SITUATION 1

You are walking on the road and suddenly a car stops, few men grab you and try to pull you in….

If they grab your hands

• Do not get into a push-pull situation as they would be stronger than you and could overpower you.
• Bend down a bit and stand on your side with your legs little wider apart so that they would take more time to pull you in. Do not face them or away from them where you are most likely to lose balance.
• Use your other hand to grab your own fist and push your elbow towards him, twisting your hand.
• After you are free, you can hit him on his face with a closed fist.

If they hold your clothes or purse

• Use your knuckles (like you are knocking on the door) to hit the palm of the person.
• Do not try to hold on to your duppata or purse if they grab it, let go of them and run away.

If they hold you close

• Hit the groin if your arms are caught up.
• Stomp his feet.

SITUATION 2

If the men have managed to bundle you into the car and pin you down…

• Always try rolling to your side so that you will be in a position to kick the culprits.
• Keep kicking and try to crawl out of the other side of the door.
• Use the seat inside the car as the tool to lie down and kick hard repeatedly while look for things like pen, rolled-up magazines or anything hard inside the car that can be used as a jabbing tool.
• Aim for the driver’s eyes or try twisting his head or pressing his nose so that he could stop/slow down the vehicle.

SITUATION 3
When you are walking on a busy street and two men try to grope you.

• Always keep your purse or bag closer to your chest while walking through a crowded street.
• If you manage to catch the person, always shout and scream, but do not hurl abuses at him or slap him else it would just create a scene and you might end up in a worst situation.
• If he is in front of you and you can see a hand approaching, you can immediately use your palm to push against his neck’s cervical esophagus area, which is very soft, which can choke up the person.

SITUATION 4
You are traveling in an auto rickshaw in a secluded stretch and suddenly the auto-rickshaw stops and two men barge in.

• If two men are trying to get in, immediately start kicking one of the person’s knees or groin. Use your hands to jab the other person’s eyes or throat. Use your palm to hit his chin.
• If the auto-driver grabs you from his seat then roll to the side and use your legs to kick his face.
• If they have a weapon, and are asking for money, give them what they want. Do not abuse them and do not plead, beg or cry. Put up a confident front, but don’t try to threaten them.
• Try to isolate these guys and then plan your escape by attacking one of them.

SITUATION 5
You are the last passenger traveling in your call center cab. The driver suddenly stops and pounces on you.

• If the driver grabs you from his seat, then use your legs to kick his face. There is enough space in the backseat of the car for you to lie down and kick with much force. Scream loudly as you are hitting him.
• Lie down on the side which will prevent him from jumping on you.
• If he grabs you, use your legs to kick his groin or knees
• If he’s managed to get on top of you, use your hands to jab his eyes or throat.
• Avoid sleeping in the car. A driver would notice that and would use it one day against you. Avoid calling or talking too much about your personal life — first you are giving away too much information about your life and he might assume few things about you which might not be true and secondly, while talking on phone you are not aware of your surroundings.

SITUATION 6
You are working late in the office and there isn’t a soul around. Suddenly somebody creeps up on you…

• Scream as loud as possible. If he clamps your mouth shut, use your strength to pull the hand down by leaning onto his hand with your body weight.
• Bite hard.
• Bend down slightly so that you can stamp on his feet with the heels of your shoes and then run.
• If he tries to grab you by the waist then or smother you from behind, bend down slightly so that he cannot lift you easily.
• Stomp hard on this feet and then hit him on the groin. When folds up in pain, use your elbows to hit hard on his chin.
• Use any tools you might have like pen, keys or umbrella to hit him in his eyes, throat or ribs. Scream and shout seeking attention from others.

SITUATION 7
You see your friend being dragged into the car by three men…

• Do not try to grab your friend’s hand which would only prevent her from fighting back. Instead attack the guy. Go for his eyes, throat, thumb and groin areas. Do not hurl abuses or try to slap.
• Try to concentrate on the facial features of the attacker like scar, the shape of his moustache and eyes brows. Write down the car number. Avoid crying or panicking as that would erase or cloud your memory. Call the cops.

