Inspired by “Krav Maga” is yet another Middle Eastern martial art form known as Urban Krav Maga. This “hybrid” combat style is said to have originated from Israel and has been developed using elements belonging to a variety of forms such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Muay Thai, and Mixed Martial Arts or MMA. Furthermore, this style of combat was basically developed as a form of “self-defense” against street attacks. In addition, Urban Krav Maga has been created using “technique” rather than “strength”, and hence is perfectly suitable for women.

 History/origin of the Urban Krav Marga:

Apparently, the Urban Krav Maga was developed in 2008 by a martial artist Stewart McGill who also is a senior instructor at the British Combat Association. It was in Israel that McGill learned the art of Krav Maga through an association known as the “International Krav Maga Federation” (IKMF). Furthermore, a martial artist known as Leo Negao joined McGill as a senior instructor. Now, Negao was trained in Vale Judo, MMA fighter, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. And so it was using the martial art knowledge shared by Negao and McGill that a unique combat system known as “Urban Krav Maga” was developed.

The weapon used in the Urban Krav Maga:

The “hands and feet” of the fighter is mainly used as a weapon in this form of combat.

The technique involved in the Urban Krav Maga and training availability:

In terms of technique, the Urban Krav Maga essentially focuses on methods that would help pre-empt a move and thereby kill a full confrontation before it has been initiated. And so a fighter in this style of combat makes use of moves such as chokes and pushes. In addition, this combat form is based on a principle that states the following:

• Avoiding confrontation first and foremost by talking to the attacker / defusing the situation in the simplest way possible
• If it is clear that the situation escalates, executing a pre-emptive attack
• Assuming the majority of street fights last a minute or less
• Attacks need therefore be short and intense, making use of pressure points like eyes, groin, throat, fingers, etc.
• Getting out of the situation as soon as the threat is neutralized – students are taught to be aware of their surroundings and likeliest exits

As for training centers/schools, there are few available especially in countries such as United States, Canada, Brazil, Italy, Greece, and Colombia for those interested in learning this “hybrid” combat form.

image credit ')}