Copyright (c) 1996 by Sebastien Andrivet Here's a write up for Krav Maga for GURPS Martial Arts 2nd ed. I am NOT, however, a Krav Maga pratitioner. All the info below is derived, and sometimes directly quoted, from what can be found at Pete the LADD's home page (www.bway.net/~muldoon), with his permission. Any person more knowledgeable than me about Krav Maga is welcome to modify this profile ; it has already been modified since it appeared on rec.games.frp.gurps. Krav Maga 13 points -"I'm gonna show you something from a place that's kinda your home". -"So what is this ? Some kind of secret Jewish martial arts ? Spare me !" Wolverine and Kitty Pryde, in an old Excalibur issue (#85 ?) This style was founded 40 years ago as a close combat system that would be rational, efficient and could be learned very quickly. Its designer, Imi Lichenfield, was a military man well versed in sports and the martial arts ; he used a self defense style created by his father, extensive personnal combat experience and various moves from Aikido, Karate, boxing, Judo, etc. to create Krav Maga. Krav Maga was designed for the Hagana (Jewish freedom fighters), and is now taught to all Israeli military personnels, including Mossad agents. Many students also receive a basic course in Krav Maga. Krav Maga is also taught in Europe and in the U.S.A. Various types of attacks, such as terrorists knifing civilians in the middle of the streets, contribute to the popularity of this style in Israel. Krav Maga is a very practical, no nonsense martial arts. It teaches you how to react properly when you are in a dangerous situation. The basic idea is to use common sense and run away, but obviously Krav Maga teaches you how to handle situations where you cannot simply run. When a Krav Maga practitioner does get in a fight, he instinctively and agressively tries to neutralize his opponent, by disarming him, reversing his lock or hitting him in the most efficient way (slapping his groin, kicking his knee, twisting his neck by pulling his hair and pushing his chin, etc.). It shows a very military mindset : its objective is not spiritual growth, but simple survival. No technique is too vicious or dirty if your life is on the line, and there are no rules : just neutralize your opponent as fast as possible so as to minimize risks. This approach to fighting, and its relative newness, give no cinematic abilities to a Krav Maga practitioner. Krav Maga practitionners trains a lot to stay in shape, and should have 11+ in DX, ST and HT. One of the main objectives of Krav Maga training is, in GURPS terms, to give you Combat Reflexes, so most serious practionners will have this advantage. Likewise, it promotes Common Sense. Military Krav Maga might be considered a nastier, more efficient form of Military Hand to Hand ; Spec Ops GM might want to add it to the Sayarot template. Its profile is : Primary skills : Karate, Judo, Knife Secondary skills : Spear (rifle w/ bayonet), Short staff, Stealth Optional skills : Garrote, Climbing, Jumping Maneuvers : Arm Lock, Disarming (2 pts), Eye-gouging, Face attacks, Ground Fighting, Elbow strike, Neck Snap, Retain weapon (rifle) and Hit location (2 pts) (karate ; Krav Maga praticioners frequently aim for the groin, head, knee or feet) Combos : In Krav Maga, there is no technique that is purely defensive, every technique translates to offensive as quickly as possible. Krav Maga practionners should learn combinations (GMA2 p54) such as Parry-Punch or Parry-Kick. When taught to civilians (what GURPS would call a Self-Defense version of Krav Maga, see GMA2 p100), the basic tenets are : 1. Try to keep away from dangerous situations altogether. For example, if there is a bus, don't hitch-hike. 2. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, first of all, try to get away. 3. If you can't get away, look for an object with which to defend yourself. If you carry one (mace, for example, or even your purse) it has to be readily available. Once you have used the object, make your escape. 4. If there is no available object with which to defend yourself, be ready to fight for your life with the help of your body (hit, kick, scratch, bite, etc. )