About Krav-Tardemet
Krav-Tardemet is one of the many martial arts originating from Israel (in hebrew Krav=fight, Tardemet=knockout). Tardemet is specifically aimed at self-defence. Thus, it is composed of punches and kicks (like Taekwondo, Karate, ...), locks (like Aikido), grabs, strangles, as well as take-downs and sweeps (like Judo, Brasilian Jiu Jitsu, ...). In addition, it deals with the defence against weapons, which is extremely useful in this current time, where armed aggression is becoming more and more frequent. In Krav-Tardemet one thus finds the defence agains knives, daggers, sticks, baseball bats, broken bottles, pistols...
The defences necessary for women are specifically taught, as women face very particular types of dangers. Given that the techniques are not performed using strength but by avoiding the attack, the defensive system taught in Tardemet stays highly practicable for women and even children.
The distinctiveness and originality of Krav-Tardemet lies in the use of acupuncture points during counter-attacks. Placing one's thumb on a particular acupuncture point forces an assailant to loosen a strangling hold. Other points are more suited for releasing a knife from the opponent's grip or to force him to back away or fall. The use of such points is highly spectacular, especially when done by someone of small build, as this permits a very simple defence against a larger and stronger opponent.
The efficiency of Krav-Tardemet has caused certain elite units in Israel, Europe and the USA to adopt it, in addition to numerous bodyguards and security agencies. The rule is to apply Tardemet for defensive purposes, but not only for one's own protection: there is the defence of another person, whether protecting one's family and relatives, or professionally as a police officer or security guard in a shop. The combat is oriented towards the neutralisation of the adversary through disarmament, a lock or an immobilisation - it is not aimed at his death.
Krav-Tardemet is also an enjoyable and ingeniously conceived pass-time and thus many people practice it for years in the form of a club. Only few rare individuals move on towards a professional application in the police or as a bodyguard.
The grade of Black Belt is attributed after approximately three years of practice to all those who have studied efficiently all the basic defences against grabs, strangles, knives, sticks and pistols. However, this is only the beginning of an enriching activity, which can so enjoyably lead to the mastery of the body, the spirit... and the adversary!