Remember this…
Dr B L Gangadhar, HOD, Psychiatry, NIMHAMS and krav-maga instructor Frank J ‘Wolf’ say:

• When you are being attacked, scream and create a scene to attract attention.
• Instead of screaming ‘help, help’ scream, ‘rape, rape’. The latter invokes more sympathy of the bystanders.
• If someone grabs you, you can’t (possibly) beat them with strength, but you can do it by outsmarting them. If you are grabbed around the waist from behind, pinch the attacker between the elbow and armpit or the upper inner thigh.
• After the initial hit, always go for the groin.
• When the guy puts his hands on you, grab his first two fingers and bend them back as far as possible with as much pressure.
• Take a crash course in self-defence, martial arts or boxing. Carry pepper spray.

Profile of a rapist
When women are attacked they face moderate or high levels of involuntary paralysis during the assault, as it happens suddenly. It is violent and very stressful to her, thus shutting her mind down. “To some of the assailants, this action acts as an acknowledgment of consent from the woman,” says Ottilie Anban Kumar, Psychological Counsellor, Life Coach and Motivational Speaker. Assailants can generally be grouped into following categories:

POWER ASSERTIVE
Around 44 per cent of all accused are in this category, where they will use a weapon to ensure the victim’s co-operation.

ANGER/REVENGE
Here perpetrator is actually out to punish women as they hate women in general. Around 30 per cent of them belong to this category.

CRIME-RELATED
This is done in conjunction with another crime such as burglary, robbery or kidnapping. Around 10 per cent.

DANGEROUS MOTIVE
The most vicious type, this type of culprits want the victim to be hurt or killed after rape. Fortunately, only five per cent fall into this category.

After a relative lull, the city was shaken once again with the gang rape of a 24-year-old Jharkhand girl, before she was mugged, kidnapped and kept captive (for 14 hours). The MBA graduate was returning home near the swish Electronic City. The incident once again raises serious questions about women’s safety, especially at night.

It was only in 2005, a BPO employee Prathibha was raped and killed in Bengaluru.

As the city grows, the risks are increasing, too. What if tomorrow you find yourself face-to-face with some scum of the earth? Can you save yourself? “Yes you can,” says Frank J ‘Wolf’ an instructor of krav-maga, “by using simple objects which women usually carry with them.” But no matter what you do, scream as loudly as possible, say experts.

The first of a two-part series.

Umbrella

• Use the umbrella to jab it on his venerable points like eyes, throat or groin. Keep poking it till you get some distance between you two.
• Avoid hitting him with the umbrella like you would with a club, which he can easily block with his hands, so jab him.
• Seek weak spots like groin. Jab or swing the umbrella in a straight line, hitting the testicles.
• Flip open the umbrella as the last option, when you are ready to escape.
• Avoid hitting chest, head or arms (because that way it becomes easy for the attacker to grab you). Do not try to grapple or push him as you will get tired very soon.

Mobile phone

• This is a very effective tool as most women carry it in their hands. But avoid talking on the phone or texting while walking on the road or towards your car as you are distracted and can become easy targets.
• Jab the phone into his eyes and throat. Avoid hitting the attackers head or upper body, since this will put you in close proximity to the attacker making it easier for him to grab you.
• The bridge of the nose is a very sensitive spot. So, hit that area with your phone.
• If the hand is caught up near his groin, jab at his groin.
• Always call for help once you flee the spot.

Spectacles/ Glares

• They are a soft tool that might break on contact. But it can still be used as a weapon.
• If its sharp edge is open, then use it to jab into the eyes.
• If it is closed, it still can be used as a jabbing tool. Aim for the eyes, throat, ribs or groin. Anywhere else it would not be effective enough for him to let go.

