Jeremy Haas Set of 3 ARCS Krav Maga DVD Videos

First off, I won't criticize the instruction from Jeremy in itself. He breaks things down very well to where the student can understand well and brings very simple and effective things to light. My problem with this set is that it says it's for beginner to advanced, and I would consider it to be beginner only. Also, the set is only 2 hours give or take a few minutes, and I was expecting 4 hours or so (I spent a good 20 hours looking through reviews and YouTube videos from all the krav dvd sets on Amazon in my price range before I made my choice with ARCS but the other two I was thinking about were 4.6-6 hours in length). The first disc-about 45 min- goes over the mentality of krav maga, basic stances, and basic strikes. Jeremy describes how to throw these fairly well, though I wish he would add more variance (one that stands out in particular is that during the "wedge" counter to a hook punch, it would be very effective to throw an elbow to the face/jaw while stepping in, the assailant would still be halted and moved backward while being dazed well). The second disc goes over a review of the strikes with a few different ways to use them and some basic scenarios (basic strangle defense, headlock defense, mount defense). What I was disappointed in is that he only covers centerline and hook punch defense for strikes. As a boxer and kung fu student who had sparred with friends in many disciplines, I know how easy it is to work the angles (though Jeremy does a good job of explaining this, it's very rudimentary). What I wanted to learn more is blocking kicks and other stikes like elbows, which are not covered in this set. Also I was hoping to learn more about different situations where I'm already at a disadvantage (dealing with weapons or in a bad place like more than one assailant) as I'm fairly confident with my skills in a one-on-one confrontation where my grappling can shine if somehow I get taken to the ground. Again, What instruction that is included is good, but I was expecting much more. The third dvd goes over some very basic combinations like the jab cross (though I wouldn't use close fists if avoidable until I condition my knuckles more) and then you get to see the students practicing these combos. That, and a "conclusion" ten minute section close out the 35 minute last dvd. I was hoping to learn more of the "mindset", tricks, and variable situations included in his YouTube videos which is why I picked his set of dvds. I liked his online videos which showed how to use avoidance and awareness to your advantage before a situation could even occur. The main thing I picked up was the using your hand placement (hold them out and close to make the person want to throw a hook, and in a "goal post" fashion to get them to throw centerline) in order to create a more predictable situation. THAT is the kind of thing I was hoping more to see, along with weapon defense.So all in all, while the instruction by Jeremy is good, I was hoping much more for my $50 and this set is mostly for beginners (I only consider myself a good intermediate martial arts student at best) only. I suppose I was following the rule that when starting with any new discipline you should start at the basics even if it is review.

Whatever this is, it is not krav maga. But will it help you in dangerous situations? As someone who has trained in krav maga and does instructing, I have to say that this is likely to leave you open to having your attacker overpower you or worse. Most of the set is lecture, with the demonstrations on the third disc carried out by students who are making critical mistakes.Some examples of weaknesses:• Dismisses many standard krav maga techniques and movements out of hand, saying “It doesn’t matter.”• Inconsistent: Dismisses blocks, but later uses blocks. Says he doesn’t like the term self-defense, then later provides what he calls defensive techniques.• Complete absence of retzev, which is continuous combat motion and a key component of krav maga.• Complete absence of controlling the attacker after one or two strikes. The attacker will be free to come back at you.• Says he is a big fan of hitting first; a little thought should lead the viewer to conclude that he can be charged in court with initiating an altercation. There is a lot more to this issue than this set presents.• “Keep it simple” really amounts to oversimplification and the loss of a large number of crucially important techniques.• Virtually nothing on footwork, which is essential for body placement for successful defense in such techniques as kicking, punching and knee strikes. In his kicks and knee strikes, he never turns his base leg, something that provides greater distance and power and relieves strain on the joints.• Footwork in punches is casual and careless.• The shape of his hand during his finger strikes leaves fingers open to spraining.• Only 2 kicks are shown—front and side; what happened to the roundhouse kick? Rear kick?• No distinction between kicking with the rear vs. front leg.• Only the front and rear choke are dealt with; what about chokes from the side? In his defense against the rear choke, he fails to turn his head in order to get air.• Virtually no help for someone who is thrown to the ground.The techniques in this set are poorly thought out and can in no way be called krav maga. If you want useful and realistic krav maga instruction, you would do far better with David Kahn’s "Defending the 12 Most Common Unarmed Attacks" DVD set, which presents genuine krav maga that will actually keep you safe.

As a lifelong martial arts practitioner I’m always on the lookout for training to help me improve my fighting techniques. A friend of mine recommended the ARCS Krav Maga DVDs. I’m glad I purchased them, the training is great and the step by step instruction is exactly what I was looking for. The way the techniques are laid are perfect for beginners and the training will help experts as well, perfecting what they already know.After practicing these for a couple weeks I’ve noticed I hit harder and faster than ever before. I can’t recommend this DVD set enough. These are not techniques that you can use in tournament karate or in a MMA fight but these are perfect for self-defense or if you find yourself in a street fight.Jeremy’s ability to break down the instruction makes this easy to use and learn. I contacted him asking if he had any other training DVDs and was told he has 2 more levels that will be on Amazon in the future, I’m looking forward to the release of those. After speaking to him for about 30 minutes I understand why he’s so good at teaching. I won’t get into all his qualification but it was nice to hear he is a guy that’s actually used what he teaches. Nothing better than real life experience to help you hone your skills.This set of DVDs is great for beginners to intermediate students. I would say most advanced practitioners can get a lot out of these as well but most of us tend to have ego issues. This is not a workout DVD series but you should be able to take what’s taught and get a very good workout if that’s your goal.I would say a must buy…5 stars