There will always been the debate as to which method of Krav Maga training (or other martial arts, for that matter) is better: group classes or private instruction. Both have their distinctive advantages and yet each has its respective downside. The answer lies, of course, somewhere in the middle.
Early morning Krav Maga classes…absolutely!
Alarm clock rudely awakens, each morning at 5am. Who am I kidding? I still have imbedded the years and years of “nightclub mentality” from my music career, which may never truly go away. Still, it’s my professional desire to teach my Krav Maga classes with as much energy and enthusiasm as the usual noon or early evening sessions ubiquitous with the several other schools in Fairfax County and Northern Virginia.
Rock Guitarist/Writer/Krav Maga expert…really?
My hair is longer than most martial artists…makes my head gear even tighter. My right hand’s nails are a bit longer, as well (hybrid picking for all of you non-players), and need to be taped, along with my fingers, for Brazilian JiuJitsu training. Yet, I am a world-class rock and fusion guitarist, which has been my principal vocation for many years and continues to this day; and, I have had my novels and poetry released everywhere.
Physical “handicaps” do not exist in Krav Maga!
A year ago, I was giving a Krav Maga seminar and six bouncers, from one of the city’s very popular beach clubs, were among those attending…one, a smaller guy in a wheelchair! We talked for a few minutes before the training began, and I advised him to just observe, and that I would partner up with him, throughout the 3-hour seminar, when the assistants ran some of the drills for everyone else…and, would “customize” his techniques that day.
How does one choose the right Krav Maga school?
Being an internationally successful touring/recording rock and fusion guitarist for many years, I also taught, literally, hundreds of students…numerous pros, and many with similar aspirations. One thing that I absolutely know is that most have some talent, but ALL process information slightly differently. Teaching Krav Maga is no different, and those of my Krav people who are also my guitar students see this very clearly.
Handgun defense/take-aways should be simple and logical!
There are three basic principles to handgun defense: 1) off centerline, 2) trap the weapon, and 3) take the weapon. Yes, easier said than done, especially the psychological part of actually “going for it”. However, anyone that has been training with me in Krav Maga for more than six months will have not only mastered their three basic defense/take-aways in their yellow belt (first) curriculum, but will look at another 30 or so; with almost every conceivable angle and situation possible, so as not to confuse or complicate, but to demonstrate that these same principles always apply…ALWAYS!
What is Krav Maga?
Krav Maga means “contact combat” in Hebrew. Because of its realistic fight training, that is completely unrelated to sport, it has become the world’s number one rated system of self-defense. Officially created by renown Israeli Imi Lichtenfeld, just after World War II, it is now used by their police, special forces, IDF, intelligence organizations and civilians; and, as well, America’s premier law enforcement, military and special ops units.
How is Krav Maga different from other martial arts?
Krav Maga was designed and based upon the world’s best martial arts systems, including: Muay Thai, JiuJitsu, Taekwondo, Western Boxing, Russian Sambo, etc.; however, this is where any similarity ends. Because it is not a sport, many of our military’s lethal combat techniques have also been incorporated, proving that one can achieve competence based upon his or her simple desire to fight back, as anyone is vulnerable to certain types of strikes, chokes and disarms, no matter how menacing!
Why is Krav Maga perfect for women?
Krav Maga is especially perfect for women in that it relies on the “hard tissue versus soft tissue” principle. For example, any size girl can literally incapacitate any size man by an effective strike to his throat, as it takes very little pressure to do so. As well, a woman’s knees have the possibility of 25,000 pounds of force, enough to lift a car, and certainly enough to bring down the most aggressive of attackers, with a strike to the groin or sternum. Her elbows are similar, and will be trained to be a most effective, especially when grabbed.
