Customer Reviews

Krav Maga (Five-Disc)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is a set of 5 DVD's that include the basics of krav maga self defence system. Krav maga is considered to be one of the most realistic self defence systems around, as the approach of the system is to concentrate on realistic self defence techniques, instead of sport-like aspects. I have practiced Krav maga for about 6 months now, and I purchased this set to support my training. Therefore, I had the chance to see how this instruction compares to the hands-on instruction I receive in my Krav maga class.

Generally speaking, the instruction in the films is good (or even very good). There are some techniques that are not taught in very detailed manner, but generally the instruction is good. There are also some techniques I found less than realistic for real life self defence, but generally the techniques are realistic. The techniques vary in difficulty from 1st degree (basic) techniques upward. I don't know at what level the most advanced techniques are, but I know that there is at least one 5th level technique included. On several occasions, the instructors mention that there will be more films with more advanced techniques.

The production of the films is generally speaking OK. The films have been filmed with only one camera, but usually that is enough. There are enough repetitions and narration in every technique to make it possible to understand the techniques. On top of that, they have broken most of the techniques down into learning stages, to further ease the learning. On some commercials, they mention that the set includes written instructions of every technique. There is no booklet included, however, as the instructions are written on-screen.

The set is available also on VHS, but DVD version has some extra material. Usually this means two extra techniques (there is no extra material on the Introduction film). The set includes five films: Introduction (the history of Krav maga), Basic combatives (the basic techniques), The best defense (defense against unarmed attack), In the line of fire (defense against handguns) and On the edge (defense against knife attacks). As the films are sold also separately, I have written more detailed reviews for each film separately.

I want to echo the sentiments of the previous reviewer. He is correct on all points.

I like Krav Maga for its simplicity and effectiveness. Although more popular as a self-defense form here than in Israel, it has proven its effectiveness in many confrontations as an amalgamation of boxing, jujutsu and weapons systems. Quite Nice.

The dvds are high quality, but there is no book, as advertised. The scenarios are very real, common and taught clearly. The price is very fair, too.

If you like this, you might want to check out Bas Rutten's dvd on street fighting and the whole catalogue of Systema DVDs (Russian Martial Art by Vladimir Vasiliev).

Safe training. Enjoy!

This DVD set is a great training aid. Good step by step instruction, breaking each move into actionable, bite size chunks. The quality of the instructors is self evident as well as the over quality of the production. For me, it's a great way to learn/focus the techniques before/after drilling into them in class.

Personally, I am a big fan of Krav Maga as it presents a realistic system of self defense which is easy to learn and more importantly, easy to remember, should you ever need it.

Krav Maga is stripped of all the superfluous, flowery and complicated martial arts movements that often require years of training only to prove ineffective on the street. Krav Maga is taught not only to the Israeli army but to Israeli citizens as well.

Each DVD is devoted to one subject area:

1. How to Punch, Block, Strike, Kick.
2. How to defend against a knife attack.
3. How to defend against a gun.
4. etc.

No, the DVDs won't turn you into Bruce Lee but if your goal is just to learn an easy system of self defense without devoting years of training to it, I would recommend these DVDs. I am also a fan of the Haganah system and anything by the Krav Maga instructor Moni Aizik.

This was an exellant purchase. It contained all of the info on Krav Maga as far as civillian self-defense was concerned. The DVD's where in great condition and the graphics where well lit and shot with great detail. If you are looking to protect yourself and want to train in the privacy of your home these are the DVD's to obtain. But remember partner practice is the key to building your skills so that they become second nature.

This package are simply amaizing!!! the tecniques are very easy to learn and very efective, and the instructors teach step by step in diferents angles and diferents situation, this is a product you should have if you need to learn personal defense in an easy and fast way.

This is a five pack DVD set. Overall, the techniques are well explained and demonstrated. The product is reasonable value for money: philosophy and approach are well explained; techniques are demonstrated in real time, broken down into segments, demonstrated from different angles and placed in real life scenarios. Delivery and packaging were excellent.

DVD 1 "Introduction to Krav Maga" (24 minutes running time) is less interesting than the Wikipedia entries and presented in an enthusiastically dull way. It's well meaning but of marginal interest or value.

DVD 2 "Basic Combatives" (89) and DVD 3 "The Best Defense" (78) are solid basic self-defence techniques for the forms of assault most likely to be encountered in real life.

DVD 4 "Line of fire" (77) is about handgun defence. There is no call for that in civilian life in New Zealand so frankly I only had a passing interest.

DVD 5 "On the edge" (83 minutes) deals with knife attacks. I thought the techniques were low on machismo, high on practicality. Nicely done for the most part.

On the down side, I got tired of the revved-up overly dramatic introduction segments - they're like low budget programme trailers or adverts, and they seem to go on forever (although if you get Sky Sport you'll be used to that ;-) The perm-haired American instructor has a soporiphic delivery and I found the Israeli instructor a struggle to understand.

On the positive side, the most important part of the DVDs - how to effect the techniques - is done very well.

Great set of Krav Maga videos, it won't teach you Krav Maga like as if you went to a real class but is a good supplement.

I thought I would learn more Krav techniques while recovering from getting beat down throughout a few months of actual classes. Not so much. You really need the physical contact to grasp the concepts.

This video set is great. It is a bit dramatic at times, but I would still buy it again. The book Called Compleate krav Maga is a great book too.