will result in a) no hip rotation at all
or b) the top hip rolling way over, slowing the kick down. Students should
think of the bottom hip rolling underneath a little, to create a more dynamic
rotation.
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
74
Page
4. ___________________________________________________________
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Side Kick from the Ground
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE # 83
1. Although we call it a side kick, this is really the same stomp as a front kick,
just delivered from the side position.
2. From the side position, use your base arm to push off and generate more
power.
3. The kick is usually delivered to the knee or shins.
4. Recoil immediately!
Common Mistakes:
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
75
Page
LEVEL ONE
TECHNIQUE: Getting Up
“COMPLETE KRAV MAGA” PAGE #84
1. Assume there is a small distance between you and the standing attacker.
2. Sit up and put one hand on the ground. The opposite foot should go to the
ground, and the same side leg/foot should come up, ready to kick. Your
free hand should be up, guarding your face.
3. Lift your hips off the ground. Swing your kicking foot and hip back on a
diagonal (do NOT try to swing straight backward). Once your hip and leg
are back, then reach your foot farther back behind you.
4. Stand up, moving back to create more distance.
5. NOTE: if the defender cannot get up using one hand, he may put both
hands down. This means his head is unguarded, but it’s better than not
getting up at all!
Common Mistakes:
1. Defenders put their base foot down in FRONT of the other foot, stopping it
from being used as a kick. One foot should be free and ready to kick.
2. Defenders swing their hips straight back. This is very difficult unless you
are very flexible. Swing your hips on a diagonal.
3. Defenders put their foot down right beneath their body. This means they
will probably stumble backward, rather than gaining balance. They should
put the back foot well behind them.
76
4. ___________________________________________________________
Page