What is KAPAP? KAPAP fight tactics originated in the 1940's and were used by the Palmach (Jewish Strike Brigades) forces in fighting for the independence of the State of Israel. These Palmach units later formed the core of Israel's special units in the conventional military (IDF).
The KAPAP was a generic term used to describe skill sets for combat. The system was updated from its basic form of combat by the operatives of special units and official Instructors that served, and still serve, in Israel's different security branches.
Simply put, KAPAP is an acronym for the Hebrew phrase Krav Panim El Panim which literally translates to “face To face combat” and can be applied to any combat style, martial art or physical confrontation.This means that regardless of whether the opponents are soldiers in a standoff or judo wrestlers in a competition, they are kapap fighters.In more complex terms, however, kapap is a dynamic self defense system that continues to emphasis the abilities and experience of the individual over techniques. Kapap is a combat system based on principles rather than techniques because all close-quarters combat styles are governed by similar ideas.When you truly know and understand these ideas, then you’ll be able to break down any technique – regardless of its origin or style.This is why kapap fighter are known for being versatile opponents; they usually seem able to handle themselves against many kinds of attacks. Modern kapap is neither a competitive sport nor a martial art.Instead, it is a combat doctrine that helps the individual prepare for life-or-death situations by combining various fighting styles to create that person’s most effective defense.Typically, traditional martial arts and fighting systems have unintentional built in barriers that restrict their practitioners with rules and regulations that have been around for centuries.For example, some traditional styles only teach one approach to combat or only pass on the teachings of a single person.These systems and techniques may still have modern value, but often tthey are too static because instructors teach by rote or students only learn techniques in a sterile environment, like a gym. To properly prepare for combat, training must be varied and realistic.For example, it doesn’t make sense to teach a 120 – pound woman how to perform a judo throw on a 250 – pound man because she is physically incapable of performing the technique against him.This not an insult to the woman’s physical ability; rather, it is recognized that a persona with a smaller frame has different advantages and disadvantages against a larger opponent. While the woman should still learn the judo technique because it could be used against her, she is encouraged to think like a kapap fighter in order to prepare her to deal with the treat. The key is to only use what works for you.By exploring your own strengths and weaknesses, you can build a customized “toolbox” of techniques that will prove effective in any random conflict.Kapap is not a magical solution to becoming a better martial artist, and it is not going to immediately increase your strength or fighting ability.Instead, kapap is about gradually upgrading your “toolbox” with physical skills, practical exercises, effective techniques and common sense through a variety of resources. As someone without any martial arts experience, you can start at the beginning.Rather than learn self-defense from rules, regulations or doctrines, try to shape your martial arts training with techniques that work best for you.However, Kapap is not a shortcut to combat success, while it will give you a good idea on where to start your studies on practical self-defense, you should invest time in exploring your combat options through martial arts training.Because practical self-defense is based on the knowledge and experience of reality-based and traditional skills that have been refined through the years. (KAPAP Combat Concepts; Martial arts of the Isreali Special Forces, Nardia and Tilmen, Black Belt Books, 2008)
KAPAP ACADEMY KAPAP ACADEMY was founded by Albert Timen who served in one of Israel's elite Counter Terror units. Due to constant reaserch in this field he and other Instructors had modified and upgraeded the system to fit legal aspects of civilian self defense, as well as becoming applicable by Law Enforcement , Military and Security operators worldwide. The Academy is based in the United States and serves as an International Instructional institute operating and represented in more than 20 countries by local Instructors certified by KAPAP ACADEMY.
KAPAP ACADEMY is staffed by former official Israeli Military and Police instructors in Counter Terror combatives (LOTAR). It is an “all combat” system — a system totally dedicated to close combat and self-defense, with and without weapons. It has no sporting or competition aspect. Nor does it adhere to any classical/traditional school of thought.