How to Use Hammer Strike Moves for Krav Maga

Developed in Israel as a form of hand-to-hand combat and still used by Israeli military forces, krav maga, or "close combat" in Hebrew, is gaining popularity in America as a form of real-life self defense. Krav maga is not considered a sport, therefore there are no organized competitions or special clothing. Learning to use hammer strike moves is an important part of beginning krav maga.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Place yourself in the basic krav maga neutral position. Your feet should be about shoulder width apart with your dominant leg behind you. Lift the heel of your back leg, pressing your toes and the ball of your foot into the ground. Keep your hands up in defense position with your fists at shoulder level.

2. Make a tight fist with your dominant hand, just as you would for a standard punch. Lift your arm slightly and as you push out, strike down as well, impacting the target with the bottom of your fist, like the head of a hammer. Your arm should not straighten out during the punch, rather keep your elbow bent and thrust down, just like you swing a hammer.

3. Add weight and leverage to the hammer strike by rotating your body with the outward swinging motion of your punch. Push out on the toes of your back leg as you thrust the hips forward into the swing. Make sure that you keep your opposite arm up at all times in defense position.

4. Practice krav maga hammer strikes with both hands as you never know when you may not be able to fight with your dominant hand.

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