LEVEL 1 OVERVIEW

Level 1: Introduction to Krav Maga

Summary

This entry-level class is designed for new Krav Maga students. It focuses on teaching the basics of self-defense and fighting. Students will learn essential techniques, including Krav Maga’s fighting stance, movement, punches, kicks (both standing and on the ground), and elbow and knee strikes. Defensive tactics include responses to punches, chokes, headlocks, and wrist grabs. Training two times per week allows students to complete the curriculum in approximately four months before progressing to Level 2.

Overview

The Yellow Belt serves as the foundation for learning Krav Maga. All new students begin at this level, referred to as "Level 1." The curriculum teaches core strikes (straight punches, elbows, front kicks, and knees) alongside defenses against common chokes and headlocks.

Key concepts such as explosive movements and simultaneous defense-and-counterattacks are introduced here, setting the stage for future learning. Training at least twice a week will allow students to complete this level in four months.

Curriculum Highlights

• Combatives:
  Combatives include strikes such as punches, kicks, elbow strikes, and knees. These movements are critical in both fighting and self-defense, designed to neutralize threats effectively.

  • While primarily ballistic, other actions such as biting and scratching may also be used.
  • Even if your focus is only on self-defense, learning combatives is crucial to remove immediate and subsequent threats.

• Defenses and Self-Defense:
  Self-defense tactics address situations where the attacker has committed to an attack, catching you off-guard. Key techniques include:

  • Punch Defenses
  • Choke and Grap Defenses
    These techniques cover responses to surprise punches, chokes, bearhugs, headlocks, and wrist grabs.

  Key Principles for Effective Defenses:

  • Rely on natural reactions.
  • Work for individuals of all sizes and strengths.
  • Address immediate threats and incorporate counterattacks.

• Soft Techniques:
  Used when the goal is to neutralize a situation without harm (e.g., removing a drunk person’s grip). If the situation escalates, students should transition to harder techniques.

• Ground Fighting:
  Students learn to fight from the ground keeping attackers at bay and getting back to your feet:

  • Getting up From the Ground
  • Movement on the Ground
  • Front kicks
  • Round kicks

Level 1 Mindset and Tactics

Mindset:

• Situational Awareness:
  Students develop a habit of staying alert to their surroundings, recognizing exits, and perceiving potential threats.
• Fight Back:
  Students overcome the natural freeze response and take proactive measures to defend themselves when necessary.

Tactics:

• Get Off the X:
  Move off the line of attack to disrupt the opponent's targeting.
• Create Space:
  Gain distance to assess the situation or prepare for further engagement.

Progression to Level 2

Upon completion of Level 1, students will attend a Yellow Belt workshop and test into Level 2. Training an average of two times per week allows students to complete this level within four to six months.