“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 Bangalore.

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 Bangalore 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

Less a martial art and more a system of hand-to-hand combat devised by the Israeli defence forces, Krav Maga isn’t for the weak-willed. The system combines grappling and wrestling techniques with street fighting skills. You learn how to break the stranglehold of an attacker by going for his groin, face or knee. Unlike in martial arts where certain moves are not permissible, the focus of Krav Maga is crystal clear: be aware of threats and deal with them as effectively as possible.

Trust us, this ends up giving you as good a workout as any. “Krav Maga improves your cardiovascular strength to the highest level,” says Vicky Kapoor, chief instructor of Krav Maga India. “It also increases your muscular strength.” Apart from improving your coordination and flexibility, Krav Maga also helps you burn calories. “Each workout is an hour-long and can help you burn nearly 800 calories,” he says. A stress busting workout that makes you think on your feet? Now that’s what we’d call a win-win situation.

Interested in learning?

Delhi: Krav Maga India, 011-41764207

Let’s face it it is easy to tire of workouts. Running on the treadmill every day or following the same weight-training routine for a few months can become boring. It also ceases being challenging when your body gets used to it.

To mix things up a bit, take up a martial art. It’s a great workout that tones your body, jogs your mind, and also sharpens your reflexes, keeping you safe on the streets. Not only are there plenty of options to choose from, but you’ll also never have a dull moment in your workout.

Whether you pick a “soft” martial art like t’ai chi chuan, which focuses less on combat and more on holistic health, or a “harder” martial art like karate that teaches you how to protect yourself in everyday situations, you are certain to reap health benefits.

Apart from offering a vigorous cardiovascular workout, most martial arts also increase your muscle strength, improve flexibility and strengthen the core. Thanks to the complex interplay of muscles involved in a martial art, you get a thorough full-body workout.

As Arjuna Awardee and Olympian judoka Cawas Billimoria says, “A martial art demands so much of you that you can’t really get bored of it.”

Karate

Most of us likely took karate classes in school. One of the most widely practiced martial arts worldwide, karate is not just a way to stay safe, but is also a great overall workout.

While there are slight variations in the katas or sequence of movements taught by the different schools of karate, they all emphasise the use of punches, kicks, locks and throws.

Since karate mainly involves striking and sparring with the hands, it makes for a great upper body workout. “Every punch and lock requires different sets of muscle groups,” says Rajeev Sabharwal, founder of the School of Shotokan Karate-Do in Delhi. “With time, your whole body becomes conditioned.”

Some styles like the gojuryu incorporate specific weight-training techniques called hojo undo that strengthen the wrists and forearms.

Most styles incorporate stretching exercises and breathing techniques. “You start with stretches and move on to punches and kicks,” says Sabharwal. “You don’t get bound to one kind of workout.”

Judo

For a martial art that means “the gentle way” in Japanese, judo features a lot of grappling, wrestling and knocking opponents to the ground. But the Olympic sport is safe enough for people of all ages to practice.

Unlike other martial arts which focus on using force to strike or spar with an opponent, judo hinges on using the opponent’s own strength to dislodge or topple him.

Naturally, judo both demands and contributes to a high level of physical fitness. “It is one of the most complicated sports to practice because it requires both power and muscular endurance,” says Billimoria. “Normally, when your power increases, your endurance decreases and vice versa. This training makes you very strong mentally and physically.”

T’ai chi

T’ai chi is for those who prefer a steady, unhurried pace of exercise, as it is made up of a slow sequence of movements that emphasise correct posture, better balance and coordination. Infused with balletic grace, these movements are also said to improve lymph and blood circulation. Since the movements focus on using the full range of motion of your joints, you can avoid creaky joints as you age.

Although t’ai chi does have a basis in self-defence, it is mainly practiced for its numerous physical and mental health benefits. “T’ai chi conditions your heart, liver, kidneys, lungs and spleen,” says Rakesh Menon, director of Flowing Wheel, an institute that offers training in t’ai chi.”It is also a very good stress buster,” adds Menon.

Interested in learning?

Capoeira

At first glance, capoeira looks like an infectious combination of catchy beats and freestyle dance with a bit of football thrown in for good measure. There doesn’t seem to be anything aggressive about this fluid martial art that originated in Brazil. But once you start swaying to the rhythm too you simply can’t resist you will realise that capoeira is an efficient yet engaging way to stay fit.

All the elements of capoeira are geared towards strengthening your core and making you faster on your feet. Take the basic side to side movement or the ginga. According to Mumbai based capoeira instructor Reza Massah, “That movement itself is like doing a 1000 situps”. The 72 basic moves of capoeira incorporate dance moves, stretches and breathing exercises. Since most of these moves are done standing, you’re sure to get a great workout for your legs. In addition, the back flips and high kicks will improve your balance.

More than combat, reacting fast and avoiding injury is the focus of capoeira. “Capoeira teaches you to outsmart your opponent. You learn to protect your face, avert blows and fall better, without any strain on your knees and ankles,” says Massah.

Taekwondo

The Korean martial art taekwondo is one of only two martial art forms that features in the Olympics, the other being judo. In Taekwondo, the leg is the most important weapon of combat. You learn a number of kicks, including jumping, spinning, skipping and sliding kicks.

Apart from being an excellent lower body workout, taekwondo also improves your agility, speed, balance and stamina. It is both an aerobic and anaerobic workout, and stretching exercises on the ground form an important part of the training. Even if you don’t want to break wooden boards a test of prowess and mental discipline used in advanced training taekwondo is sure to give your fitness regime a kick-start.

