Stage 02 · Striking
CombativeFunction
When soft skills such as avoidance, de-escalation, or escape fail, it’s time to implement “Hard Skills” (tools and tactics).
One of the most effective tools in your arsenal is Combatives (any natural weapon you possess to inflict pain and/or damage).
Combatives are both an integral and absolutely necessary part of any Self-Protection system.
Combative Function
Striking
Once a confrontation has become physical, there are only two options: you take away their will or their ability. That’s it.
They either decide that it is no longer a worthwhile endeavor to continue, or they are unable to continue because they are incapacitated.
When avoidance and escape are not possible and de-escalation attempts have failed, you must be prepared to inflict the necessary pain and/or damage to nullify the threat so you can get home safely.
Hawaii Krav Maga classifies Combatives into three categories:
Gross Motor
Street
- Maximum injury risk to threat
- Minimal injury risk to self
ExamplesRhino, Hammer, throat jab, etc.
Fine Motor
Sport
- Maximum injury risk to threat
- Increased injury risk to self
ExamplesPunches and kicks
Pandora’s Box
Primal
- Animalistic
- These are the types of Combatives that alter the psychological rules of the fight.
ExamplesEye gouge, biting, raking
