What is the martial art "KAPAP"?

KAPAP - is a form of martial art, it is an extremely effective system of self defence techniques, easy to learn and practice. The acronym KAPAP comes from Krav panim el panim, which is Hebrew for face to face combat.
The history of KAPAP is one of evolution, borrowing techniques and methods from a wide variety of martial arts and combat types, it has grown and continues to grow into a streamlined collection of reactionary defensive moves.

The martial art first started in the 1930's and called KAPAP, it was more about fundamentals such as posture, position and striking moves and focusing more on the use of sticks/batons as weapons. The development of the combat techniques grew to include street fighting skills, the mutation of KAPAP was echoed in a name change to Krav Maga: which translates to "contact combat". It was taught to the Israeli Defence Federation by Imi Lichtenfeld and used by Israeli police and militia, the combat techniques were aggressive and succinct in order to defend and disarm in whichever way necessary.

Forty years later a group started to use KAPAP again, following on in a similar vein but with differences. The role of the KAPAP warrior is one of defence, to be able to cope with any situation be it emptied handed or with a weapon. It is for protection against him/her, or their famlilies or friends. It is not for attack. The training involves learning possible moves and finding the ones which suit the warrior and the situation, and as with all martial arts it involves practice, drilling the moves into a natural reaction until they are second nature and fast.

In 2003 Avi Nardia, a major in reserve, set out of Israel leaving the IDF to teach KAPAP to the world. The martial art has been taught to people of all ages and backgrounds and all abilities. From universities to groups of women suffering from domestic violence. Read more about Avi Nardia here.

KAPAP borrows the best bits from all martial arts, whichever move works and is effective. It does not follow a ritualistic learning program, it is still evolving and as new methods are learnt, they are incorporated. There are no gradings, no special clothes and no paying out for items that are not necessary.

KAPAP was the predecessor of Krav Maga - then quite recently KAPAP was ressurected in 2000, there are differences to Krav Maga, although there are a lot of techniques found in both. Both use tactics from Karate, Judo and kickboxing, and include the use of batons/sticks too. The main differences are that Krav Maga is more aggressive and is taught with a right and wrong way notion of doing things; there is a rigid structure to the training, whereas KAPAP is more personal, and flexible. This makes it more adaptable as a self defence method, as it can absorb new techniques and often supply a self protective method for someone of a smaller build or with less muscle.

The International KAPAP Federation is the body set up by Lt Col Chaim Peers and Avi Nardia to teach students and potential instructors in the martial art. They progress those who are passionate and of a high enough standard to become instructors, this is not a process that can be rushed and ensures that accredited instructors meet the required levels of knowledge and ability to teach.

KAPAP is a popular martial art that has been taught to many clients in the UK, Europe and the USA ranging from Police, Military, Large Companies through to small businesses to Private Clients.

1 Awareness Students of KAPAP use basic moves in various combinations to fend off violent attacks. This means that students adjust to new situations through improvisation, an important and unique feature of this style. This requires using the head as well as the body, and thus KAPAP addresses the thought process as well as the physical action.

2 Confidence Improvisation also allows for limitations in physical abilities. Not everyone can bring his or her leg up to a 180 degree angle, and thus the system is geared towards the average person. Students are taught a variety of possible defensive reactions for each possible attack situation, building upon an actual framework of useable techniques. They are then encouraged to utilize the responses that are appropriate to their capabilities. This allows the student to develop a sense of confidence in their abilities .

3 Physical Fitness Because physical fitness is closely interwoven into the system, the workout includes a number of cardiovascular and strength building exercises, as well as stretching to increase flexibility. Emphasis is put on speed, endurance, strength, accuracy and coordination, especially for intensive KAPAP training. KAPAP is a style benefiting both the individual who seeks serious Self-Defence training as well as the practitioner seeking to round out prior martial art knowledge. It is a style that proves most effective against any type of assault.

Just like the huge variety in the system itself, the students all come from wildly different backgrounds. Some have never tried any form of combat and others have years of martial arts training behind them. It is not essential, anyone can join in.

Many of the skills can be learnt immediately, others take practice. Depending on physical ability it can take just weeks to master some of the tactics, the practice is needed for them to become second nature.

It is a contact sport, and as such there comes a risk. There will most likely be muscle soreness as from any workout, and sometimes bruising. This is inevitible, learning defence moves involves an element of improvisation and reality based training will result in a certain amount of pain.

Just loose, comfortable training clothes are suggested, as there is a warm up and certain element of cardio training. Also, for boxing, gloves and wrist wraps are required. We do suggest that you bring body protection (groin protection for men) to each class.

There are no gradings such as those in judo, karate or kickboxing, for example and as such there are no competitions.

Close quarter battle.

We stock t-shirts, hoodies, and items such as arnis sticks - most items can be ordered. During classes a lot of items are provided, but for the kickboxing it is required that you bring your own gloves and wrist wraps. Gloves or any other extras are available at very reasonable costs. Just ask for an orderform during the classes or call Dale on 07730 660013

The classes are one and half hours long, about 30 minutes of warm up and cardio then about an hour of techniques - usually focusing on a particular area such as chokes or headlocks. Finished with a cool down and stretches. The Sunday class is one hour of KAPAP and 30 minutes of kickboxing.

Yes, we understand the need to defend ourselves in the event we go to the ground. However, we always look to get up as soon as possible.

Drop by our facilities during any normal class times, Sunday or Wednesday during a training session, and there will be someone there to speak with you. If you can't stop by, give us a call at (07730660013) or send us an email at kapap@hotmail.co.uk

That is part of the reason for the foundation course, it is a great introduction that features learning skills for protection - it is a taster, if you dont like it after giving it a good effort you dont attend the regular classes, and you still come away with useful skills. Also you are able to come and watch a session to see if you like the look of it. Email or call us to set up a convenient time for you to explore KAPAP.

We incorporate sparring into the classes, and you are encouraged to partake as it provides many skills necessary in self defence.

You do not have to do anything you are not comfortable with, you can sit out and watch if you prefer - but we would encrouage that you at least try, as all techniques included in the classes have an important place in the learning of self defence.

KAPAP is all about real life situations, and as such all eventualities are covered. Sticks and knives are covered in the classes as well as on the workshops that are put on regularly.