Israeli Fitness Tactics

 

Fighting Fit: The Israel Defense Forces Guide to Physical Fitness and Self-Defense

(1983, by Col. David Ben-Asher)

Wondering how Israeli soldiers stay so fit and ready for combat? This book provides a glimpse into IDF-inspired training methods from the early 1980s. It’s quite dated now (Israel’s military fitness programs have evolved since then), but the basics are still practical and accessible for civilians looking for no-equipment workouts or self-defense skills.

The book is divided into three main sections:

1.  Calisthenics and Home Exercises
Focuses on bodyweight exercises you can do anywhere using household furniture like chairs and tables. It covers classics such as push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and other strength-building moves. This is the core of how the book explains soldiers maintaining fitness without fancy gyms.

2.  Combat and Self-Defense Basics
Teaches fundamental techniques for defending against attacks, including blocks against punches, kicks, knives, or guns, plus simple holds like arm locks. It’s straightforward and beginner-friendly, though not advanced martial arts.

3.  Training Variations and Physiology
Includes ideas for creating your own obstacle courses at home to simulate military prep. There’s also a section on basic physiology, covering vitamins, nutrition tips, and health factors to watch out for.

Overall, it’s inexpensive (often found used for cheap), practical for average people wanting functional fitness or basic self-defense, and emphasizes real-world applicability—no gym required. The dated aspects (like some exercise recommendations) mean it’s not cutting-edge, but the principles hold up well for home training.

I’d recommend it to anyone interested in old-school, military-style conditioning or Krav Maga-style self-defense roots. Solid 4/5 for timeless basics with a historical twist!