Does practicing close combat improve the perceived ability to perform better?

Problem statement: In modern military operations, soldiers and officers often face the risk of engaging the enemy in close combat or hand-to-hand combat. Since this type of fighting is considered very stressful, it is of importance to find a suitable and easy-to-learn hand-to-hand combat system that will enhance the soldiers and officers ability to function under stress. Purpose of study: The present study investigates whether participating in a one-day hand-to-hand combat course in the Israeli hand-to-hand system KravMaga would lead to a better perception and understanding of how to perform more efficiently under stressful situations. Method: Norwegian military officers (n=43) completed a questionnaire with questions related to hand-to-hand combat training. Participants were also asked about their knowledge about physical and mental reactions under stress. They were given the same questionnaire before and after taking part in the hand-to-hand combat course. Findings and results: Participants felt that the hand-to-hand combat training they had received better filled their need for functioning as effectively as possible in stressful situations, compared to before the course. Participants also indicated that they felt that their knowledge of hand-to-hand combat skills was better after having completed the course. Furthermore, the participants were found to have a stronger need to practice hand-to-hand combat training on a regular basis after the course compared to before the course. Participants also indicated that they felt that their level of hand-to-hand fighting skills was better after having completed the course. Furthermore, participants did not feel that it was more necessary to have knowledge about how people react physically and mentally in situations with stress after the course. However, participants felt that they had acquired more knowledge about how people react physically and mentally in stressful situations after the end of the course. Conclusions: The results from the present study suggest that KravMaga is a hand-to-hand combat system that quickly installs confidence in those who practice it.