I couldn’t find a Japanese Jujitsu dojo so I searched for another style of martial arts. I dabbled in kickboxing, Karate and Coung Nhu, but none of them gave me the intensity and adrenaline that I needed. I heard about Krav Maga and decided to check out a few classes. I was immediately hooked and I have been hopelessly in love with it ever since.

I remember my very first class. The instructor used me to demonstrate that even a small female could cause real damage with a weapon. He gave me a padded stick, held one between his hands and asked me to swing at him as hard as I could. I happily accepted. Unfortunately I was a bit uncoordinated and I smashed his fingers with every swing. I knew I had found my new home.

Now, over a year later, I am still with the Krav Maga Institute, I have a ton of friends there and I am still deeply committed to my training. Although it is not competitive, I enjoy it as much as any sport, I enjoy learning the new techniques and trying out variations of them. Mastering a difficult technique and learning to execute a clean and effective defense is as much an accomplishment as learning to hit a fastball and scoring a home run. Unlike any other sport, however, Krav Maga has the potential to save my life.

I have never been in a fight or seriously attacked, but I have still used Krav Maga on many occasions. Our instructors emphasize prevention in every class and this is something I have taken with me outside of class. Being a small woman (5″5′ and 110lbs), I know if it ever came down to a fight between me an average-sized man, or worse, multiple men, the odds would not be in my favor. With my training, I am confident I would fare much better than someone with no training, and I would make it out in one piece, but I always opt to prevent rather than take the risk. Krav Maga has taught me the importance of awareness and allowed me to avoid dangerous situations. Our street clothes classes have taught me that I can still use the training I’ve received when I’m wearing heels and jeans instead of the workout clothes and sneakers I normally wear for training. I live alone down a dark ally in Queens, NY so there are plenty of times when my spidey-senses are on high alert. Krav Maga has given me the ability to make the best of a potentially dangerous situation, as well as the confidence that I would not be powerless in the event that I had an encounter with someone who was up to no good. I have found my NY home at the Krav Maga Institute.

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The morning was a bit dreary, but cleared up to a sunny beautiful day. The first half of the day began with some much needed stretching. The pace is slower than yesterday since everyone’s fatigue level is growing steadily as the training hours wear on. The training today is devoted entirely to curriculum. All the groups are practicing. Level by level, technique by technique. Making sure every check point is met. From G4 to P1, everything is reviewed, revised, and re-emphasized.

Megan Kaddouch, Tamir Gilad, and Israel Tamir spend the day with us. Making corrections and answering questions while they move about the group. Miki Weinstein, Director of Operations for IKMF USA and Paula Meyers from Minnesota arrived yesterday. They stayed around to observe the training for a short while. Their approval poured through their smiles.

The evening was a joyous event. Everyone gathered together to celebrate The Family. Short blog post tonight. Everyone is Excited/Nervous for tomorrow. Remember what I said about test day, full technique, full follow through, search, and most importantly… Have fun!

DAY SEVEN

Test day!
A buzz is infecting the group. Nervous energy with only one way to let it out!

The groups a divided by grade level with a different G.I.T. in charge of the evaluations. The sweat begins to pour as healthy amounts of contact are being made. G.I.T. Israel Cohen asks for me to assist with the only G1 tester. I happily obliged. Ty from Australia had perhaps the hardest test I have seen. It was non stop movement. If he wasn’t performing a technique, he was performing an exercise. Get ups, push up, and sit ups generously mixed in between chokes, bear hugs, and attacks. It didn’t stop there. The end of the test was one on one and two on one attacks with exercises mixed in between. No rest, no reprieve. Between myself and a “nice” German fellow by the name of Cüneyt attacking, Ty earned his G1 in marvelous fashion.

The participants worked at a stressful pace. Pushing harder as the test wore on. Size and weight disadvantages were not allowable factors during the test, just like real life. Attack after attack, defenses and counter attack came in explosive moves. Until the very end, no one stopped. Not everyone passed, but then again, our rank is earned through blood, sweat, and pain. It is given out just because you paid for your test.