Watch

• Not an effective tool as women usually wear small and thin watches. Even a bigger one is not very effective. Nevertheless, one can combine it with one’s fist.
• Use the hard surface of the watch and hit the temples or the nose.
• Constantly use the free hand to poke his eyes or throat and keep hitting him till he hides his face with his hands.

Stilettos

• Heels hamper you from running. But if you are wearing it, use it to jab the person. But make sure you are stomping his foot or knee and not the ground, which might lead to ankle sprain or fracture adding to your woes.
• If he grabs you from behind, use your pointed heels to jab his feet. Avoid trying to hit his groin or shin because you might lose your balance, leaving you at a vulnerable position.
• If he grabs you from the front, kick his groin with your knee and then use that split second to jab the groin with the sharp heels.
• Use a straight line directly to his groin

Keys

• It is the most effective sharp object that can be used as a jabbing tool. Aim for the eyes, throat and ribs.
• It is very important that you jab the attacker multiple times and do not stop until he lets go.

Hair Clip

• Slippery, it is not a very effective tool. But anyway one can use it for poking at throat, eyes and ribs.

Water bottle

• Can work as a distraction tool along with other items like umbrella or keys.
• If there is time, open it and spray water on his face.

Hand bag

• Swing it into his face instantly in a vertical straight path.
• Swing it in a horizontal path only to create some distance.
• You can also slash it into his groin in a vertical straight path.
• If caught, leave the bag aside and run away. Do not struggle, trying to grab it back.

Pen

• Pen is a great weapon for self-defence. It’s small and strong and can be used for its sharp edge also. Again go for his eyes, throat, groin and nose.

“Krav Maga is a form of self-defence that deals with realistic scenarios where there are no rules. It deals with prevention from threat, psychological buildup to empowerment, verbal self-defence, soft and hard tactical defence against eve-teasing, groping, molestation and rape. It is an instant realisation and reaction to an action or attack,” says Frank J Wolf, instructor, Israeli Krav Maga Self-Defence in Richmond Town. Wolf is the only Krav Maga instructor in Bengaluru.

According to Wolf, this art of close combat was developed by Imi Lichtenfeld, a trained boxer and wrestler in Bratislava in order to help protect the local Jewish community during the German military invasion.

Krav Maga trains one to be ready for any lethal situation regardless of age, size, strength and fitness. “The common attack targets in Krav Maga are chin, groin, throat, eyes jaw and knee. If you are attacked from the back and choked, you will not waste time resisting, instead when pushed back you’ll raise your foot to attack his groin,” he continues.

Krav Maga is popular because there are no esoteric martial art techniques that are put to use. Instinctive punches and kicks used in natural self-defence are polished. Krav Maga is an excellent fitness routine and helps in building stamina, confidence and helps to burn those extra calories. Many law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies like the FBI have adopted it.

The Bengaluru chapter of Krav Maga has trained around 300 people —among them men, women and children. For Kunga Uuangyal, 28, who is a student at the Krav Maga Academy of Self Defence, this art of close combat has pushed him beyond his limits, both physical and psychological.

“Learning this art form for more than two and a half years has been a huge help in building confidence. I now know how to react to situations that need quick thinking and action,” says Kunga.

“The fitness routine followed in Krav Maga is very intense. The workouts and exercises could be strenuous for a girl but constant resistant practice has equipped me with techniques to defend myself and I’m not scared of walking alone on the roads,” says Urvashi Raizada, 18, another student.

Stephanie Steiger, mother of a five-year-old is amazed to see drastic changes in her daughter Sanara’s attitude. “She is confident, she enjoys it and is ready to startle all the big boys with her defence moves,” says Steiger.

Krav Maga classes in Hyderabad

Being bullied as a kid wasn’t fun. Neither is being mugged or eve-teased.

You so much want to kick the offender’s butt, but you hold back coz you’re unprepared.

