Water Training

Krav Maga is an adaptive self-defense system. We can be attacked anywhere, at any time, and therefore we should train accordingly—changing training times, clothing, and especially environments.

In one of the previous posts, we discussed training in a bar environment. Today, I would like to focus on training in and around water environments.

When we talk about water environments, we usually refer to swimming pools, lakes, rivers, or the sea. This naturally depends on the geographical location where we live.

Usually, we divide water training into four main parts.

A. Understanding and getting used to water

Training begins with adapting the body and mind to the water environment. Swimming can be used as a warm-up, combined with different functional drills and fast transitions in and out of the water.Participants may work in groups of three, performing forward and backward rolls under the water. Another drill includes placing one partner under the water, lying on the stomach or on the back, while another partner stands above. The person under the water must turn, escape, and come up from the bottom, while the third partner is responsible for constant safety control.In other drills, one participant continuously pushes the other’s head under the water for a short period, usually around twenty seconds. These and many other exercises help prepare participants mentally and physically for operating in a water environment.

B. Understanding and experiencing the differences between environments

This phase focuses on comparing movement and performance outside and inside the water. Training includes running outside the water and then inside the water at different depths—ankle, knee, hip, and chest level. Punching and kicking are practiced both outside and inside the water, as well as various Krav Maga techniques.Through this process, practitioners learn to understand and experience their physical and technical abilities in and out of the water.

C. Using the water as a training environment

Water can be used to improve physical, technical, and mental abilities.From a physical perspective, swimming is an excellent cardiovascular workout that does not place heavy pressure on the joints. Water can also be used for resistance training.From a technical perspective, water allows safe practice of sweep kicks and throws. Falling into water is far less painful than falling on solid ground, and for the person performing the throw, the water environment can assist in executing techniques even against heavier opponents.From a mental perspective, one of the biggest enemies during a confrontation in water is panic—especially when the head is forced under water and breathing becomes difficult. It is crucial to experience this sensation in a controlled and safe training environment, to understand how it feels, what to do, and what not to do. Knowledge and experience gained in training significantly reduce panic in real-life situations.

D. Specific training in the water

In order to increase the chances of survival during an attack in water, one must train directly in that environment. This includes understanding and experiencing both the advantages and disadvantages of water, learning how to use its specific characteristics to one’s benefit, and knowing how to minimize its limitations.

Water training reflects the core principles of ID Krav Maga. Self-defense does not exist in ideal conditions, and training must go beyond comfort, predictability, and controlled environments. By working in water, practitioners are forced to adapt their movement, timing, breathing, and decision-making to a constantly changing reality. This type of training strengthens not only physical and technical skills but also mental resilience and self-control under stress. At ID Krav Maga, the goal is to prepare people for real situations rather than perfect ones, ensuring that students and instructors alike can function, think, and act effectively when conditions are far from ideal.