Express India

Nitya Rao
Mumbai, Monday , December 26, 2005

He’s been a platoon commander in an Israeli terror demolition unit. Even worked as a private bodyguard to Madonna and Michael Jackson. So when Israeli self-defence trainer Avi Moyal starts to demonstrate what he calls the ‘‘bear hug’’ you know it can’t be friendly. He’s in the city to talk about Krav-Maga—an Israeli self defence technique developed by their armed forces. Moyal also taught a clutch of students at Vicky’s School of Oriental Arts in Saket, Delhi, how to use their reflexes to sense and counter an attack. Advertisement ‘‘What’s different about Krav-Maga is that it helps you understand the psychology of a criminal,’’ says Moyal, who worked in the Israeli Prime Minister’s office to train workers in this field. ‘‘It’s especially imperative for young girls to learn and understand the intricacies of body language, to read danger signs when they lurk,’’ explains the trainer, who’s demonstrated the art in Delhi and Chandigarh earlier this month. So popular is this relatively new martial art (it was developed in the early 1950’s) that Hollywood has embraced it eagerly with stars like Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Lopez performing their own stunts using the new fangled close quarter combat technique. Closer home, Vicky Kapoor, who manages the school at Saket acts as a personal Krav-Maga trainer to former MP Omar Abdullah and his wife Payal. ‘‘They’re both excellent students,’’ says Kapoor. ‘‘Very disciplined and no tantrums despite the VIP tag.’’ While there isn’t any age bar (Kapoor’s oldest student is 65), you don’t have to spend a bundle on the classes either. Monthly charges for the three-times-a-week package is Rs 2,100. Moyal will host a seminar and demonstration today at the National Sports Club of India, Haji Ali, 5 pm to 7 pm

Source: Express India