Krav Maga Throat Strike

SubFamily

Krav・Maga・Throat・ストライク(Krav Maga Throat Strike)

Translation: krav maga throat strike

Overview

The Krav Maga Throat Strike targets the throat using the web of the hand between thumb and forefinger, potentially disabling the attacker's breathing. [1]

Also known as
Throat PunchWeb Hand Throat Strike
Used in

History & Origin

Krav Maga combative striking developed for military and civilian self-defence. [1]

Effectiveness

Maximum effectiveness for self-defence scenarios. [1]

Lineage

Krav Maga combative tradition. [1]

Competition Record

Self-defence system — not used in sport competition

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Biomechanical Mechanism

Primary ActionKrav Maga Throat Strike-specific combative striking mechanics

Position & Entry

From fighting stanceDeliver krav maga throat strike with full commitment

Variants

Standing
Ground
From clinch

Videos

3 Throat Jab Strikes Every Senior Needs to Know

0
Krav Maga Throat Strike·Matt Numrich

Most people never train the right moves until it is too late. I'll teach you the 10 Best Self-Defense Moves, in 10 Days

1 video

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Ratings

Danger Rating

Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to

8
Very High8/10

Combative strike designed for real-world self-defence

Difficulty

Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably

Beginner
Competition Legality

Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets

Illegal
WBC/Boxing — Only closed-fist punches permitted {srcWBC Rules of Boxing}
Kyokushin — Only closed-fist strikes to body permitted {srcIKO Kyokushin Tournament Rules}
WT — Prohibited
WT Competition Rules 2024PDF
WAKO — Closed fist only
WAKO Competition RulesPDF
K-1/GLORY — Closed fist only {srcK-1/GLORY Kickboxing Rules}
Restricted
WKF — Varies by technique — some open-hand strikes legal ...
WKF Competition Rules 2024PDF
ITF — Some knife hand techniques legal
ITF Competition RulesPDF
Legal
palm strikes, slaps permitted
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF
IFMA — Legal — palm strikes permitted in Muay Thai
IFMA Muay Thai RulesPDF

Training Notes

Practise on pads and focus mitts (Lichtenstein, 2007)
Train with protective gear for eye/groin targets

Common Mistakes

!Telegraphing
!Insufficient commitment
!Poor follow-up

Related Techniques

Counter Techniques

Setup Chain

1Detect threat → Krav Maga Throat Strike → Follow-up strikes → Disengage

Sources & References

Primary Source

The Book of Krav-Maga: The Bible (Lichtenstein, 2007)

1Book[1] Lichtenstein, Y.A. (2007). The Book of Krav-Maga: The Bible. ISBN 978-85-907111-0-0.

description, historyOrigin: sourced from Lichtenstein, Y

2Citation[1] Lichtenstein, Y.A. (2007). The Book of Krav-Maga: The Bible. ISBN 978-85-907111-0-0.

description, historyOrigin: sourced from Lichtenstein, Y

Community

Athletics

Accessible to all body types

Speed over power emphasis

Notes

The throat strike targets the trachea and is classified in Krav Maga as a lethal-force technique — a crushed trachea can cause death by asphyxiation. Used only in life-threatening defense scenarios. (Lichtenfeld system; Krav Maga self-defense doctrine)

Frequently Asked Questions

What hand techniques can I use for a throat strike if I have arthritis or joint issues?

Matt Numrich recommends three variations of throat strikes specifically designed for practitioners dealing with arthritis, including hammer fist strikes, to accommodate different physical conditions and allow you to choose whatever works best for your situation.

How do I practice accuracy when learning throat strikes?

Focus on targeting practice by ensuring you hit the intended target consistently. Matt Numrich emphasizes that beginners often tend to go off to the side initially, so dedicating the first 5-10 repetitions to precision is important before adding power or speed.

Do I need to step forward to generate power with a throat strike?

While stepping in can deliver more power, Matt Numrich notes that you can also deliver an effective throat strike from a stationary position with your hands up, making it a flexible technique for different scenarios.

What should I do after a successful throat strike?

After landing a throat strike, you can either escape (which is the primary goal of self-defense) or follow up with additional defensive techniques.

How does the Krav Maga Throat Strike work?

The Krav Maga Throat Strike targets the throat using the web of the hand between thumb and forefinger, potentially disabling the attacker's breathing.

Where does the Krav Maga Throat Strike come from?

Krav Maga combative striking developed for military and civilian self-defence.

Is the Krav Maga Throat Strike legal in competition?

Unified MMA: legal — Legal (palm strikes, slaps permitted); WBC/Boxing: banned — Only closed-fist punches permitted; WKF: restricted — Varies by technique — some open-hand strikes legal in kata, generally restric…; Kyokushin: banned — Only closed-fist strikes to body permitted; WT: banned — Prohibited; ITF: restricted — Some knife hand techniques legal; WAKO: banned — Closed fist only; K: banned — 1/GLORY — Closed fist only; IFMA: legal — Legal — palm strikes permitted in Muay Thai

How dangerous is the Krav Maga Throat Strike?

Danger rating 8/10. Combative strike designed for real-world self-defence

How do I set up the Krav Maga Throat Strike?

The standard setup chain: Detect threat → Krav Maga Throat Strike → Follow-up strikes → Disengage.

How do I defend against the Krav Maga Throat Strike?

Standard counters include: Block / Distance / Evasion.

What are the variants of the Krav Maga Throat Strike?

Common variants: Standing; Ground; From clinch.

How effective is the Krav Maga Throat Strike in competition?

Self-defence system — not used in sport competition

What are common mistakes when doing the Krav Maga Throat Strike?

Top errors to watch for: Telegraphing / Insufficient commitment / Poor follow-up.

What are other names for the Krav Maga Throat Strike?

The Krav Maga Throat Strike is also known as Krav Maga Throat Strike, Throat Punch, Web Hand Throat Strike.