Sammanfattning Självförsvarsträning i form av Krav Maga anges av många elever ha en stor inverkan på deras liv, genom att öka deras självförtroende, välmående, stresshantering, social nätverk osv. Detta är inget som tidigare har visats vetenskapligt för Krav Maga och vi ville därför mäta 3 olika faktorer, fysisk prestation, mental tuffhet och självskattat hälsotillstånd.Detta genomfördes genom att vi rekryterade en grupp testpersoner vid terminsstart. Vi lyckades få ihop 20 stycken varav 15 genomförde träningen och testerna både före träningsstart och efter 8 veckors träning 2 ggr i veckan. Den fysiska prestationen mättes med 3st styrketester (armböj, knäböj och situps) och 1 konditionstest (Coopers test). Den mentala tuffheten mättes med MTQ48 formuläret och det självskattade hälsotillståndet mättes med EQ5D.Analysen av den insamlade materialet visar att både styrka och kondition ökade hos testpersonerna. Deras nivå på mental tuffhet och deras självskattade hälsa ökade också.Slutsatsen blir att Krav Maga träning ökade testpersonernas fysiska prestationsnivå, deras mentala tuffhet och deras självskattade hälsa redan efter 8 veckors träning. Krav Maga bör därför anses som en bra träningsform om man vill skaffa sig resurser syftande till god hälsa. / Abstract Background: It is often suggested that martial arts is beneficial for people’s physical and mental health but few studies have been presented where this has been examined. Regarding the specific training of Krav Maga we have found none, which is why we conducted the present study. The aim was to examine if Krav Maga training would have any positive influence on physical condition, mental toughness and self rated health status. Method and material: We selected 20 individuals, with no previous experience of self-defense training during the last 2 years, to participate in the study where they had to train Krav Maga 2 times a week for 8 weeks. Of these, 15 completed the training program. We used a physical test for strength (sit-ups, push-ups and squats) and one for VO2max (Coopers test 2400 m). For measuring mental toughness we used the MTQ48-form and for self assessed health status EQ5D. The measurements were conducted by the same independent trainer at two occasions, before and after completion of the training program. For statistical comparisons we used paired t-tests. Results: The participants increased all their physical parameters and the test for push-ups, squats and VO2max showed significant statistical increase. There was also a significant increase in the total mental toughness level and in 3/4 subscales. The EQ5D showed that 11/15 participants rated their general health higher after 8 weeks of training compared to before. The self rated VAS scale was also increased significantly. Conclusion: Krav Maga training for 8 weeks significantly increased physical status, mental toughness and self rated health status.

Anotation Krav Maga is an Israeli combat systém, founded by Imi Lichtenfeld who was of Czechoslovak origin. This systém is currently gaining popularity, but there is no comprehensive publication describing its origin and developement. In addition to Krav Maga, there is even a less known, very similar, systém Kapap. This thesis chronologically describes what preceded the creation of Krav Maga and what it is based on. Then the thesis also involves the sporting career of Imi Lichtenfeld, the experience of his father and also historical events in Mandatory Palestine with regard to the creation of various fighting styles. The thesis deals with the developement of martial arts Krav Maga and older Kapap up to the present days. It offers an insight into the functioning of Krav Maga and Kapap in the world and even in the Czech republic and describes some current issues and events in Krav Maga and Kapap. It answers the most important questions of present days and possible future development of this combat systems and tries to outline the relationship between Krav Maga and Kapap. Keywords: Krav Maga, Kapap, Israel, martial arts and sports.