The Hindu Newspaper

June 14, 2008

At a Krav Maga class, Nandini Nairlearns that the best defence is attack

Beware! I might not be armed, but I’m dangerous. I’m just back from a Krav Maga class.

It is the official self-defence system of the Israeli Defence Forces. It emphasises instinctive movements, practical techniques, and realistic training scenarios. It might be the domain of bodyguards and elite military units, but it’s relevant for every person on the street. Vicky Kapoor, CEO, Ultimate Tactical and Combat Ltd and the pioneer of Krav Maga in India, looks me in the eye and asks, “Are you safe when you are walking, talking, sleeping, sitting?” I hear myself mumble “No”. “That’s why you need to know this form of self defence,” he retorts, removing the rings on his finger, with his teeth.

There can’t be a policeman for every person. So, it’s important to be one’s own leader, as Kapoor says. While Krav Maga is practised in groups, I get the honour of a personal class with him.

It starts with a warm-up session, “to lubricate the joints,” he explains. The exercises are not the usual sit-ups and push-ups as, “This training is not to be body builders. But to be fighters.”

USP

After some basic warm-up exercises like rotations and squats, Kapoor asks me, “What would you do if you suddenly realised that your auto driver was going the wrong way on purpose.” I reply proudly and almost smugly, “I’ve a pepper spray in my handbag.” Kapoor tries to suppress a giggle of scorn. “By the time you get your pepper spray out, he would’ve done what he wanted,” he tells me. I feel chastened. And stupid. “Krav Maga is about making smart fighters, not stupid fighters,” he asserts. He then elaborates that the first thing to do is to pull back the hair of the driver. This will force him to apply the brakes. And you run for your life. He tells me to supplement my pepper spray with a fistful of coins. Throw the coins in the attacker’s face and it will be like a canon of pebbles. Sizing me up, he adds, “Small and big is immaterial. It’s important what you project. Even if you are fus inside – you should walk with confidence.”

The USP of Krav Maga is how to deal with stress under pressure. “It doesn’t teach what’s not real,” says Kapoor. The benefits of it are both mental and physical. While physically it increases flexibility, coordination and speed, it also makes one mentally stronger. In a situation of threat it’s crucial not to freeze and to maintain eye contact. Engaging in a verbal dialogue helps to disengage the attacker from his intentions.

Believing that the best defence is attack, Krav Maga teaches how to adapt the situation to one’s advantage. Keys can slash and pens can jab. The chin, neck and groin are the most vulnerable points. The torso itself can take punches but an attack on the sensitive parts can debilitate an assailant. Kapoor demonstrates how to elbow the chin and to knee the groin.

After one class, I’m inspired to be my own leader.

(To know more - www.kravmagaindia.in. Or call Vicky Kapoor at 9810412442) ( nandini@thehindu.co.in)

Source: The Hindu