The way of Imi Lichtenfeld Sde-Or, founder of Krav Maga
The way of Imi Lichtenfeld Sde-Or, founder of Krav Maga
Imi Lichtenfeld Sde-Or stated "Krav Maga self- defence is not for violence. Act the best you can but act correctly."
I dedicate this article to the memory of the founder of Krav Maga and my teacher, Imi Lichtenfeld Sde-Or, 05/26/1910-08/01/1998. I believe he will be very happy to read this article.
The importance of a method of warfare that will provide you with complete self-defence is immense in a world where terrorist crime and violence is not foreign. Today our world is full of violent attacks and crime. If we do not know how to defend ourselves, we are doing nobody a charity. It is important to look for a method of warfare which provides self defence and the ability to "act the best you can but act correctly" and as per Eli Avikzar "do minimum defence against maximum offence." One also needs to "Perform the technique as a reflex, in a non-thinking manner and control the other attackers." Ami Niv.
Unfortunately, there are many instances we may encounter which will force us into a battle we do not want to be caught up in-a bully, a violent, drunk teenager damaging the environment, a terrorist carrying out an act of terrorism... If we are not ready and do not take measures to restore our security when attacked, we can be hurt badly or killed.
When speaking of Krav Maga the first thought is how to defend yourself and secondly is how to attack. This method of warfare is not intended to attack innocent people or to enhance the status of violence. When I speak of Krav Maga I speak of fighters that learned Krav Maga from Imi Lichtenfeld Sde-Or, developed it in their own way, but have not forgotten the roots, that being self-defence. I speak of those who developed Krav Maga, adjusting to their days as did Imi Lichtenfeld Sde-Or, Eli Avikzar, and I, Ami Niv.
The essential difference between a violent attack and self defence is when we are defending ourselves we do not want to get hurt. We therefore build offensive and defensive ends that will leave us neither bruised or lacerated. If we need to use physical response it will be done to neutralize the opponent through professional techniques built during practice.
KMA - Krav Maga Aiki, evolved from Imi Lichtenfeld Sde-Or and Eli Avikzars 'Krav Maga.' A practice of self defence and face to face combat in the army. According to their beliefs these techniques should start at a level reflective not cognitive. It takes into account the fact that attackers can join from all sides and cause serious damage. It also reflects on the need to improve and develop self defence skills in dealing with terrorists, thugs and street gangs.
Today there are many martial arts whose goal is to expand their horizons and fighting styles. They wish to be better athletes and warriors and thereby arrive more ready for battle or a fight. For that they need to "perform the technique as a reflex, in a non-thinking manner and control other attackers." There are some instructors who will try to take advantage of Krav Maga and make it a method of warfare and violence to significantly hurt the opponent. The fundamentals and adherence, however, of true Krav Maga and its understanding of "first self defence" do not allow this. Due to the important concept rooted in training "making a minimum defence against maximum offence" makes it very easy to distinguish who uses combat to attack vs to defend one's self.
Self-confidence: the best defender in life is confidence. When we act in a state of confidence it is highly likely that we will succeed. When people learn KMA - Krav Maga Aiki, from organized reputable coaches they will have instilled upon them a training to deal with the physical and emotional stress for when they encounter situations of violence in the street. Only abundant confidence will make the difference between serious injury or a disabled opponent.
KMA-Krav Maga Aiki is the ideology to raise fighters as self defence weapons and attack when necessary while maintaining human rights and freedom. Imi Lichtenfeld Sde-Or and Eli Avikzar, my mentors, with whom I have spent many hours, have always emphasized these principles on nurturing a trainee. To nurture the child from an early age the parent must bring them and register them with experienced instructors, for the child to develop his own personality and teach him to deal with violent attacks.
Ami Niv Aiki Krav Maga sees himself as a teacher and educator of his students in cooperation and full support from their parents. It's the only way we can succeed and provide our students with the right skills for life.
Senior Lecturer and Consultant of anti-terror and international law
Senior instructor in Special units of anti-terror
Direct follower of Imi Lichtenfeld Sde-or
10th Dan Krav Maga 6th Dan Jiu Jitsu 4th Dan Aikido
Founder of Krav Maga Aiki