Krav Maga, an Israeli system of ‘contact combat’ is just the thing you need to equip yourself with to tackle such situations. It’s all about riding out your reflexes and turning your opponent’s weak spots against him.

Ajit Nathaniel, an IKMF (Int. Krav Maga Federation) certified instructor at 360º Fitness says, this system of self defense is easy to pick up and is great under high stress situations as it’s based on your natural instincts.

Get into shape with intense power drill to build stamina and agility and the best thing about Krav Maga – it doesn’t matter what your body type is.

Practice real life scenarios like being mugged or attacked with a knife and put your body to the test. Eye gouge, rabbit punch, groin kick… the only rule here is to sustain the least damage yourself.

The classes are offered every Saturday and Sunday between 10:00 am and 11:00 am.

This is a weekend’s worth of ‘kick ass’ fun!

360º Fitness,
Croma Building, Road No. 36,
Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.
Ph: +91 – 77028 97910
For the history and details of Krav Maga, log onto www.kravmagaindia.in

Source: http://www.cluburb.com/

Age: 22 years.

Participating in a brawl with a few tough only to have myself humbled, lately, did more than enough to motivate me on building up at least some kind skills in self defense. Prior to that incident I had always ignored my physical vulnerability. And so after a detailed search over self defense, I realized that it was the world of modern martial arts, with most martial arts schools having done with all the tedious and time consuming Katas and weird jargon.

Lately many western schools only focus on important aspects of martial arts, with techniques borrowed from a variety of styles, and compiled together to train the pupils with the most effective skills. I learned that ‘Krav Maga’ is a style which has set such standards of effectiveness for martial arts training all over the world.

After reading much debate over its effectualness compared to other styles, I knew there was no way I was going to miss it. I gathered all the information about Krav Maga training in my city and enrolled promptly. And here’s what i think of the training so far…

The Krav Maga approach is very  utilitarian, with pupils being seasoned to attacking and defending right from day 1. Prior to the training, we undergo a series of physical and aerobic exercises which encourage us to push our strength to limits. We are taught to harness as well as deal with many dangerous moves which are illegal in other martial arts styles, but are perfectly valid in real life scenarios (like the gruesome groin kick).

The fellow pupils and instructors are quiet dedicated to the training which makes it fun along with learning.

On a final note… Despite being engaged in Krav Maga just recently, I already feel as if I have a few aces up my sleeve if it ever comes to defending myself again on the streets.

If there is one martial arts that does not require perfect fitness, upper body strength, and ability to learn complex nitty gritties, it is Krav Maga. The Israeli based technique is useful under a sudden violent attack and stressful attack when our minds shut down. Krav maga is a practical and tactical system that teaches how to prevent, deal and overcome all kinds of violent attacks” says Frank J., senior instructor of the Hyderabad institute in Abids.

On its suitability to youngsters, Frank says that its techniques are easy to learn and retain and help improves fitness while training. Also KM is performed naturally and intuitively using body reflexes so it can be learned in a lesser time than other combat techniques. The technique that originated in Israel is growing in popularity in India, especially among the youth. “We have more than 12 centers around India, cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mumbai etc. What strategies the instructors following to popularize the techniques amongst youngster in Hyderabad? In 2008 Mr. Vickram (Vicky) Kapoor Director and Chief Instructor of Krav Maga has organized a series of workshops in Hyderabad to a select group of individuals and corporate staff members. Now I am regularly coming to Hyderabad to teach Krav Maga in a simple training center in Sujata High School, Chapel Roads in Abids. We will introduce Krav Maga in others locations of Hyderabad soon says Frank, the senior instructor.

