Krav Maga Weapon Defenses. David Kahn

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Weapons of Opportunity

      Before we begin to examine krav maga weapons defense techniques, it is helpful to review how a weapon of opportunity might enter a previously unarmed conflict. Not only must you be aware of a person’s hands, body posture, and any pronounced threats, you must also be mindful of potential weapons of opportunity within his reach. For example, take a moment to look around you to improve your fighting chances. What could you immediately grab to use as a weapon or a distraction? Of course, your opponent could use the same object(s) as well. Remember, whatever you could use—so could an opponent. Anything and everything portable could possibly be used as either a weapon or a distraction. Here is a partial review list of how krav maga loosely groups weapons into the six categories:

      1) Blunt objects. These include impact weapons, flashlights, stones, chairs, magazines, books, garbage can lids, briefcases, bottles, shoes, and wrenches.

      2) Edged or point-like objects. These include broken bottles, keys, scissors, pens, forks, and cooking thermometers.

      3) Flexible elongated objects. These include belts, chains, ropes, jackets, and towels.

      4) Distraction objects and irritant liquids/sprays. These include keys, coins, watches, loose papers, cellular phones, jewelry, clothing, perfume, spittle, and aerosols. Note that certain liquids or sprays may result in a temporary or even more permanent blinding effect.

      5) Defensive shield-type objects. These include chairs, briefcases, duffle bags, garbage lids and cans, car doors, and other shield-like objects.

      6) Immovable environmental objects. These could include such varied things as using a curb to upend an assailant, racing around a parked car when being chased to then turn opportunely on the assailant, ramming an assailant’s head into the ground, wall, or vehicle.

      The following chapters show the most common weapon threats and attacks. There are any number of variations on these types of assaults and threats. Due to the number of photos that can be depicted, not every variation can be covered or mentioned. Neither can every technique can be shown in its entirety; however, the core weapon disarm-removal techniques are noted where applicable. Importantly, in some cases involving impact and edged-weapon defenses, after using a combative to disable the attacker, retreating, or escaping even when the weapon can be safely controlled or removed, may be the preferred option.