THE WHY WE DON’T BELIEVE INTO KRAV MAGA

AND OTHER “BULLSHIDO” ARTS

First thing to understand: when it’s time to defend yourself, to fight or when you are engaged, it’s time to hit hard, fast, and efficiently. You are not efficient when you’re focusing trying to strike a pressure point, grab a wrist, finger, or aim for the eyes or throat with fingers. Not at all. The chances of successfully doing that in a real-life situation, especially if the attacker knows how to fight, and in addition if you are a woman, are about 2% or less. Every fight is different, and we’re not talking about sports or UFC MMA fights with a referee (Which can still be violent). No. On the street, there are no rules. None. It’s you versus the threat, and it could be a matter of life and death. When your life is at stake, you don’t rely on tricky, ineffective techniques that have a 2% chance of working. When it’s time to fight, you use your fists, shins to kick, knees, elbows, and even your head as a last resort. You could also end up on the ground, which is a whole other game. And I can tell you that Krav Maga or any other “bullshido” practice is nonexistent in such scenarios.

But what is Krav Maga, officially, in its definition?

Krav Maga is a military self-defense and fighting system developed in Israel. It focuses on real-world situations and is known for its extreme efficiency. The name “Krav Maga” translates to “contact combat” in Hebrew. It was originally created for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Israeli security forces, and it has since spread to civilian training programs worldwide. Overall, Krav Maga is widely respected for its practicality in self-defense and is used by military units, law enforcement, and civilians seeking real-world protection skills.

Beautiful dream right ? If I have to say something positive, it’s that Krav Maga use some few techniques that might be useful when a military, security agent, or police officer needs to control a suspect who is already apprehended and in an uncomfortable position. But they are not from Krav Maga itself.

Now, who am I to make such statements about Krav Maga and other so-called “bullshido” arts?

I’m no one special, just someone who has experienced many street fights, like a lot, sometimes involving knives, as well as sports fights with 8 years of Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu practice, and military situations that often involved physical contact and weapons like guns or knives. Some might say, “But the military practices it.” Yes, a few units or individuals might train in Krav Maga, but does it work? Do they use it in real situation? No. I trained in a Special Forces regiment, and none of us trained or used it. The few people who practice a combat sport do Boxing, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu, and some do Judo. All the techniques we learn aren’t from Krav Maga; they are practical techniques to control an individual. For example, if you are under arrest, we might have to cuff you, force your arm, and put you in a very uncomfortable position. Jiu-Jitsu or Judo teaches that. But when you fight, you fight! You don’t try sketchy stuff for the show.

Let’s dig deeper into Krav Maga: It’s a money grab. They give you grand definitions like the one above, making you think that practicing Krav Maga will make you untouchable, like Rambo. No. You’ll be misled, and these people will put you in dangerous situations by telling you that all their techniques are effective and safe, no matter who uses them, men or women it’s not. They also make you practice against dummies acting in slow motion, allowing you to perform techniques. Real life is fast, hard, dangerous, and merciless. That’s why I write this article. They put people in danger and take their money by selling dreams that could turn into nightmares if they encounter a real threat and try to use these techniques.

It’s simple: I’ve never seen Krav Maga, Systema, Ninjutsu, Jeet Kune Do, or any of these other “bullshido” disciplines succeed against someone who practices Boxing, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, or similar disciplines. I dare any practitioner of Krav Maga or other similar arts to challenge me anytime, anywhere. Even though I don’t seek fights, I’d offer a situation where you could try any technique to prove they don’t work in real-life situations—especially for women. Yes, they target women, who are easier targets and generally weaker than 95% of men, and more vulnerable. They sell them dreams for crazy amounts of money. Unfortunately, some women face real danger and realize none of it works.

So what does work?

Since the beginning, all I’ve shared is my personal and honest opinion, backed by real-life situations, training, tests, and experience. So if these dream-like practices don’t work, what does? The answer is simple, and here’s my personal top 10 combat sports or practices based on effectiveness and danger in real-life situations:

MMA / Russian Combat Sambo
Muay Thai
Lethwei
Kickboxing
Jiu-Jitsu / Judo
Taekwondo
Karate
Boxing
Wrestling
Filipino Martial Arts

Why do these martial arts work?

Because there is nothing more deadly and effective than natural movements or reflexes like kicks or punches that are trained and controlled. Few people know how to fight properly, which means being in control of their body and mind while knowing their limits. Knowing how to throw a punch or kick is not easy, but it’s more instinctive than all the “bullshido” techniques you find in disciplines like Krav Maga. The ground aspect of fighting is underrated. If you’re good at striking (stand-up), that’s great because you can usually keep distance from an opponent and avoid trouble. But the problem starts when someone—good or bad—takes you down to the ground. Then the fight can turn quickly. Just watch an MMA fight where a striker faces a wrestler. The striker might lead, but if taken down, and if there’s a difference in training, it can become a nightmare. Ground fighting is completely different, physically, technically and cardio-wise.

In the street, there are no rules, so practicing a variety of martial arts (both striking and grappling) is the best approach.

I could go on, but I think you understand my point. You’ve been warned. Now, if you don’t believe me, go try Krav Maga. Then try to apply it, even against a beginner in Muay Thai or someone who has nothing to lose on the street. Bon chance. I challenge any Krav Maga practitioner to prove me wrong in a fight. This is just to show everyone what’s real and what’s not. It’s for the good, not the ego.

Now, go sign up for a membership at a club that teaches one of the top 10 martial arts/combat sports above. It’s not just a sport—it works on the street, for confidence, self-defense and fitness, believe me. I don’t have time for “bullshido” dream-selling here.

Take care and stay safe.

“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” — Sun Tzu

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