The G3 group had Tamir Gilad to stress them out. The fighting was tough. The techniques had to be perfect. Standards for the testers were the highest I’ve seen(until later anyways). Kraver’s from Canada, Russia, Ireland, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands pushing eachother to their limits. Encouraging words shared when needed and helping hands when it getting up was harder than expected. True strength is not how hard you knock someone down, but the strength to pull them up. It was a small group with few people. Even fewer passed.

G4. It was the hardest test I’ve taken so far. Evaluated by Amnon Darsa, the IKMF Head of Testing, this group was the last to finish. Testers were completely drenched in sweat upon completing the test. Techniques at this level are exceptionally complicated. Sticks, knives, pistols, rifles, and multiple attackers. Mix in situations standing, laying on the ground, sitting in chairs, and you have the makings of a very difficult test. As you can expect with the Head of Testing evaluating a test, not everyone passed.

DAY EIGHT: EXPERT CAMP BEGINS

Today’s techniques and drills are top secret, so here is a picture of a Mickey Mouse/Wolverine hybrid…!!

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Day Five at IKMF Crash Camp

Morning run was just what I needed. Elevation mask came out again for the short run followed by buddy push ups and buddy sit ups. Starting the day off like this seemed to make the day fly by faster than I expected. Grade training started off with Amnon Darsa monkey drills. Monkey drills are when one partner is a “tree” and the other a “monkey” climbing on/over/around the tree. Don’t worry everyone will get the chance to play both roles.

Level training today was very upbeat. It was lead by Amnon Darsa, Dan Oren, and Megan Kaddouche. Everyone was focusing not only on their level, but everything from previous levels. When you test in Krav Maga, you are required to maintain a level of proficiency from previous levels of Krav Maga. The section actually count more towards an overall grade than most expect.

The end of grade training emphasized Zombie game. After each round, the game was modified to enhance difficulty. Punching, kicking, attacking pads, and getting our backs slapped if we past through the center, we’re the first few rounds. Then out came the knives. Needless to say, there were many stabbings and punches to the face on the receiving end of our non-zombie people.

We finished up the grade training by adding music to the training. For the length of the first song, we were ping ponging attack and defend situations. Second song begins, burpees. Everyone did burpees for five to six minutes. I was spent, but kept smiling and continued to work. Third song, grabs and holds. At this point the brain began to say, “I’ve run out of variations”. Last songs was all sit ups. I got to this point and all I could do was smile.

After lunch we broke into two groups. Instructors and students who have attended any Law Enforcement (L.E.) or Military Instructors course, and those who hadn’t. The L.E. and Military individuals got got to play with some Nike Sparq Vapor Goggles in L.E. and Military situations. This is some of the coolest training gear on the planet. My reaction time is fairly decent, but training with the goggles took it to an entirely different level. The best analogy is also the cheesiest – The Matrix. I only played with the Reax (Krav Maga program) goggles for about 20 minutes, but My partner and I definitely noticed a difference. Wow.

Following the Reax training, our small group had an incredible lecture from Megan Kaddouche about the Timeline. The Timeline is essentially logical technique decision making based on when you become aware of a threat or attack. Factors of what type of attack, distance, and states of readiness, and time are what is taken into account. The biggest eye opener about this lecture was an explanation of a question that every student has, why one technique versus another. Example is simultaneous counter attack against a straight punch compared to inside defense 1.5 rhythm. I want all of you to ponder on why we would use one in compared to the other and why, and respond in comments. I can tell you the answer to why we do one technique compared to another is no longer answered only by, it’s another option. In some cases it will be, but it won’t be the only explanation.

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Day Four at IKMF Crash Camp in Sadot Yam

The day started off a little slower than I expected, but picked up at the end. The run and swim was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. As you might expect though, no one was heartbroken. I finally got to meet the infamous G.I.T. Dan Oren. My impression? A very nice guy (insert evil grin).

