The Physics of Krav Maga

The art and science of real-world fighting. Explore the physics behind the physical! Krav Maga ("contact combat" in Hebrew) is a hard-hitting and efficient form of self-defense that was popularized by Israeli soldiers. Stressing practical, real-world fighting and a philosophy of self-defense, its popularity has grown worldwide over the past few decades. In The Physics of Krav Maga, John Eric Goff, a physicist, best-selling author, and martial arts practitioner, explains the science behind dozens of Krav Maga moves, from headlocks to hammer fists. Focusing on Warrior Krav Maga, a fighting style that combines the key elements of Krav Maga with kickboxing, wrestling, karate, and other fighting specialties, this equation-free, conceptual introduction is aimed at martial arts practitioners interested in refining their fighting technique and all fans of the fascinating moment when sports meet science. With step-by-step descriptions and detailed photos of each critical motion, Goff takes a scientific look at everything from punch speed to power output and reaction time. Armed with this book, readers will understand the physics behind each move. They will also learn how to • enhance their level of physical fitness • disrupt an opponent's balance—while keeping theirs • make use of leverage to defeat a larger, stronger attacker • become faster and more powerful • inflict pain up close • use weapons—and "weapons of opportunity" • and much more! Anyone interested in martial arts, in how physics applies to sports and combat, and in how a physicist wins a fight will love The Physics of Krav Maga.

Table of Contents:
Preface 1. A Strong Mind in a Strong Body Warrior Krav Maga and Physics What about math?!? Intuitive Physics What if I freeze?!? Exercise and Food The Greatness of Science Evolution and Krav Maga Training Time! 2. Disrupting Balance Center of Mass Why do we fall? How to Keep YOUR Balance Newton's Third Law Aside Vulnerable Areas A Little Push is All It Takes A Real Need to Disrupt Balance 3. The Need for Speed! What is speed? Hammer Fist Punches Jab Cross! Blitz! What if you have a gun to your head? 4. Take Control Head and Side Control 360 Outside Defense Beware of Stick Kinetic Energy! 5. Making Use of Leverage Mechanical Advantage Basics It Doesn't Take Much Force Leverage for Restraint Instead of Pain A Bridge to Freedom From Lug Wrench to Clavicle 6. Linear Momentum and the Flyby The Flyby Bend Those Knees! Practice with Pads! On to Fighting! Time to Sprawl! Gun Momentum 7. We Need More Power! Potential Energy and Power Elbow Power! Warrior Combinations Watch your side! Ouch, my knee! 8. Rotate Your Way to Safety Rotation Basics Inflicting Pain Up Close Rotate Out of that Headlock! Rotate that Knife! Time to Terminate the Chapter 9. Using Weapons What Makes a Knife Sharp? Slice and Dice Time A Few Gun Basics Hostage Situation 10. Do Whatever It Takes! The Bad Kind of Hoodie A Cold Long Rifle Hot Weapon Final Words

About the Author :
John Eric Goff is a professor of physics and the chair of the physics department at the University of Lynchburg. The author of Gold Medal Physics: The Science of Sports, he holds a black belt in karate and a purple belt in Krav Maga.