How to Wrap Your Hands & Fingers for Krav Maga

Krav Maga is the official training and self-defense martial art for the Israeli Defense Force, and because of its effectiveness the teaching of this art has spread to law enforcement agencies and martial arts enthusiasts around the world. The basics of Krav Maga involve no equipment, instead using the body as a weapon. To protect themselves from injury, many practitioners wrap their hands, fingers and wrists with protective elastic before training.

Things You'll Need

  • Elastic bands
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Instructions

    • 1

      Open your elastic wraps and spread them all the way out; the wrapping will be easier if the ends are loose while you wrap. Most wraps are labeled with one side being the top and the other being the bottom.

    • 2

      Grab the loop at the starting end of the elastic wrap and thread the thumb of the hand you need to wrap through the loop. This will hold the wrap in place while you work.

    • 3

      Wrap counterclockwise around your wrist twice. Keep the elastic band tight as you work. It should stretch slightly while you pull.

    • 4

      Angle the wrap upwards toward your fingers slightly and cover your entire hand with wrapping. You should feel a slight resistance to your movement, but still be able to bend the wrist and the fingers at all times. After your last pass, stop on the inside of your wrist.

    • 5

      Gently spread your fingers and thread the elastic band between each finger, starting near your wrist and working your way up through each space between your fingers. After each pass between a finger, wrap once more around the wrist to provide support for the band.

    • 6

      Pass the band through the space between your pointer finger and your thumb. When you get through that space, change directions, passing the elastic band back around your wrist in a clockwise motion.

    • 7

      Wrap your hand and wrist three or four times counterclockwise to provide additional support. The number of passes you can make will vary depending on the size of your hand. If you have any left over, wrap the slack around your wrist once more. Secure the band with the included Velcro or with small metal snaps to stop the band from slipping.