Complete Krav Maga: The Ultimate Guide to Over 230 Self-Defense and Combative Techniques Paperback – May 28, 2007

I really enjoyed the book. The progression of the book is done really well. It takes the reader from the basics to advanced moves very easily. Although it helps if the reader has had some fighting expreience, I have been practicing Martial Arts for over 20 years, the moves are simple and effective. I picked the system right up but someone with no Martial Arts experience may have some difficulty. Actually nearly all the techniques I had already been taught in my Jeet Kune Do studies, ther are many similarities between the two arts. The moves chosen are very effective and practical. The rifle and shotgun disarms are something not may systems incorperate.If you are looking for an effective and practical system, Krav definately delivers.

Everyone should learn the basics of Krav Maga, especially women and children.

Edited - (Since starting Krav classes)I finally started training in Krav Maga (along with combat hapkido)a few months ago and I'm almost ready to test into level 2 I'm taking 6-8 classes per week) and I am going to incorporate BJJ shortly. It seems the three mesh very well together. Starting Krav Maga and starting classes was one of the best decisions I've ever made. As far as the book goes, I bought it to see if this is something I may be interested in, and after beginning classes, I have to agree with others who say there is no substitute to taking classes from a good/decent instructor. After going through the book many times I looked into two school, the first being of of the (few) "official" training centers of Krav Maga Worldwide, for which this book is based. The other was Apha Krav Maga, which I decided to go with for several reasons, mainly because I was treated better, like the instructor, and the environment. I am not bashing World Wide is just got a better vibe from the Alpha studio and after starting classes I know I made the right decision. I'm amazed with how much my instructor knows, his ability to teach, and all I have learned in a few short months.Upon researching the different associations I noticed each association sort of bashed the others, however I noticed my Alpha classes basically mirror the techniques in this book which leads me to believe that there isn't much difference between associations, at least the two I have experienced so far. I also took a few introductory classes under someone from Nir Maman's organization, but the instructor didn't seem very organized and all he could talk about was how every other system was inferior, so I stopped going. I don't see bashing other systems as an effective recruiting tool. So far, the only difference I see between World Wide and Alpha is some techniques fall into different levels, depending on the association. Nonetheless, whether you're training through World Wide or any other decent Krav system this book can be a big help, but only used in conjunction with training at a facility by a trained instructor. You may get something out of the book without it but you will be extremely limited. At the very least you kinda need someone around who knows what they're doing to let you know if your technique is correct. It also helps to have someone push you, at least it helps me. Bottom line is this is a good book but you need to take classes to really benefit from it.

"Complete Krav Maga" is the companion book to the Krav Maga Worldwide program. It divides up the material into sections matching the "belt" levels in Krav Maga, and will cover techniques in the chronological order they will be introduced in class. The book covers all the material from blue through brown belt, including principles of Krav Maga and basic fighting stance/movement, through upper level weapon defenses and ground fighting.The book explains the techniques by breaking them up into steps, using mostly photographs with captions, which is great for visual learners like me. Unfortunately, the pictures are in low-resolution black and white, occasionally making it difficult to see exactly how to perform the technique. Also, the captions tend to provide only general descriptions, often omitting the specifics of hand and foot placement. In this way, I don't recommend this book to learn techniques outright (I don't believe it was designed to stand alone); there is no substitute for spending hours in the gym with an experiences instructor.I use "Complete Krav Maga" to learn the basic motions of a technique before class, allowing me to spend class time refining these techniques with the advice of trained instructors. I'm sure it will also serve as a nice review tool before tests.(+) Closely matches the Krav Maga Worldwide program(+) A very comprehensive guide to lower through upper level Krav Maga(+) Teaches with photographs...(-) ...that are occasionally difficult to interpret clearly(-/+) No substitute for time in the gym (no book will ever be)

While in my beginner Krav Maga class, my teacher recommended this book to us. I recommend it because not only is it good for beginners, it's good for any level. The pictures in it are very clear, and the step-by-step technique descriptions are very thorough. If a more advanced student has trouble remembering a certain technique, it is quite easy to go back and look. I'm not sure how well a person would fare by just reading this book without any further instruction, but it's a great supplementary book for the student.

This is the second one I have bought, I lent my first one to a student and he never had a chance to return it before he PCSed. A good guide to see what techniques are in each level from white to brown. Like most books like this, they try to show you the techniques with pictures but they also add some text to help you understand what is going on in the picture. Really helped me when I was moving up in rank. Over all a great buy.

I've been taking Krav classes for about 1.5 years now in the Krav Worldwide system. This book really helps to memorize techniques that are shown in the classroom that you might go home and forget otherwise. You can't buy a book and expect to learn any martial art, but this is a great suppliment to classroom instruction. You can't go wrong with this book. Very good pictures and explanations of techniques. Darren Levine is...well...Darren Levine. 'nough said.