At AIKI - Krav Maga Israeli Martial Arts Federation we
educate and train students to counter verbal and physical
violence and help decrease violence in our community.
Aiki - Krav Maga is a martial art method aiming to train students in self-defense through teaching efficient techniques...

About Aiki Krav Maga Method and self defense Krav maga

Ami Niv

Aiki Krav Maga and self defense krav maga is a martial art system dedicated to educating its students against verbal and physical violence.

Ami Niv developed Aiki Krav Maga and self defense krav magain the mid 1990's; its roots derive from the Krav Maga martial art with many additions from Aikido and Jiu- jitsu. Aiki Krav Maga and self defense krav maga is a dynamic martial art, constantly evolving and trying to find better solutions to deal with the many forms of violence encountered today in most societies.
Aiki Krav Maga and self defense krav magais first and foremost an educational system with the primary objective of teaching its practitioners respect for self, parents, teachers and any human being, together with humbleness and tolerance. These values are emphasized in training (especially in the children's classes) and are expected to be carried over into ones everyday life, in order to stimulate personal growth and a better community to live in. Furthermore, we believe that when the student internalizes these values, they in return will give the practitioner a deeper understanding of the Aiki Krav Maga and self defense krav magasystem and of martial arts in general.

The name Aiki Krav Maga and self defense krav magawas chosen for two reasons: first, it translates from Japanese- 'Ai', means harmony and 'ki' means internal energy; secondly, when written in Hebrew it is an abbreviation to Israeli martial arts.
From an ideological point of view, Aiki Krav Maga and self defense krav maga differs from other martial arts because it attempts to combine an educational direction typical to soft martial arts, such as harmony, tolerance and calmness with the ability to face 'street violence' (confrontations with no rules), which require simple, efficient techniques and aggressiveness. This combination requires the instructor to prepare the practitioner mentally, physically and technically for any 'street' confrontation against one or more attackers (armed or unarmed (.

The defensive and offensive techniques taught in Aiki Krav Maga and self defense krav magaare comprised of linear and circular movements that are easy and natural for the body to perform. The system combines punches, elbows, kicks, knees, throws, chokes, arm or leg locks and other useful techniques needed in a street confrontation. In more advanced studies the objective is that every technique will end with the assaulter neutralized on the ground and the defender ready to 'take on' any other assailants. In addition, the students are taught how to use and defend against knives, bats or clubs. In later stages the practitioner will also learn how to defend against guns or rifles threats                   

The training in Aiki Krav Maga and self defense krav magafocus on four components: technical skill, physical capabilities, mental capabilities and simulations of different scenarios (which require a combination of the first three components). From a technical perspective the objective is teaching the practitioner efficient and effective techniques to deal with various violent encounters and that these techniques are performed instinctively so that reaction time when attacked is decreased. Improving mental capabilities in training will help the practitioner improve his function under extreme stress situation, keep 'cool' and think rationally when he needs to defend himself in violent encounters. Improving physical capabilities such as cardiovascular fitness, strength, speed, agility and flexibility will give the practitioner tools to effectively execute the techniques that he has practiced. Finally, practicing in simulations of different scenarios, with the practitioner under stress, will combine technical skill, physical and mental capability. In these scenarios we try to bring the practitioner as close as possible to a real event in which he needs to protect himself or others. The student's objective is to effectively diffuse the situation as fast as possible with minimum injury to himself or other bystanders.

During training the student will be exposed to four major subjects (depending on the practitioner's level in the system). The basic subject is self-defense, which teaches the student to defend against a single attack, counter attack and finish the confrontation by neutralizing the attacker. The second subject is street fighting, which trains the student a sequence of defenses and counter attacks that develop into a fight. The third subject is martial arts, which teaches basic techniques from various styles of martial arts and attempts to give the student a better understanding of Aiki Krav Maga and self defense krav maga uniqueness and a broader perspective within the martial arts. The last subject is anti-terror hand-to-hand combat, which is taught to advanced practitioners or specific security forces. These units require dealing with complex situations involving one or more terrorists (or criminals) with firearms or when holding hostages. In these instances, usually more than one person will be needed to diffuse the situation, therefore, beside the individual skill level, strategy and coordination among a team is practiced.

Aiki Krav Maga and self defense krav maga has received international recognition in November 1999 by the "world union martial arts federation" and since then Ami Niv(the founder of Aiki Krav Maga and self defense krav maga ) is giving exposure to the system in various martial arts seminars in Europe. In addition he teaches courses around the world to specialized forces in anti-terror and criminal enforcement.