Krav Maga adapts to the fitness level of the beginner. The learner also understands that since the tactics & techniques are based on reflex actions, its easy for his/her to learn and retain under pressure of the assault. Lastly the modern methodology of training Krav Maga breaks away from the usually boring monotonous method of conventional martial arts or fitness training program as it incorporates a lot of games & drills along with realistic scenarios which gives the student a feel of the real thing and once he uses the techniques to get out of the problem, he learns to appreciate and respect the techniques of and it helps him/her to grow confident.

What is unique about Krav Maga? The techniques lends itself to modern pattern of training, incorporating of games along with drills, realistic scenario based training, techniques adaptable to fitness level, inculcating open mindedness in upgrading itself as well as teaching methods.

Elaborate on the technicalities involved and tactics
fighters need to employ during self-defence? Frank says “The idea is to survive & escape. We are not there to prove who is better or exact revenge. Every techniques is based on this idea. There are no ground rules. So anything goes, from throwing mud into his eyes, smiling and talking to him to await a better opportunity to defend, biting his arm or poking his eyes etc…”

Says one of his trainee, “Nearly every technique of Krav Maga starts and ends with hitting the vital & venerable target areas like groin, chin, knees etc. if the blow is taken under surprise, we are trained to respond with 5-8 blows aiming to these vital spots within few seconds and escaping from the location to avoid further attacks.” In mounting organized and calculated attacks, Krav Maga is helpful to a great extent in physically and psychologically hurting the assaulter. An assaulter plans or observe his attacker prior to the attack. He
will stands where he will give maximum surprise element in his attack.
He is not looking to fight his opponent hence he will use maximum
violence to overcome the victim or use a weapon as a threat factor to
shock the victim into submission. And he will use any unfair method
like having multiple attackers to stabbing or shooting to get to what
he requires.

To combat this level of threat, the defender practices these attacks
under carefully controlled and organized attacks to give maximum
exposure to the realist attacks as safely possible in training. Under
these real-time attacks, the students learns to appreciate the
battle-tested and practical techniques of Krav Maga which over-powers the assaulter physically and psychologically damage ten folds.

How useful do women (esp. employees working in night shifts needing to travel in the night) find learning Krav Maga? Many women still think that they required the same or more upper-body
strength as a man who will attack them in order to defend themselves.
Second they are so psychologically traumatized by the concept of
assault that they freeze in fear during any attack. Krav Maga uses
natural strength of women hips and empowers them to defends against
any stand-up and ground assaults. Plus to overcome the fear of
attacks, it uses realistic scenarios training drills to build the
confidence of the women and show them that they can defend against
most of the assaults with practice and techniques of Krav Maga.

Hit back at the times of terror

Times of India, Bengaluru Times Newspaper

The Israeli army’s self-defence tactics for civilians are a fave among IT professionals

Did you watch helplessly as goons mugged you and took off with your valuables? Frustrated that you didn’t know what to do as you were pinned to the ground? How about learning to fight back? Well, a bunch of city-based professionals have done just that and what’s more, they are even equipping themselves with skills required during a terror situation. It is Krav Maga — Hebrew for contact combat — the Israeli military’s effective, easy-to-learn system of unarmed self-defence and combat tactics that has caught their fancy.

“Krav Maga training is about recreating realistic scenarios and relying on the instinctive reactions of human reflexes. It calls for mental agility, attitude and confidence, enhancing the natural strengths of your mind and body. There are no rules in this form of fighting, so striking the groin, eyes, or other vulnerable parts of the body is the key,” says JW Frank, an international Krav Maga instructor.

And his clientele, says Frank, is predominantly young software professionals seeking defence modules against mugging — the single largest crime affecting this community. Pramod Vyasarao, project manager at an IT firm, who’s been training for just over a year, says the combat form has given him a new sense of confidence. “Unlike normal martial arts that take years to master, Krav Maga is very practical and easy to learn. I know I can tackle an attacker and prevent injuries if he has a knife or gun,” he says. Pramod adds that his training has equipped him to deal with terror situations. “There are evacuation drills, do’s and don’ts for hostage situations, gunfire and explosions. For example, we’re told that if an explosion happens nearby, to run away from it, close our ears and keep our mouths open to avoid injuries to the eardrum due to pressure,” he adds.