The warm up today was a focus on listening. Jogging, jumping, and following directions. Then on to the Tabata. Eight rounds of push ups, sit ups, and burpees. Directions were to have a cumulative number at the end. The push ups were not easy today, the body is not cooperating as advertised. I had a short one sided discussion with it, and it is now doing as its told. I got a late start on the burpees as opposed to everyone else. It was time to break out the elevation mask. I was fairly consistent all eight rounds at five per. The only notice I received from Dan Oren was a thumbs up. I replied with the opposite. If you are wondering my total number, it may or may not have surpassed my “like=five burpees” post from a year ago:)

Grade level training was a bit off today. All the participants a beginning to feel the fatigue. Energy levels falling slightly, and bodies not wanting to function. We are led by G.I.T. Dan Oren and Avshalom Dahan, and Avi Moyal arriving a short time later. I didn’t join any one group, but bounced back and for between the soon to be G1′s and another group. It was fun practicing and giving explanations on why we do techniques a particular way. Christmas lights flickering above people’s heads always bring a smile.

After a while Avi set us all down to explain a few issues with Krav Maga. One that stood out was how we test and how we make it better. To be unbiased, all testing staring in July will be done on iPads. This way no matter what club you come from, it’s even and fair across the board. It makes paperwork easier.

After the short talk, we got our hands on new merchandise that the IKMF wanted some feedback. Two words, Beer Mug. Amongst other things, coffee cups and phone covers will be available soon. Business card holders and key tags were the other items that were of interest. All items had variations of either IKMF or Crash Camp.

After lunch we had the pleasure of training with Dan Oren on security situation, pistol shooting position, and using the pistol and a cold weapon. A cold weapon is a weapon that is treated as if it is empty. In this situation, the gun is an extension of the hand. Fighting switching in between a defensive aspect and offensive aspect of Krav Maga. Fun times!

After the weapon training, more Tabata. This time striking the pads from different positions and getting up from the ground fighting. Benny IKMF Klein was my partner for this, and he hits very hard. I’m lucky I didn’t see my lunch a second time. After Benny’s eight rounds, the elevation mask came out again. I made it through the first four rounds before it came off. I see more Tabata in our schools future. It was killer.

When we were all nice tired and sweaty, we geared up for (pain) conditioning, reaction training, and fighting. Russians, Americans, Italians, and the French were my partners for the conditioning and fighting. Everyone of my partners had a unique skill set that made the fighting experience unique. Strong, fast, accurate, creative, and relentless. I was completely elated with every partner. Much respect and thankfulness to all of them.

Only one lecture during this course, but that will be blog will be for tomorrow. Stay safe people.

By the way, the picture at the top is of the beach that’s less than 100 yards from the hotel. Yes that is the Mediterranean. Be jealous;)

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Excitement. Maybe too much excitement – I didn’t sleep as well as I expected. A short run on the beach followed by a nice ‘wake-up’ swim in the Mediterranean. The water was warmer than I expected…

We begin the IKMF Crash Camp in Israel Day 3 with a short session in the gymnasium. Tamar and Guy are leading us with the “warmup”. Think Jobe warmup. Sprinting first! Why because it wears you out. Then fight. Not a normal fight, because there is never a normal or average fight. We add knife attacks to the mix of punching and kicking, and make it a free for all. The constant flow of attack/defend is unrelenting. Chaotic and controlled at the same time. The chaos is magnificent.

