MASTERCLASS PRO takes our Masterclasses to the next level.
Learn how to take the individual self defence techniques and strikes you study in our Masterclass feature and merge them into natural and effective combinations in MASTERCLASS PRO.
Study how you can mix and match different upper and lower body strikes, with different ranges and angles of attack.
In our NEW and EASY format, these are broken down in 10 simple steps for you to train.
This MASTERCLASS PRO covers the defence against SOFT BREAK-FALL BACKWARDS and KICKING FROM THE GROUND to immediately strike back against an attacker who’s caused you to fall and is moving in for further attacks,
When balance is lost, to fall as safely and as ready as possible, apply the following biomechanics - from head to feet:
Drop chin down towards chest (to avoid head bouncing onto the floor). Keep this head position whilst falling and whilst on the ground.
Move hands up in front of your torso, with elbows in front of your lower chest/abdomen (to avoid elbows bouncing onto the floor and with hands up ready to protect you on landing. Keep hands in this position throughout the fall. DO NOT use your hands to ‘soften’ the landing by putting your palms down towards the floor. Your body weight (and additionally, that of an attacker connected to you) can damage or break one or all of your wrist/elbow/shoulder joints.
Lower your glutes (as if you’re sitting down) towards the ground, aiming to fall on an angle to the side connecting with the floor with only one side of the glutes.
Continue the fall by rolling on the same side along the back (to protect the spine from uneven surfaces or objects on the floor) until the shoulders connect. Exhale on impact to prevent being winded.
Stop the movement by keeping the opposite foot onto the floor throughout the falling motion (to avoid the momentum forcing you to roll over).
The falling-side foot should be moved back into a position with the knee out and the sole of the foot in a 90° angle with the heel close to the opposite knee with toes out, protecting the groin from a kick, whilst recoiled and ready to kick out if required.
KICK TO THE KNEE
Extend the elevated foot (the one at a parallel angle to the floor, protecting your groin) straight forward and aim at the attacker’s knee. The connection to the knee may vary according to your attacker’s position, either front or to the side. Your leg should remain in a 90° angle to the attacked knee throughout, optimising your striking surface. Aim beyond the knee and fully extend your leg, by lifting up your pelvis as you strike. Recoil immediately back to the starting position. Breathe out as you kick.
KICK TO THE GROIN
Extend the elevated foot (the one at a parallel angle to the floor, protecting your groin) upwards towards the attacker’s groin, as you change the toe position also upwards to fit the foot between the attacker’s upper legs. Aim beyond the groin and fully extend your leg, by lifting up your pelvis up from the floor as you strike. Recoil immediately back to the starting position. Breathe out as you kick.
KICK TO THE TORSO - BOTH FEET
Lift and retract both legs by bringing your knees up towards your chest with the pelvis off the ground and only your upper back in contact with the floor. Explosively extend both legs together as you aim the feet together with toes facing straight upwards at the chest area of the attacker. Connect with flat feet. Aim beyond the chest and fully extend your legs by lifting up your pelvis up from the floor as you strike, leaving only the upper back or shoulder on the floor. Recoil immediately back to the starting position. Breathe out as you kick.
After all kicks, land back in order to continue fighting, moving or standing up. See our MASTERCLASS for MOVING AND STANDING UP FROM THE GROUND for further information.
Pictures: Krav Maga Master Gheorghe Husar filming with The Krav Maga Educator Orjan Pettersen for online tutorials.
Find the full video in Spartans Academy of Krav Maga courses on www.Spartans-Edu.org.
Find all our MASTERCLASS PRO articles by clicking on the theme selection on the website home page. Chose MASTERCLASS for individual strikes and techniques.