Introduction to 360 Defense

The 360 defense is the most common Krav Maga technique against knife attacks. The name derives from the circular motion of the arms, which trace a complete circle around the defender's body to create comprehensive protection from all angles.

Arm Positioning and Angle

The defender maintains arms at approximately 110 degrees—slightly wider than a 90-degree angle—rather than bringing them forward. This wider angle is critical because it accounts for how attackers actually strike with a knife, using curved, powerful thrusting motions rather than straight attacks.

Forward Lean Mechanics

The defender leans forward slightly while maintaining the arm position along the same plane, never allowing the arms to drift toward the front of the body. The forward lean should resemble a bow, with slightly bent knees to prevent loss of balance or falling forward.

Wall Training Exercise

A foundational drill involves leaning toward a wall while keeping the hands and elbows in continuous contact with the wall surface. As the defender rotates through the 360 motion, the elbows and hands remain touching the wall, reinforcing proper arm placement and body alignment.

Ulna Defense and Hand Orientation

The defender protects the body using the ulna (forearm bone) rather than the palms. Whether defending upward or downward, the palm faces outward to ensure the harder bone surface absorbs impact from powerful knife thrusts.

Purpose of the Lean

The forward lean removes the defender from the line of attack, creating crucial distance between the body and the knife blade. Without leaning, even with perfect arm angles, the blade maintains contact with the defender's body.

Directional Lean Principle

The defender always leans toward the attacking partner, never away from the knife or toward it. This positioning maintains defensive stability while preserving the ability to deliver counterattacks if needed.

Maintaining Arm Position Throughout

The arm angle remains consistent throughout the entire 360 rotation, including between successive attacks. The hands stay raised and the angle preserved, ensuring continuous protection regardless of the knife's direction of approach.

Stability for Counter-Attacking

Proper positioning creates a stable base that allows the defender to execute offensive techniques simultaneously. Advanced practitioners combine defense with strikes, but foundational training requires maintaining stability rather than leaning away from danger, which would compromise counterattacking ability and invite deeper penetration of the blade.

Understanding Krav Maga 360 Defenses

MKM Canada - Krav Maga

Krav Maga 360 Defence

2 min read·9 key moments·PT4M37S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to 360 Defense
•Arm Positioning and Angle
•Forward Lean Mechanics
•Wall Training Exercise

Probably the most famous Krav Maga technique: Defense 360 Mostly used against knife attacks (stabbing), but also against street hooks or even slaps.

Related Techniques

Inside Defense Outside Defense Defence Against Hook Punch Defence Against Uppercut Inside Defence Against Straight Punch

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about krav maga 360 defence?

This video covers introduction to 360 defense, arm positioning and angle, forward lean mechanics. It provides detailed instruction from MKM Canada - Krav Maga.

How long does it take to learn krav maga 360 defence?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.