Krav Maga is, at the core, about movement. In fact, Krav Maga is about a high-intensity, purpose-filled series of movements that create both a response to aggression and intentional counter-tactics. Often, however, the physical act of linking movements can create issues in efficient movement throughout a technique.
Early on in my Krav Maga training, I realized I was making a myriad of mistakes in completing various techniques – specifically, techniques that required quick changes of direction, either with my entire body or simply a single limb. To be successful, I slowed down (super slow motion). And, to stray just a bit from the purpose of this article, I want to impart that it’s critical to slow down when you’re solving a problem like the ones being highlighted now.
In slowing down, I am able to (1) identify the specific points in a technique where a change of direction occurs, and (2) recognize where specific, unwanted breaks or pauses in my movement can occur. Our focus today is on the first topic – locating specific points in a technique where a change of direction occurs. These change in direction points offer both an opportunity to excel and fail.
To excel, consider how you are moving from the initiating movement to the point where there is a considerable break in direction. Ask yourself, how can I move to this place more quickly AND set myself up for a clean break from one directional movement to the following required movement?
Without changing the technique or violating principles, the answer (in broad strokes) is to develop physical queues that signal (to you) that something new and different with your movement needs to happen immediately (as you feel the physical queue).
In the video provided, I’m using a handgun defense to illustrate this point. Enjoy!
