Krav Maga, literally meaning hand to hand combat in Hebrew, is a hand to hand combat system that is famously used by the Israeli Defence Force and widely known for its realistic and brutal counter-attacks. This electric fighting system incorporates striking techniques, grappling and wresting manoeuvres, and strictly places a strong emphasis on realism and efficiency.
The origins of Krav Maga can be traced back to its founder, Imi Lichtenfeld, a successful boxer and a member of the Slovakian National Wrestling Team. During the 30's Slovakia, Lichtenfeld was forced to defend his own Jewish neighbourhood from anti-Semitic attacks, thus quickly realising that fighting sports such as boxing and wrestling have little in common with real life combat. Working closely with fellow Jewish fighters and wrestlers, the very basic foundations of Krav Maga was created. It was when Lichtenfeld served in the Israeli Defence Force as Chief Instructor of Physical Fitness and Krav Maga that he fully developed and refined his fighting system.
Today, Krav Maga grows in popularity with well over a thousand schools worldwide. Melbourne offers only a handful of schools that teach Krav Maga, therefore the more the reason to work out a sweat and learn something new.
Guardian Defence
Guardian Defence, located along Sydney Road in Brunswick, have classes that are designed to 'accommodate individuals of various skill levels and fitness'. Founded by Adori (Bubble) Kearns, who has had experience of being a victim of violence herself, Guardian Defence was dedicated to create a fun, friendly and supportive environment where one can train in Krav Maga regardless of gender, physique or martial arts experience.
Krav Maga Melbourne
Krav Maga Melbourne is longest running Krav Maga School in Melbourne and is operated by Darrell Dodds and Mark Bowman, both who have received training from former Chairman and Chief Instructor of the IKMF (International Krav Maga Federation) and student of Imi Lichtenfeld, Eyal Yanilov. Krav Maga Melbourne is located at the Melbourne Fitness & Martial Arts Centre opposite the Queen Victoria Market and classes are scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
IDF Training
Located along Caulfield Rd in Hawthorn, IDF Training is operated by former IDF Solider Avi Yemini, who served three years with the Golani Brigades in Israel.
'Provide different options for different people while still maintaining the reality-based theme of the training'. IDF Training is definitely a training centre dedicated to fitness and self defence with Mixed Martial Arts, Brazilian Jujitsu and Boxing classes also available.
Scenario Training at Krav Maga Melbourne
Krav Maga is a fighting style that has been tested and proven. It is efficient, realistic and logical. Whether you're skinny, fat, strong, weak, tall, short or uncoordinated, Krav Maga will prove that you can overcome your current weaknesses to become a human defence weapon. Classes may be tough, intense and gruelling, but hey, this was designed for the Israeli Defence Force, and if you get through a class, who knows what else you can achieve.
