Krav Maga is a modern martial art developed by the Israeli military, designed specifically for self-defence and real-world combat situations. Unlike many traditional martial arts that focus on formal techniques and kata, Krav Maga is pragmatic, incorporating a wide range of strikes, joint locks, disarming techniques, and defences against both armed and unarmed attackers. What sets Krav Maga apart is its focus on simplicity, aggression, and efficiency, training practitioners to neutralise threats as quickly and effectively as possible. The art emphasises natural movements, encouraging students to use their instincts, and it teaches how to deal with sudden, unexpected attacks. It also incorporates training in stressful, high-pressure environments to mimic the mental state during an actual attack, something that differentiates it from more traditional martial arts that focus primarily on technique.

Krav Maga was developed by Imi Lichtenfeld, a Hungarian-born martial artist, in the 1930s. Initially, Lichtenfeld used his knowledge of boxing, wrestling, and street fighting to protect Jewish communities from fascist groups in Bratislava (now Slovakia). After immigrating to Israel, he refined his methods for the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), adapting his techniques for military personnel who needed to protect themselves in unpredictable, life-threatening situations. Over time, Krav Maga evolved into a system not only used by the military but also by law enforcement agencies, security personnel, and civilians worldwide. As it gained recognition for its practicality and efficiency, Krav Maga became widely available as a civilian self-defence system, taught in schools and training centres across the globe.

Unlike many traditional martial arts, Krav Maga is not primarily designed for competition, as its focus is on real-world self-defence rather than sporting achievements. The training is centred around practical, scenario-based drills, including dealing with multiple attackers, defending against weapons, and escaping from dangerous situations. However, there are some Krav Maga-related competitions, particularly in areas that focus on physical fitness and self-defence skill assessment. These competitions often involve obstacle courses, timed challenges, and scenario-based exercises, where participants demonstrate their ability to handle realistic threats in a controlled environment. The emphasis in Krav Maga training and events is on practicality and self-preservation, rather than points-based competition or performance in kata. Because Krav Maga’s techniques are designed for immediate survival rather than sport, most training is focused on preparing practitioners for real-life situations rather than formal competition.