Best Techniques Superior Krav Maga
Points of entry
BY MOSHE KATZ 
CEO
ISRAELI KRAV INTERNATIONAL

April 22, 2026, Israel

Tonight in class, in our 'Krav Maga Laboratory', we will be reviewing and analyzing techniques. I was viewing a defense that popped up on social media, a defense vs a shirt grab. This is a common situation, a common attack, that can easily escalate into a very dangerous and even lethal situation. A shirt grab is not to be taken lightly.

The defense offered, might work. It involves speed, several steps, precision and strength, all the points that we advocate against. In our system, IKI Krav Maga, the principle is all techniques must be

Easy to learn
Easy to apply in diverse situations
Easy to Remember.

In addition, we say that no technique should depend on the Three Amigos, the three unreliable friends: Strength, Speed, Precision.

Now, on the surface, the technique offered by this other style, could work; if you are fast, strong, precise and have a bit of luck. However, there are flaws which any master instructor should spot immediately. Failure to spot these flaws is an indication that a practitioner is "not quite there yet", still lacks understanding in his Krav Maga development. 

In this particular defense what were the flaws and why would that be an issue?

For a single-handed shirt grab with a strong twist of the garment, he begins with his same side arm going under the opponent's grip (step 1), next he brings his opposite side arm over the top to the inside of the opponents' forearm (Step two)  and strikes down on the opponent's' arm (Step three) and then twists it (step four) leaving the Attacker in agony and shouting out loud, (good video effects).

My issues, first, there are too many steps. These steps involve precise movements, precision, they involve Speed, and they involve Strength. 

The Issue: In a real violent encounter, when you are caught by surprise, by a likely larger and more muscular opponent, you will not have the presence of mind to do all these steps. Anxiety and Nervousness are the enemy of Speed and Precision. Now everything is working against you, think of this; you are caught by surprise, grabbed by a stronger, meaner aggressor, and now you must remember these steps precisely, move one arm under his arm etc...

Next: My next set of issues is what I call Points of Entry - I look at a technique, and I see where the Aggressor can enter your defenses, in this situation when you weave your arm under this arm, causing you to turn towards him and exposing the side of your head, directly vulnerable to a strike, Bang, at this point he can say, forget the shirt grab, this Victim is trying to do something funny, and he hits you in the face and follows with more blows. In other words, your first move creates a Point of Entry for the Aggressor, and he uses that to clobber the living daylights out of you. In this particular defense I spotted three such points, but when you watch the beautifully choreographed video on social media this might not be obvious to you. If you are an IKI instructor, you should spot this. If you find this type of video impressive, we need to talk.

Escape/Exit - Another key factor is the Point of Exit. This means - are you, the intended victim, creating opportunities for your Attacker to escape, or to exit? If so, they can give up the original plan, in this case the shirt grab, let go as you try to grab them and do your little tricks, and then they just go Neanderthal on you and beat the crap out of you. So they see what you are doing, give up the original plan, let go of the grip and go crazy over you. Now the situation is worse.

Getting away - My final point is while you are doing your defense, while you are in the process, are you, A. Staying near the opponent, i.e. within striking distance. B. Actually moving closer to the opponent while you are doing your nice technique. or C. Moving away, outside of his striking range, into a Safe Zone? Which one describes your system? 

In IKI Krav Maga, all our defenses immediately move us away from the danger zone and create distance from the Aggressor. 

There are good techniques and there are superior techniques. There are techniques that require a few well-placed, well-timed moves to get you out of trouble and there are strategies that get you out of the most imminent danger immediately. This is the difference between good, and superior. Not everyone will notice this and that is what many instructors count on. Our best clients are educated people who can spot the difference and understand this. We are not Flash and Trash, we are real, serious, dedicated researches, your safety comes before our image. 

Comments

This is one of the reasons that you have one of the best systems! You are always adapting and evolving, you are always open to ideas and improvements.

Never stop learning!

Sheresa Waller, USA

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Moshe Katz, 7th dan Black Belt, Israeli Krav Maga. Certified by Wingate Institute. Member Black Belt Hall of fame, USA and Europe.

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