A Close Quarters Self-Defense

Krav Maga is roughly translated from Hebrew to mean “close-quarter fighting.” It is a highly effective martial art that utilizes a combination of strikes, grapples, throws, locks and holds. Krav Maga originated from street fighting techniques of Jewish gangs defending themselves in the tough ghettos of Bratislav in the 1930s. Krav Maga was developed in Czechoslovakia in the 1930’s by Imi Lichtenfeld. After the nation of Israel was born, Krav Maga was adapted and further developed by the Israeli security forces.

Krav Maga is more effective for close-quarter combat than many other styles of mixed martial arts. Unlike most Asian martial arts, it was born in the modern era. This makes it a very “applicable” system of self-defense. While Karate and Kung Fu were developed to for individuals to defend themselves while traveling the dangerous highways of feudal Japan, Korea and ancient China, Krav Maga was designed to be used in the tighter confines of an urban setting.

Being a modern martial art, it also provides reliable techniques for defending oneself against an opponent armed with a gun or knife.

Close-quarters fighting in Krav Maga is about using simple, direct movements to neutralize an opponent quickly. It is a fighting style developed on the streets and perfected on the battlefield. There is no sporting federation or points system involved. Groin strikes, joint breaks, eye jabs are all legitimate close-quarters fighting techniques that can be learned and used in Krav Maga.

Close-quarters defense in Krav Maga is reliant on several factors. Technique is of course essential but so is awareness, discipline and aggressiveness. Unlike many martial arts that are embodied with a non-violent code, aggressiveness is vital in it. Close-quarters fighting in Krav Maga is about ending an encounter quickly and when necessary, brutally.

Discipline is key because without it is impossible to master Krav Maga; and awareness is key because it allows you to head off or avoid conflicts before they arise. In worse-case scenarios, awareness can help you determine when it may be necessary to launch a preemptive strike.

The training is meant to be realistic in nature and to prepare students in the event they should find themselves in a close-quarter encounter with an assailant. Many of the techniques used in Krav Maga are popular with mixed martial arts competitors for their effectiveness in bringing down an opponent.

Close-quarters defense in Krav Maga is not really something you can learn by just reading about it. In order to really learn the techniques, you need training from qualified professionals.

Crabapplemartialarts.com and Crabapple Martial Arts Academy has been selected the nation’s #1 martial arts schools for SIX YEARS IN A ROW by the American Budokai International!

Founded in 2013 by Mr. C. Matthew White a 5th degree Black Belt in Karate and 6^th degree Black Belt in Jiu Jitsu, and Master Instructor, Crabapple Martial Arts and Karate lessons for pre-school children ages 4-6, and elementary age kids ages 7 and up, are designed to develop the critical building blocks kids need – specialized for their age group – for school excellence and later success in life.

Crabapple Martial Arts Adult Karate training is a complete adult fitness and conditioning program for adults who want to lose weight, get (and stay) in shape, or learn self-defense in a supportive environment.

Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at

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 or call directly at 770-645-0930. You can also visit our website at CrabappleMartialArts.com.

About C. Matthew White, Renshi:  Matt is a fifth-degree black belt in a traditional Japanese and Okinawan Martial Arts – Shuri Ryu Karatedo. He is also a sixth-degree black belt in Japanese Jiu Jitsu – Shintoyoshin Kai Jiu Jitsu, and a master instructor with the title of Renshi, which means Scholar in Japanese.  Matt has a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Physiology. He has been training and teaching martial arts for over 27 years and has owned Crabapple Martial Arts Academy since 2013. Renshi White is a motivational speaker and educator and teaches seminars in bullying, business, and martial arts training, around the world.

Crabapple Martial Arts Academy Headquarters is in Alpharetta, Georgia at 12315 Crabapple Road., Suite 124, Alpharetta GA 30004. You can locate the Chief Instructor, Sensei Robert Reed there or directly at (770) 645-0930.