Our Principles
At Invictus, we train warriors for the fight – both physical and spiritual. Our 8 Principles are drawn from the core tactical mindset of Krav Maga, but their power extends far beyond the training floor. These principles shape how we prepare, respond, and overcome in every area of life. Whether facing a physical threat or the unseen battles of fear, temptation, or adversity, these truths equip individuals with clarity, focus, and action. By applying these principles to both self-defense and spiritual warfare, we help our students develop the readiness to stand firm, act decisively, and live courageously.
This means being aware of what is going on around you and how it impacts your safety and security. And this doesn’t just apply when there is a threat. You should be checked in and focused ALL THE TIME. This can help you avoid something bad before it ever gets started.
The safest option is ALWAYS to avoid or defuse a confrontation. If necessary, walk a mile to avoid a fight, but once a fight starts, don’t give an inch. Always try to see dangers so you can avoid them. The best way to win a fight is to avoid it altogether.
Relying on the mercy of evil is a BAD tactic. Understanding the mental side of conflict is a better one. Study human nature and patterns so that you can better respond to them. Learn to use and control the OODA Loop… Observe, Orient, Decide, Act!
Start and finish all actions in a good stance applying the pyramid concept. Avoid complex techniques and tactics. All movements should be fluid and efficient, setting up your next move. Escapes from attacks of all kinds should start from a natural reflex or response.
Be intentional in your actions. Inflict maximum damage to your attacker while spending minimum time and protecting yourself from sustaining harm to your vulnerable points. When you are forced to defend yourself against an attack, target your attacker’s eyes, throat, ears, groin, and joints.
All actions and techniques should include aspects of offense and defense at the same time. Attacks, counterattacks, and blocks should be delivered in concert with each other so that the threat is neutralized as quickly as possible.
The goal in managing a sudden attack is to disrupt the attack with counterattack to surprise and disorient your attacker. We accomplish this through RETZEV, which is a continuous aggressive series of simultaneously defensive and offensive movements with sustained forward pressure with that aim to overwhelm the attacker and end the attacker’s ability to continue to fight.
When striking, use natural weapons like palms, fists, elbows, knees, and low kicks. When in a deadly force situation and they are available deploy a firearm, knife, or stick in your defense of your life. Look for weapons of fortune and use them. The ground and gravity are always available, use them. ANYTHING CAN BE A WEAPON!
Mastery of these principles leads to more than just effective self-defense – it leads to mental resilience, emotional control, and spiritual readiness. In a world filled with uncertainty and opposition, these truths help us move with confidence and conviction. We don’t just teach how to win a fight – we teach how to live prepared, stand strong, and lead with purpose. Whether you’re defending your physical safety or protecting your heart and mind, these principles are the tools of a true warrior – on the mat, and in life.
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