The anti-terror module, adds Frank, is currently the hot fave among his clients. “They don’t want to be caught unawares and vulnerable when an attack happens,” he says. Women opting for a training module are still few and far between, says Frank. “Women believe that Krav Maga relies on strength and think that may work as a disadvantage for them. But that’s not the case as the combat techniques rely on tactics and mental agility,” explains Frank, adding that there are gender-specific moves. And those women who come in often ask for modules against eve-teasing. Says software professional Laina Emmanuel, who’s been training on and off in Krav Maga since last September, “I enrolled for self defence classes after I was attacked by eve-teasers on the old Airport Road once. Though I managed to fend them off by slapping one of them, the incident scared me. I have since been learning how best to defend myself in such a situation,” she says. prathibha.joy@timesgroup.com

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

They Are Taking Self-Defence Lessons To Fight Attackers

Sinchana B A

Bengaluru: The number of aggressive crimes against women in the city is on the rise, a case in point being the spate of home-alone murders. Along with strict policing and home security, self defence has also become necessary.

With this view, several institutes in the city have begun self-defence classes specially tailored to suit the safety needs of women. These programmes focus on making women more alert and aware of their surroundings and impending danger.

According to victims of attacks and self-defence trainers, the most common mistake that women make is to think, ‘it cannot happen to me’.

“These programmes change this attitude and make women more aware of possible dangers. The focus is not on complicated, acrobatic moves, but on teaching women simple, easy-to-execute techniques that help them save themselves,’’ says Manasi Mohan, of a leading self-defence training institute in the city.

These sessions, which are more like workshops, have found favour with a number of companies, who are getting women employees to enrol in these classes. Asthithva, a 5-year-old institute, holds workshops called ‘Give It To Them’ (GIIT). These 4-hour classes are conducted by Ashwin Mohan, a city-based kickboxing and martial arts expert.

“We’ve conducted 950 classes this year, and in each class we train 30-35 women.” said Manasi Mohan.

, an instructor in Krav Maga Institute, which conducts a special 3-hour programme for women in the corporate sector, said: “Our programme focuses on knowing who the attacker is, why he is attacking and what his gameplan is.’’ Many corporate giants, including Cisco, are his clients.

Jagruti, a trainee at this institute, says while the regular weekend classes involve intense training, the workshops teach students basic self-defence techniques.

Some institutes also give special training to defend oneself in a constricted environment, like a car, or in restrictive garments like sarees. Though these institutes teach the students how to defend themselves from an aggressor, a part of their training also comprises how to tactfully avoid potentially dangerous situations.

SAFETY FIRST

• If you are being followed, do not guide the person to your house unless there is someone at home who can handle the situation
• Women living alone are seen as soft targets, so do not advertise the fact that you stay alone
• A fist-fight with a man is strength-onstrength, and the odds are heavily against you as men are stronger. Strength-to-weakness would mean your fingers in his eyes or throat, or your foot in his groin
• Carry chilli powder, pepper spray or penknives. Even deodorants can work as a distraction
  Think of every object as a weapon. If you cannot use the object to hit the attacker, throw it on him and use the split-second gained to attack
• Wear restrictive clothing only when you have no reason to expect danger. Otherwise, wear clothes that maximize freedom of movement
• There’s no such thing as fighting fair. Use every method you can to protect yourself

MYCATPRESS

April 2nd, 2008

The Israeli Defence Forces have a gift for the world. Sanjeev Bery takes a closer look at the spread of Krav Maga martial arts in India

Israeli’s Arms sales may capture the headlines, but they aren’t the nation’s only export to India. In south Delhi’s upscale Saket neighborhood, a small but growing number of residents are learning Krav Maga, the hand-to-hand combat system of the Israeli Defence Forces.

