P1 Training Program

Preliminaries - Principles of Attack

Principles of attacks. We have a tool such as a hammer. Certain technique can be done with the hammer, this type of punching and hammering, and that …

Members only content

Sign up and get instant access!

Video transcript

Principles of attacks. We have a tool such as a hammer. Certain technique can be done with the hammer, this type of punching and hammering, and that one can be done in many, many variations. The fist is an example for a tool, and with this tool, with this fist we can do a certain technique such as the straight punch. The straight punch can be done in different variations, combinations, different heights, attack with the left, attack with the right, advance, retreat, defend and attack, attack in different combinations with other attacks, and in many, many other options. Attacks can be straight and circular.

We have five plus one major directions of attacks. Two horizontal, to the left and to the right, two vertical, up and down, and straight in and straight out. The same thing can be done with the legs, meaning we have upwards and downwards kicks to the left and to the right, inward and outward, and straight forward. Maybe not all the kicks are extremely practical for all situation in the street, but these are the main possibilities. Naturally we also have all variations, meaning all different angles, all diagonals. Three striking distances: the long one with kicks. The middle distance is a distance of the punches, the straight punches, the length of the arm. The short distance for strikes is suitable for elbows, hammers, knees, uppercuts, headbutt and so on.

Series of attacks. Attacking while covering the distances from the long, through the middle, to the short distance.

 

P1 Lecture/Theory I

B. Ready Stances and Movements

  1. The meaning of starting positions and the ready stance (AKA "outlet stance")
  2. Passive and semi-passive stances
  3. The general ready stance
  4. Techniques of moving in various directions from the ready stance
  5. Finishing modes -- 3 options: move away; scan the area; get equipped

C. Straight Strikes

  1. Palm-heel strike (first straight strike to be taught with left / right hand)
  2. Closing the fist and punching
  3. Straight left punch (to chin)
  4. Straight right punch (to chin)

Notes: Punches are first practiced from a semi-passive stance;
later from a general ready stance. Practitioner should understand
principles of attacks and proper way to make a fist.

D. Elbow Strikes

  1. Horizontal elbow strikes:
    1) inward; 2) sideways; 3) backward

E. Hammer Strikes

  1. Vertical:
    1) forward; 2) downward; 3) backward
  2. Horizontal:
    1) sideways; 2) backward

F. Kicks

  1. Knee strike -- upward
  2. Regular (front) kick with the ball of the foot / instep (to low or higher targets)
  3. Stomp kick -- downward
  4. Stomp kick backward - at knee level (foot position between a side and defensive back kick)

Note: Kicks should be taught first from the passive stance, later from other stances.

G. Combinations Using Learned Attacks

  1. Short combinations (with simple 2-6 strikes / kicks)

General Note: Emphasize recoiling in all attacks (especially straight punches and regular kicks).

H. Outside Defenses

  1. 360° outside defenses - with simultaneous counter-attack from a passive stance (against slaps and later against defined punches)
  2. 360° defenses as above, with finishing mode - multiple counter-attacks; move away; get equipped
  3. Defending against knife attacks - underhand hold (upwards / oriental) or overhand hold (downwards / regular / ice-pick) holds; simultaneous defense and counter-attack/s, then fast retreat

I. Inside Defenses Against Straight Punches from a Semi Passive Stance

  1. Inside defense -- with sending (vertical) palm sent diagonally forward
  2. Inside defense and counterattack - forcing the opponent's hand down (1.5 rhythm)

J. Leg Defenses Against Regular Kick

  1. Inside defenses (deflection) against a regular kick - using the shin of the front leg

K. Defending Against Front Chokes

  1. Timeline (Distance; see Section R: "Simulation and Tactics")
    • Avoidance -- move away
    • De-escalating -- verbal
    • Preventing I (don't get grabbed) - kick and/or punch
    • Preventing II (don't get grabbed) - defenses
      1.1 Preventing III (don't get grabbed) - educational block
  2. Release; pluck with 2 hooked palms and counterattack with knee/shin and/or punches
    2.1 Variation -- pluck with one hand; simultaneous counter
    with the other

K. Dealing with Falls

  1. Get up from the ground
    1. Forward, with attacks
    2. Fast disengagement
    3. Into a ready stance
  2. Forward soft break-fall (towards a wall; from a standing position; if needed, from knees)
  3. Forward roll - right shoulder for right-handed practitioners

L. Releases While on the Ground

  1. Release from a front choke; assailant kneeling by the defender's side - pluck, push and insert knee; push and kick

N. Using Common Objects as Self Defense Weapons

  1. Identifying and categorizing the use of common objects for self-defense, such as: shields, clubs, stones, sharp-edge weapons, small objects, rope and liquids.
  2. Using common objects of the shield type - such as a chair or bag.

O. Training - Watching, Awareness, Prevention

  1. Observing attacks being initiated, from a realistic distance
  2. Same as above, but also foreseeing and imagining possible reactions

P. Returning Attacker (defend -- attack -- defend)

  1. Following the defender's initial defense (a choke release; 360 defenses) and counter-attack, the opponent is still able to return and attack again, launch a circular attack (360)

Q. Simulation and Tactics

  1. Timeline (Distance) -- against an attacker attempting a front choke. See section L above.

1. Reaction Games / Fighting Games

  • Snatching a coin from open palm; touching/hitting games; pushing games; "rooster fighting"; etc.

2. Attacks and Defenses

  • Starting Position - Attacks are first done from a passive or semi-passive stance, later from a general outlet stance / ready stance; and then attacking to various directions.
    Later, practice to various heights, in retreat or while advancing, as well as from other positions, such as sitting or lying down.
  • Outside Defenses -- Against straight punches sent from the front or off-center when defender's hands are "crossed".
  • Shadow Sparring -- Footwork and positioning with basic attacks, defenses, counterattacks and combinations.

3. Four Against One

  1. Push with 2 hands or grab to choke (1 attack every 2 seconds)

Note: One can start with the "zombie" game, hands are straight.

Ready for the full length instructional videos?

Join krav maga students, instructors, martial artists, military / law enforcement personnel and self defense beginners from all over the world and become a member of eyal yanilov's maxkravmaga today!