After we are all tired and very sweaty, it’s time to adjust the scenario. Everyone on the ground. Half the people on their back, the other half on all fours. The ones on hands and knees are trying to punch all the other in the stomach. People with knives, stabbing. And of course, it’s a free for all again. 40+ P5 and higher students attacking each other non stop. It doesn’t matter if you are on your back or on all fours, everyone attacks. Then, when we are winded, change positions,….. and do it again. We did a few other drills, but I’m saving it for when I get back:)

Grade training today, I jumped in with the G3 group led by Israel Cohen. Level techniques, fighting tactics, and aggression. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. The basics apply all the way through the levels. One tool/technique to solve multiple problems. My main partners today were Gabriella (if I spelled that right) from IKMF Italia in Milan, and Drew Goodwin from San Diego. Aggression and follow through are the key points today. The exchange of methods and variations left all of us smiling.

Theme training was Military and SWAT with Israel Cohen. For all of my IKMF friends who participated in the shooting course, I understand better now. The Get-Ups will now be a staple of the school. Communication will be implemented. Our students foundation will be tempered. Techniques from P1 and P2 are adapted and modified to handle different attacks using a rifle. FREAKING AWESOME!!!

Time to rest, recover, and prep for tomorrow. Have fun and be safe. with a short session in the gymnasium. Tamar and Guy are leading us with the ‘warmup’. Think Jobe warmup. Sprinting first! Why because it wears you out. Then fight. Not a normal fight, because there is never a normal or average fight. We add knife attacks to the mix of punching and kicking, and make it a free for all. The constant flow of attack/defend is unrelenting. Chaotic and controlled at the same time. The chaos is magnificent.

Time to rest, recover, and prep for tomorrow. Have fun and be safe.

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The day of arrival. I can barely contain my excitement. Derek and Jan are friendly faces. The Global Instructor Team are all smiles as we begin arriving. Family that haven’t seen you in a while giving warm hugs and friendly greetings. It was a long taxi drive on Shabbat since trains don’t operate on Friday and Saturday. Arrival at the training center is relieving. 20 hours of travel by planes, trains, and automobiles have finally ended. The “family” is beginning to assembly in pockets around the living areas about to eat lunch. Lunch is an event of old friends and catch up. I am relieved that the food is better than the 2011 camp. At the end of Crash Camp in 2011, the G.I.T. gathered the group for a question and answer session. The feedback was mostly positive, my suggestion was improving the food. Training at high levels for extensive periods of time is similar to elite level athletes training for sports. It requires adequate nutrition to fuel the body for extended periods of vigorous activity. So far, so good. The rest of the evening was spent settling in and casually chatting with students and instructors from around the world. G Camp this year will have 44 participants from around the world. In this environment, I feel inadequate in the communications department. Everyone speaks at least two languages, their native tongue and English, I can barely speak mine:). The common thread is the passion for Krav Maga. Why else would anyone travel to the other side of the world to hang out and get beat up by nearly total strangers?!!
MORE TOMORROW…

IKMF CRASH CAMP DAY 2

The first part of the morning is spent explaining how the course is laid out. Runnning on the beach and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea in the morning followed by breakfast then Grade level training. This is the preferred by the students so that they are fresh in the morning and ready to absorb level-specific material.

I jumped in with the soon to be G5 students for the Level training and had the pleasure of working with the National Director of Uruguay. I’ve said this to students before – you may not share the verbal language, but we all “speak” Krav Maga. I speak a minimal amount of Spanish, but the tips back and forth are explained through demonstration of varying speeds. What a fantastic time.

Theme training today was all about ground fighting. Dealing with punches, kicks, and wrist grabs while you are on your back. When I say the are people from all over the world, I mean it! Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Netherlands, Australia, Hong Kong, France, Uruguay, China, Canada,… We’re all here! Some have been training many years, others, just a few. I’m working my way through the group so I have the opportunity to train with everyone and get a different perspective of Krav Maga. I worked with Bo Van Velzen who is the National Director of the Netherlands and Benny (I hope that is his name) from Germany.

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by Yevgeniy Grigoryev

If you have never been robbed before, hopefully you never will. However, in case you find yourself in such predicament, here are some guidelines on how to best handle such a situation.

What’s your life worth?