A big man with a gruff demeanor, Vicky Kapoor is the one responsible for bringing Krav Maga to India. He describes the martial art in clipped phrases: “Combat fighting — a system which is quick — easily retained.” Kapoor himself came to Krav Maga after decades of experience in karate, judo, and other martial arts. “What I saw was that Krav Maga is the most practical self-defence system,” he says.

Since Krav Maga’s arrival in 2004 in India, some 600 students have undergone Kapoor’s training. New programs have started in Gurgaon and Bengaluru. And classes will soon begin in Mumbai, Kolkata, and other cities. “Krav Maga makes you more aware of the threats around you,” says south Delhi resident, Nitin Bhasin, one of Kapoor’s students. “You are better prepared to handle situations that might arise.”

At Kapoor’s Delhi studio, a sign quotes Krav Maga’s founder Imi Lichtenfeld: “If you want peace, prepare for war.” Another shows a stylised graphic of soldiers, presumably Israeli, descending from military helicopters. According to Krav Maga’s promoters, what sets it apart from other martial arts is its focus on immediate self-defence. Absent are the yoga-like movements found in East Asian martial arts. Also missing are any rules against striking the groin, eyes, or other vulnerable parts of the body. In class, though, steps are taken to keep people safe.

Krav Maga began in the 1930s, when Lichtenfeld organised European Jews to defend themselves against Nazi militias. Israeli military trainers further developed the martial art into something they could quickly teach new troops. In Hebrew, the name literally means “close combat.”

It is definitely not a pursuit for the common man. In Bengaluru, a two-and-a half week course with 10 hours of instruction costs Rs 2,800. In Delhi, the monthly fee is Rs 3,000, plus Rs 2,250 in startup costs.

In the Delhi studio, the military images compete for attention with pop star Jennifer Lopez throwing a punch. Most women, however, attend the studio’s kickboxing cardio classes, not the martial arts sessions. “They are more concerned about weight loss than their safety,” Kapoor says.

The low turnout of women is true of the Bengaluru studio as well. “Mr. ,” as the instructor calls himself, blames Indian gender roles. “Women are always told from childhood to be nice to men,” he says. “They should not talk back or fight back. Suddenly, they find themselves confronted by a sexual predator, and it is difficult to erase the years of training they have received.” But he points to a new attitude in his female students. “They can do something to protect themselves. They don’t have to rely on boyfriends or brothers to protect them all the time,” he says.

CURIOUSLY, CIVILIAN Krav Maga is still affected by Israeli military concerns. “We are restricted not to teach the Palestinians or the Iranians,” Kapoor says. No individual is turned away at the door, but Krav Maga does seem to have official friends and enemies.

Even so, promoters are reticent to discuss Krav Maga’s potential role in the controversies of actual Israeli military practice. “We don’t mix those things with politics,” says Eli Ben-Ami, Co-Director of the International Krav Maga Federation, based in Israel. “It has nothing to do with the occupation or what is happening in the Occupied Territories.”

Ben-Ami, a former Israeli soldier, stressed that he was speaking as an individual. “Those soldiers who are dealing with the Palestinians in the Occupied Territories mostly don’t use hands,” he said, implying the use of a firearm. But they do use Krav Maga to “catch or bring someone into custody.”

Kapoor himself studied under Krav Maga experts in Israel, and his sympathies are clear. “War is in Israeli blood. War is not in Indian blood,” he said. “We are more peace-loving. If we had war in our blood, no one could enter Parliament and do the shooting.” He later added, “Nobody dares to mess with Israel.”

From Tehelka Magazine, Vol 5, Issue 13, Dated April 5, 2008

Source:: http://www.tehelka.com/story_main38.asp?filename=hub050408Tel_Aviv.asp

Source:: http://sanjeevstravels.wordpress.com/2008/03/30/tehelka-1-tel-aviv-tango/

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