Krav Maga Teaches Practical Uses For Self Defense

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – You always think it won't happen to you. Getting robbed or attacked by somebody you don't know, and not being able to do much about it.

Yesterday we talked about the self-defense system called Krav Maga. The whole point of Krav Maga is to keep you safe from those situations.

Here are some practical real life scenarios that Krav Maga can get you out of.

How many times has this been you? You're walking to your car, on the phone and carrying bags. Distractions can make you vulnerable to attack, or maybe you aren't distracted at all.

Instead, you're riding your bike on the greenway and then it happens. Somebody comes after you, and they're not afraid to get violent with you to get what they want. Krav Maga is a system to fight back so you're not a victim.

"The approach to Krav Maga is that it's simple, intuitive, easy to learn, easy to retain," said Gail Boxrud, who teaches the class.

Krav Maga, which translates to "contact combat," is a self-defense technique developed in Israel for the military.

"They needed a simple, effective system that anybody could do," Boxrud said.

And it doesn't have to be pretty. Unlike other martial arts techniques, this isn't a sport.

"It's all designed to help you survive a violent encounter on the street. With the hope that we never need it," Boxrud said.

Gail and her team watch the news for crime and attacks and develop techniques to help you protect yourself against them. Recently, they've taken notice of flash mob attacks.

"They're just out to cause trouble and you can't reason with them, you can't give them your wallet.  You're hopefully increasing your chances of not getting seriously hurt by fighting back.  And the hope is that they will move on," said Boxrud.

There are a few things to keep in mind with Krav Maga. You're encouraged not to fight for things, money, cars or anything actually. It's just a fight for your life, Boxrud said. She said it's not about winning the confrontation.

"We encourage you to fight back until you can get away," Boxrud said.