Remember, your life and health are worth much more than your wallet. The person robbing you most likely will try to convince you to part with your belongings by displaying a weapon, which could be anything ranging from a screwdriver or a knife to an actual firearm. Keep in mind, however, that their goal in most cases is not to hurt you but safely get away with your money. As described previously, situational awareness and prevention are your best tools not to end up in such situations. But if it so happens that you failed to notice a robber and they managed to approach you and present a weapon, there are several things that you can do to ensure your safety.

Your first choice is to comply

First of all, you have the option to comply. Remember, they are not after your life, just your wallet. So stay calm, identify where the exit is and then comply with their commands in such a way that you can put some distance between you and the robber. For example, do not just hand your wallet or purse to them. Instead, toss it away from you and then escape. The robber will go after the wallet/purse, and you can get to safety and call for help.

Carry a decoy

Another good idea is to carry a decoy wallet, with small bills and expired credit/debit cards. This throw-away wallet looks real enough and can be used as a ploy as described above.

When safety is not guaranteed

However, there are certain situations where complying with the armed robber might not guarantee your safety. For example, if the perpetrator is possibly under the influence of drugs and displays erratic behavior or suffers from mental illness, logical compliance may not resolve the situation.

Distract, slap, kick, run
Let’s take a scenario where the robber is standing in front of you threatening you with a knife, presented at a medium range from you – within your arm’s reach. It is important to stay very calm and feign compliance. Do not stare at the weapon or into the robber’s eyes. Instead, focus on an imaginary triangle between their shoulders and solar plexus and start talking to the robber calmly. Identify which of your hands is closest to the presented weapon and DO NOT move that hand. Instead, use the other hand, the one that’s farthest away from the knife to visually distract them by pointing in a direction away from the weapon. You could say that there is an ATM there or that your wallet is in your car there, etc. Pick the moment when they are distracted and shift their focus from the weapon to your pointing hand. When this happens, you must slap the attacker’s hand holding the knife away from you with the hand closest to the weapon and almost at the same time kick them in the groin, preferably with the leg that’s on the other side of your body than the slapping hand (so if you slap with your left, kick with your right). Then immediately land back and run away like hell in the direction away from the knife.

The key is not to telegraph/give away your movements and thus stun and surprise the distracted attacker. Remember, engaging an armed robber always carries risk of physical injury, so make sure you only choose this option if complying with their demands does not guarantee your safety. In that case, feign compliance then distract the robber, slap their hand that has the weapon using your hand that’s closest to it and kick them in the groin, then run away.

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Karate. Taekwando. Krav Maga.

These are only a few self-defense systems taught to children all over the world. A lot of people believe that self-defense means going into Jackie Chan mode and fighting off bad guys with karate kicks to the groin and smashing heads together. That’s actually not true. While you’d learn some cool moves, self –defense is also about trusting your instincts, understanding your surroundings, and doing everything possible to avoid putting yourself into harm’s way. Self-defense is all about being smart.

It sounds like an art every child should master, doesn’t it? Some parents don’t think so. They’re afraid that martial arts will mess up their kids, especially at a young age. Parents everywhere have conjured up pros and cons of teaching children self-defense.

Pros of children learning self defense

A lot of pros are involved with teaching children self defense. Here are some of them:

It teaches children to avoid dangerous situations. Children taking self-defense classes don’t see the world with rose tinted glasses, and that is a good thing. Children need to be aware of the dangers lurking out there in the world, and they need to know what to do if approached by a stranger. Martial arts classes will teach them everything about that.

It provides good exercise. If your child was going to spend a few hours after school vegging out in front of the TV, why not use that time constructively? Enrolling him into a self-defense class will not only teach him invaluable life skills, but it will also give him all the exercise he or she needs.

It builds confidence. Martial arts gives children the skills they need to defend themselves. When armed with practical knowledge and self-defense skills, a child would feel more confident about standing up for herself.

