Krav Maga Combatives: Maximum Effect

As a student of Martial Arts, I have unfortunately learned to be skeptical of all teachers because some teachers I have had in the past have turned out to be narcissistic, egotistical primadonas whom were only concerned with money and their own welfare. I particularly avoid "black belt factories" whose primary concern is to churn out belts rather than make sure each student has a grasp of the material before being invited to test.At Mr. Kahn's school, some students progress less quickly because they are just not ready yet, most waiting at least a year to test depending on the intensity of their training and their ability to grasp and retain the material. And I appreciate that, as do most of his other students. I'd rather be slowed down than handed a belt I did not deserve or earn. As an adult with ADD, it takes me a little longer sometimes to understand a technique but Mr. Kahn and his teachers will review a technique for me until I get it. I also love that everything we learn is practical and stems from natural movements, making them easier to adopt into our natural instinctive defense movements and to master. It's very practical; not pretty, but effective. Some martial arts are pretty, but they won't save your life when met with a life-threatening encounter.Mr. Kahn's knowledge of the law is evident, and he always preaches de-escalation wherever possible in his books and his classes. It took me a while to decide whether I was going to train at his school or not. For months, I paid per class, sort of "window shopping" before deciding to commit. One of his teachers, Mr. Frank, would just keep telling me at the end of each class, "just keep showing up. See you next week." And so I would, and now I love it. I'm also not very easily star struck. I was brought up believing that everyone puts their pants on one leg at a time, no matter their status. Over time, I saw that Mr. Kahn and his teachers are real deal. You won't get a better education in self defense at any other school. Read the book. Decide for yourself. Most likely, I'll see you in class. You won't find a better Krav family.God bless you.Denise Valdes, LMT

Having served 18 years in the military and 10 years in law enforcement as both a patrolmen and lead instructor.  I have participated and taught many Use of Force and self defense classes. I was also in charge of my units Combatives training for two years as a drill seargent.  I have also trained in shorei goju karate and fillipino kali.  Martial arts and self defense systems are only as good as the source, the curriculum, and most important, the instructor. I currently reside in Fort Bragg, NC. I prefer Krav Maga over all current self defense systems. Unfortunately the several schools in my area are sub standard. David Kahn is the real deal. Whenever I have the free time I make it a point to drive the seven hours it takes to get to NJ to train along side him and his instructors. They are the source of real krav Maga. The design of his books and DVDs emmulate that of a legitimate curriculum. When I show up for class I'm easily able to keep pace with my fellow students.  Every time I leave his school I learn more in three hours than I'd learn in 12 months of training in other locations.  The DVDs and books give you everything you need. "The devil is into the details" and failure to teach and comprehend the details as an instructor can have deadly consequences.  David is a direct pupil of Heim Guidon, the successor of Imi Lichtenfield, the creator of Israeli Krav Maga in the 1940s. Bottom line up front, David Kahn is the best source there is in the US for Israeli Krav Maga. All other Krav schools I've come across are a pay to play (buy my black belt) McDonalds version of the system.

I have purchased and read this book. I am currently 66 years old, boxed for 4 years in college, and have a black belt in Shotokan Karate. I very much value my experience as a boxer and practicing martial artist, as it has taught me discipline and good goal setting, which has been invaluable during my life (I was a navy attack pilot for 22 years in my first career, and am currently a practicing lawyer). I have recently begun training in Krav Maga ("KM") at a local dojo. I have reviewed many KM materials from different authors and practitioners, and have found David Kahn's materials to be first rate and at the top of my go-to materials. I have purchased and reviewed almost all of David Kahn's written and video materials, and can say without hesitation that these materials are the best, with the most practical advice. The materials are concise, easy to follow, and easily adapted for self-defense. With that said, even with book/video knowledge, you need to practice by getting with a good dojo, or a practicing Kravist, to learn KM and practice, practice, practice for muscle memory. Hopefully, you will never need to use it, but it is a good tool to have to draw upon if needed. David Kahn's materials are a great place to start a solid foundation in KM!

This is an outstanding Krav Maga manual for Street Self-defense and Civilian Combatives. The illustrations of techniques are superb and the explanation of the law in regards to making a successful self-defense claim and excessive force statutes are extremely useful to help avoid legal trouble in the unfortunate event of a street altercation. The only beef I have with this book is David Kahn's discrediting of other Krav Maga systems and instructors. There are several other outstanding Krav Maga instructors, many with even more hand-to-hand combat experience than him, such as Branimir Tudjan, Moni Aizik, Boaz Aviram, Mark Slane, Darren Levine, Gershon Ben Keren, Alain Cohen, Eyal Yanilov, etc. He should spar with these other instructors before he makes a claim to be the best, since all of the above mentioned teach outstanding Civilian Combatives. But ultimately, this book will definitely teach you how to kick some butt in a real streetfight!

Like all this author's works it is grounded in effective self defence techniques. Simple is best seems to be the watchword. There are only two krav author's I recommend and whose books bear continual referral...David Kahn and eyal danilov...

Great book however mine was damaged slighted before arriving.

As usual from David, an excellent resource for practicing Kravists or just anyone looking to get a better understanding of no bullshit techniques!

Alles wat David Kahn uitbrengt is zijn geld meer dan waard!

Liked the systematic approach to a realistic self defense system