Krav Maga and instinct

Krav Maga and Natural Instincts

The question “what is Krav Maga all about?” is frequently asked by many people who begin training in the system.

A common answer instructors give to that question is “Krav Maga is about natural instincts” meaning, using the human body's natural responses, and turning them to your benefit in a fight.

Is that really true? Can a person turn his natural response into a benefit in a fight?

I'm sure there's many different opinions, and answers to that question. However, my opinion on that question, is absolutely not. I don't think a person can relay on his natural instincts to win a fight.

I believe a person should never give an opinion about anything, on any subject, unless he can back it up with real facts, or at least what he believes to be real facts. So, here's how I formed my viewpoint on this subject. Over the years, I had the privilege of training literally thousands of people worldwide, including Soldiers, Special forces, police, professional fighters, and just good people looking to know how to fight back, and protect their families. I've watched with great satisfaction, as many of them grew from frightened little creatures to courageous warriors.

Naturally, of course some of them had more talent than others, but eventually anyone who wanted it badly enough reached a great level, through hours and hours of working on their skill. Nonetheless, through my observation, I can say without a doubt, that none of them used instinct. Furthermore, humans are creatures of habit, not of instinct.

So what changed in all those people? Their mind set. Through hard work, and real training they realized that to win a fight, a person must attack the attacker, and be more effective than their enemies. Their attitude changed to warrior mode.

So “what is Krav Maga all about?” it's about forming the habit of thinking like a warrior, understanding that losing is never an option, and because of that training to fight, and move forward no matter what, and win the fight.

Train Samrt,

Sharir R,

ICCS Head instructor