Krav Maga, Close Combat and Reality Check

Military Krav Maga (MKM) is the official Israel Defense Forces (IDF) training method for close quarters combat (0-7 meters). In most close combat situations, the soldier is caught off-guard, thereby necessitating an immediate and effective response. The training program includes self-defense instruction against hand-to-hand attacks, attempted stabbing, firearm abduction, and kidnapping. Coordinated team combat and ground combat utilizes advanced material, which is taught to the majority of combat soldiers at the end of their training period in full-contact gear.

Data collection was carried out through video analysis and interviews with individuals involved in the attacks. Most of these attacks involved stabbing, with 60% directed at the security forces, with a third of those attacks against soldiers. In some cases, the stabbings included vehicular attacks, with disarming attempts taking place in groups of two and three.

Attackers` methods involved the use of disguise and verbal engagement of the victim beforehand. The stabbings generally targeted the upper torso, focusing on the face and neck. Targets were both individuals and groups. The victims’ behavior consisted of hand-to-hand combat and firearms. Freezing up or huddling on the ground was common.

Based on these findings, we recommend: 1) Self-defense instruction against the knife during at least half of MKM training sessions; 2) Instruction on the use of firearms or disarming techniques based on the attackers` behavior; 3) Empty-hand knife disarming training for all combat soldiers; 4) Coordinated team defense training for all combat soldiers; 5) Using an uncooperative attacker during the training’s final exercise; 6) Additional aggression drills in non-combat soldier training.