LONDON, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- A self-defense system developed by the Israeli military, Krav Maga, is growing rapidly in Britain amid terrorist attacks and rising violent crime.
While traditional martial arts gain in popularity, Krav Maga fills increasing demand for an effective self-defense system that is quick to learn.
"People are more aware than ever of the risks they face from violent crime or terrorist incidents and want to do something which makes them feel more in control," Simon Leila, director of Krav Maga Scotland and a veteran self-defense teacher, told The Independent.
Krav Maga is based on automatic responses to hit an attacker's vulnerable areas.
"The beauty of Krav Maga is that it does not require any previous skill or years of practice to be effective," said Leila, who noted Krav Maga also is becoming popular among major businesses and organizations.
More than 200,000 people practice the defense and fitness system worldwide, including Hollywood celebrities such as Cameron Diaz, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Lopez, the London newspaper reported.