It stays with children their whole lives. The earlier a child learns self-defense, the more likely it will turn into an instinct. Children are like sponges; they absorb massive amounts of information. Adults? Not so much. The older you get, the more practice you need and the more likely you’ll forget the self-defense techniques you’ve learned in class.

It teaches self-discipline. Martial arts classes are known for instilling self-discipline in children. They teach children to think before acting on an impulse, handle confrontation effectively, and make good choices in general.

Cons of children learning self defense

Self defense could bring some grave consequences if not taught correctly. Here are some scenarios that could go wrong:

It could lull children into a false sense of security. While self-defense does teach children how to defend themselves, some children might overestimate their own strength and get themselves into dangerous situations. For example, a child could think nothing of walking through a seedy neighborhood just because he knows a bit of karate. A child could become friends with a manipulative stranger just because the stranger doesn’t exhibit any of the characteristics the child was taught to beware of. It could be dangerous to let children believe that they’re untouchable just because they know a few self-defense moves and techniques.

It could teach children to be violent with other children. The defensive moves a child learns in her martial arts class could easily turn into offensive moves. Some kids may take advantage of what they just learned to hit other kids just for fun. Be careful who teaches your child learns self defense and how.

It could teach children to be afraid of everything. You know the saying: ignorance is bliss. While it’s great for children to be realistic about the dangers out there, we don’t want to drill “stranger danger” so far into kids that they’re terrified to talk to anyone or even go out in public. Again, the quality of instruction is paramount here and should instill confidence in your kid, not fear.

However, teaching self defense properly could steer children away from the above problems.

What do you think?

Should children master self-defense skills, or should such a gift be left to adults only? Please let us know what you think in the comments below!

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Have you ever heard of something terrible happening to a woman or child and thought, ‘there’s no way that would ever happen to me’?

Guess what? It could very well happen to you. Anything is possible, and we’re going to show you how to handle some dangerous situations in the safest way possible.

We’re not trying to turn you into a paranoid tinfoil-hat-wearing hermit; rather, we’re informing you of some of the dangerous situations you could face and how to best prepare yourself for each one. Because women and children are seen as vulnerable targets, they’re subjected to robberies, rape, and assaults more than men are. That’s why it’s very important for you, as a woman, to be alert and prepared at all times. It also helps to be fully aware of some of the most common dangerous situations women find themselves in every day.

Let’s take a look at four of them:

ATM attacks

When you’re at an ATM, you have your back turned to everyone, and you have your bank account open. That makes you the perfect target for someone who wants your money. Women are being attacked at ATMs everywhere, and it’s not stopping anytime soon.

How to keep yourself – and your money – safe: While retrieving money at an ATM, look around you and check. If you see any suspicious characters lurking behind you, or if you feel uncomfortable for any reason, immediately sign out of your bank account and leave. Also, be very discreet when withdrawing cash. Don’t let anyone see what you take out.

You want to be ready before approaching an ATM. If you spend time fumbling with your wallet or purse at an ATM, you’re making yourself an easy target. Always be alert, especially after leaving the ATM. If you think that you’re being followed, go somewhere safe and call for help.

Parking garage predators

Parking garages are supposed to shield your car from bad weather or car thieves, but they don’t protect you from predators. Actually, they do the opposite. Predators love parking garages because they’re empty, quiet, and full of good hiding spots. We hear about women being attacked or abducted in parking garages all the time. They’re very dangerous places for women.

How to keep yourself safe in a parking garage: If possible, have someone accompany you to your car. If you’re alone and uncomfortable, ask a security guard to escort you to your car.

Always keep your eyes peeled. Some women use pepper spray even if it is just to feel safe. If something happens, and you’re threatened just give the attacker your money, then attract attention for help.

Elevator attacks

Elevator attacks happen more often than we’d like to admit. In fact, last January, an East Harlem man was arrested for attacking and robbing eight different Asian people in various elevators across Upper Manhattan. To a predator, an elevator is the perfect place to attack and rob or assault a woman. They’re alone between floors with a defenseless target.

