The latest fitness craze to sweep the nation is the Israeli defensive martial art of Krav Maga. While it is strikingly similar to karate, Krav Maga is an amalgamation of techniques from a wide variety of martial arts from around the world.
Krav Maga’s fight training centers on real world situations and can unleash extremely brutal counter attacks. Krav Maga can teach a person an amazing self-defense strategy, but it is also an amazing cardio and muscle workout. Krav Maga practitioners are amazingly fit and have an astounding lung capacity due to the intense nature of Krav Maga training. Moreover, Krav Maga is a workout that is best performed outside with lots of open space. For a new and interesting cardio workout, try Krav Maga.
The Israeli Defense Force and law enforcement agencies use Krav Maga for protection. The techniques of the sport developed out of the Jewish Quarter of Bratislava in the mid 1930s. Imi Lichtenfeld, a Jewish martial artist, developed Krav Maga out of the street fighting and professional boxing techniques he had learned fighting off Fascist groups in Slovakia. Once he immigrated to Israel, the Krav Maga technique was developed into its modern form.
Krav Maga combines elements of boxing, Muay Thai, Wing Chun, Judo, jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and grappling along with several real life street fighting techniques. This being said, practitioners of Krav Maga can unleash a terrifyingly strong amount of power against opponents; however, part of the Krav Maga philosophy is to attack only when being attacked.
To begin a pursuit of Krav Maga, it is necessary to train at your local Krav Maga center. While lessons are required, this is a great exercise to perform in a spacious outdoor location. Practicing the fighting moves for Krav Maga strengthen nearly every muscle in the body, but particularly require a lot of cardio strength in order to be successful. Students are taught to target an opponent’s most vulnerable muscles groups. Also, students are taught to do this with maximum efficiency and speed in order to make the attack as efficient as possible. Running around practicing these dozens of attacks will give the same benefits, if not more, as would a quick jog or a ride on an exercise machine. Krav Maga is a great way to begin building self-confidence, strength, and cardio capacity.
Krav Maga has a belt system, much like karate, in which students earn belts based on their skill level. With a lot of practice this spring, you can be well on your way to your first belt. Be sure to search for your nearest Krav Maga center to begin learning this amazing skill and exercise today. Remember to try it outside for the most pleasant workout experience.
