Kevin LewisKrav Maga (Idiot's Guides)

Martial arts and warrior fitness has been my passion for 7 decades. Having been a student and instructor of numerous systems (Judo, Jujitsu, Karate-Do, Boxing, Tactical aerobics, American Combatives, Tai Chi, Qigong, and several blade and weapon arts) I am always seeking to learn more on these topics. One of the self-defense arts I had training in at the Illinois State Police Academy was a Krav Maga intense 6 day – 8 hours a day training program for Police defensive tactics instructors from not just Illinois but all over the country. This was many years ago and two of the Krav Maga instructors at that time were the founder, Imi Lichtenfeid and Darren Levin.I have read numerous Krav Maga books over the years and when I saw this interesting and informative 224 page soft cover volume (Krav Maga: Idiot’s Guide as easy as it gets by Kevin Lewis & David Michael Gilbertson) on Amazon for a bargain price I purchased it. I love the way this Israeli military self-defense system is presented in this book. The way this text is organized makes it a pure joy to read. Even though I was familiar with most of the techniques, tactics and methods; nevertheless, I found it a fantastic review of the material I learned more than 25 years ago at the Police Instructor’s class.This wonderful book is organized into four detailed parts covering an introduction to Krav Maga, getting into the right mind-set, Krav Maga techniques and Krav Maga training. This book explains what Krav Maga is and the origin of the system by Imi Lichtenfeid to the Israeli Military. It further emphasizes the system’s basic principles and shows the essential basic techniques and numerous self-defense scenarios using the Krav Maga techniques. The last part is also excellent showing training methodology to become proficient in Krav Maga.I always emphasize this important point, even in my own training self-defense training manuals: Books are fantastic but they are best when used when combined with actual hands-on training with an instructor. This includes this excellent book. If you take lessons from a competent and experienced Krav Maga instructor the information contained in this book will come alive for you.Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Tactical Principles of the most effective Combative Systems).

Great Book. Easy to read and use. Saw at a book store and instantly wanted. Thanks Amazon.

My first impressions of this book: A thorough introduction to all aspects of krav maga and self defense, not just the history and technique. The visual presentation is outstanding, and as a beginner, I do not find the whole book overwhelming, in fact, it's encouraging me to continue with learning krav maga and committing to it. As a 46 year old female, I really appreciated that at least half (but probably much more) of the photos show the woman as the defender. I think the sample pages that are provided give you an good idea of what the entire book is like. This is the book I am buying for all my nieces, from high school to college age, to introduce them to it.

Good basic guys for beginners to evaluate the approach to krav. Probably only P1 guide and leaves out more advanced things.

The author is amazing! He not only has done great things but knows how to share so others can learn and master these life saving techniques.

This book is great. I've read others but this one has such precise instruction, clear text and photos that it really makes Krav Maga come alive. You can read, see, learn and study the moves perfectly. Recommend it highly to anyone who wants to learn or learn about Krav Maga.

I thought this book would provide more beginner material in defending actual attacks. While the photos are nice, they, actually don't show the movements very well. I liked that they featured a woman on the cover, but, the defenses did not seem to emphasize attacking a man's vulnerabilities as I was led to believe krav maga emphasizes. Overall, unfortunately, I am disappointed in its contents.

Perfect for the beginner/intermediate. Much better illustrated then any Krav Maga book that I have seen!

Simple to understand very basic

Only read half so far but reminds me of the responsible of fighting. Describes the frame of mind involved in fighting. Instruction on fighting and defence

The Pros:- Krav Maga is a proven defence technique- Everything is in small bit sized chunksThe Cons- The descriptions are not clearly communicated so its hard to follow the stances required.- The level of entry is high and there is no introduction to training- Too much waffle and less practical- This does not work well in a book- Waste of money