Solution: Don’t use elevators in dangerous places, especially alone. If a predator ever tries to attack you on an elevator, it makes sense to employ any strategy you can to avoid antagonizing your attacker, talk to them, give them your phone or wallet to keep them at bay and as soon as you can, press the alarm button and get out of there as soon as you can. If you feel the elevator stopping at a floor, press the “door open” button and bolt out of there!

Tips on avoiding a dangerous situation

Appear confident. Many predators target women who look timid, lost, or intoxicated. Keep your head high, maintain a good posture, and always look you’re going somewhere.

Your hair. You’re more vulnerable if you’re wearing a ponytail or braids and have your hair down. A predator can easily grab your hair and drag you around. If you wear under a cap, a predator will have a harder time grabbing you.

If you’re intoxicated, have a friend accompany you home. An intoxicated woman is an easy target. Don’t drink stupid amounts of alcohol and attempt to get home alone.

Don’t park your car in a dark area. A dark area is a predator’s dream hiding spot. It helps shield him from you and any witnesses that may be around. Always park your car in a well-lit area.

Don’t talk on the phone or wear earphones when you’re walking alone. Talking on the phone, texting and listening to music will distract you from your surroundings – your iPhone’s white headphones attract attention. You want to be able to hear everything around you.

Don’t feel bad for assuming that someone is dangerous and worry about hurting their feelings. You know the saying: better safe than sorry! An innocent and decent person would understand your safety concerns.

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By Eric Wasserman

As New Yorkers, we all have a responsibility to live by what have come to be known as social norms. That is not to say that there’s not a certain amount of flexibility here. According to the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, “The field of ethics (or moral philosophy) involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behavior”. But, how do we define right and wrong behavior in relation to self defense and the protection of ourselves and loved ones?

The human body has certain natural responses to intense, sometimes scary situations. When these natural responses kick in, people become disorientated, confused, afraid, they freeze and are often short of breath. It is not easy to make decisions in these circumstances. When the adrenaline kicks in, as trained Krav Maga practitioners, we can function effectively in high-pressure situations. But in the heat of the moment, it’s often possible to lose your sense of proportion and lose sight of what is considered ethical behavior because we are under threat, in danger and for forced to defend ourselves.

A weakness or disadvantage, like paralyzing fear, or, being physically less able to defend yourself, can quickly play to somebody else’s advantage. When a Krav Maga practitioner is faced with a situation and he or she knows they are a position of advantage, issues surrounding responsibility quickly become an issue.

In Krav Maga, our philosophy is to defend ourselves and in doing so it may be necessary to supply any attacker with strikes to vulnerable parts of the body (soft tissue) that permit us and others to get away safely from a situation. However, there is a fine line between what is a proportionate response to an attack or threat and one where the response is disproportionate – we need to be aware of the difference.

We are not interested in teaching people to hurt others. There is a natural instinctive tendency to want to defend yourself, your friends and family but doing so in a socially responsible and proportionate manner isn’t always a priority, especially in the heat of the moment. We don’t encourage students to abuse their position of knowledge and experience just because they can. For instance, head-stomping automatically after you have defended an attack can cause severe damage and even kill someone and isn’t necessary (you are already safe).

Disproportionate responses to an attack are a major issue generally but especially in New York. It is like punching and kicking someone in the groin just because they accidentally pushed into you in a crowded bar. These are moments people tend to regret and which give certain martial arts and self defense systems a bad name. While local laws, judges, and juries determine the final outcome of these situations, we can effectively deter and fend off potential attackers without taking things to a dangerous or deadly level.

Understanding the progression and stages of an attack helps. Understanding the tactics of self defense and the principles of an effective offense also helps avoid these situations. But, above all, think and act responsibly and proportionately or it could end up you getting into trouble. Our ability to think and act responsibly can save us a lifetime of regret.

Be safe, and walk in peace.

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