What are Soft Solutions?: Krav Maga and Appropriate Force

What are soft techniques? 

In the curriculum for the International Krav Maga Federation(IKMF), we have what we call soft techniques or soft solutions.  In general, soft solutions do not involve striking. The most common examples are wrist releases but we have various soft techniques for grab and holds, as well as various techniques in the kids program.

A frequently asked question is: when do we hit or not hit?   Good question?  The answer centers around the notion of appropriate force - what do you have to do to preserve your safety or the safety of someone you are protecting. 

If, for example, you can effectively escape a wrist grab without striking why not?  Of course, if the person is grabbing with the intent of bringing you somewhere else then you must do whatever it takes to make him let go - striking and yes, even biting.

Training needs to address situations that require hard and soft solutions. This gives you more tools to protect yourself and gives you more options to act appropriately to various situations.