Krav Maga
Push-ups, squats, kicks and stretching, after an intense 30 minutes of cardio and fitness training, the students are already grunting in pain and lying listlessly on the ground. Welcome to the world of Krav Maga, the Israeli system of self-defence and fighting, which teaches you the art of street survival. The system which means “contact combat” in Hebrew has devout followers who want that added confidence in their stride. Sadashiv M, a Krav Maga senior instructor, Mumbai says, “What is unique about this system is that it uses the body’s own reflexes. It works on instinct and natural movements. The body’s centre line — the imaginary line running though the centre of the body is the focus for defence and attack.” Ajit Verma, an instructor says, “Krav maga is a total fitness solution in itself. You burn about 800 calories in an hour.”

Capoeira
Brazilians have become famous for more than just their football skills and samba. Capoeira, the national sport, a mixture of dance and martial arts, is quietly catching up with children and adults alike. The class resonates with thumps, loud singing and the sound of a pandeiro (tambourine) and a berimbau (percussion instrument). Capoeirists of all age groups learn the fast and tricky movements in these classes. Trainer Reza Massah says, “This is the only sport which combines the co-ordination of a dancer, the strength of a martial artist, the flexibility of a gymnast, the endurance of a marathon runner and the beat of a drummer in a friendly, non-violent manner.” With its origins in African slavery in Brazil, the deceptive defence moves are light, but precision based. They build strength and balance, evident in the fluid cartwheels, kicks and twirls. Model Rosa Catalano has been practising Capoeira for a while now. “While living in Switzerland, I saw Capoeirists perform acrobats on streets and ever since I have wanted to learn. Capoeira is about rhythm and hardcore exercise. It is not about hurting somebody,” she says.

Jeet Kune Do
Bruce Lee may have died but his legacy lives on. Jeet kune do or the way of the intercepting fist is a street fighting concept and works on evolving according to the needs of the individual. Dr Komal, an exponent of this art says, “JKD helps in physical fitness, stress management and dealing with life’s problems.” It has no set fighting technique. It builds speed, power and co-ordination and involves kicking, punching, knee-elbow or trapping and grappling. Anjali Bhimrajka, a student, says, “In one-and-a-half years, I have lost 15 kgs. I had a ruptured ligament in my knee so any type of weight loss was not possible. But this was the answer to my problem.” Ritesh Reddy, who has been practising for the past six years adds, “I lead a sedentary lifestyle and started these classes to manage stress. I wanted to do tai-chi but found JKD more to my liking.”

Kalaripayattu
“There are 18 secrets in kalaripayattu, of which the highest is hitting your opponent and moving away. At this level, you are assured of your skill and do not need to show off,” reveals Pradeesh Raj, who has been teaching since the past 20 years. Originating in Kerala, the 3,000-year old martial art has three styles to it — one which focuses on weapons training apart from empty hand combat; another which teaches empty hand combat; and the last, which is a mixture of both. The master in this art also needs to understand the pressure points in the body and healing. One learns to wield the mind as adeptly as the sword, as you begin with training your body, then move on to weaponry, and ultimately spiritual training. Actress Upasana Shukla says, “The level of discipline kalari inculcates in you is great. This has helped me in theatre as well and I really look forward to these sessions.”

The police say the number of attacks is declining, but there are still hundreds of cases every year.

New Delhi has long been considered India’s crime capital. Over 1,000 rape and assault cases were reported there last year. Not surprisingly, many parents are encouraging their daughters to join self-defense classes.

“Every single day you read the paper – you pick up the paper and you’re reading about rape here, rape there, 18-year old raped by two taxi guys,” says Anuradha Patni, mother of a young girl herself. “Every day! So I’m not saying that it will happen, but I’m saying that I need to be sure that we’re prepared for it, that’s all.”

Combat studios offer women self-defence training for $50 a month. With classes three times a week, Ultimate Tactical and Combat studio offers Krav Maga, an Israeli martial art which specializes in hand-to-hand combat.

“It gives people confidence to deal with threats. They’re educating themselves, because the police or people or parents cannot be with the girl, or child or women all the time,” says Vicky Kapoor, the Chief instructor of Krav Maga India.

The 22-year-old fashion merchandiser Avantika Chandra has been training for over a month. Now she finds her reflexes have improved, along with her confidence. Knowing that she can take care of herself allows her to live life without having to constantly look over her shoulder.

“It does build a lot of confidence to deal with the most common attacks,” says Avantika Chandra, “They teach you a lot of simple stuff. You just work on your reflexes and that will help anyone.”

More and more women in Delhi are choosing to protect themselves with self-defense training. With many young women now working long shifts and finishing at all hours, such classes will go a long way in making them feel secure in their own city.

Israeli self-defence

The setting is somewhat similar at Ultimate Tactical and Combat studio in Saket. It offers Krav Maga – an Israeli form of self-defence and combat tactics – training, engaging young women, clad in black, in hand-to-hand combats.

In Saket, portraits of the famed Israeli Krav Maga trainers and a poster that reads ‘personal protection is not an option, it’s a responsibility’, serve as sources of inspiration.

Another poster, of Jennifer Lopez in Enough – a film in which Lopez learns Krav Maga to take on her abusive husband – is also another motivator.

“Recently, we trained a woman who was struggling to tackle her abusive live-in partner,” says Vicky Kapoor, director, Ultimate Tactical, and the best known trainer of Krav Maga in the country.

“She finally managed to drive him out with the help of Krav Maga. We have trained 200 women as per their requirements in the last two years.”

Unsafe city

Not surprising, considering the level of danger a woman faces in the national capital. Among 35 major cities in India, Delhi accounted for 31.2 per cent of total rape cases and 34.7 per cent cases of kidnapping and abduction of women in 2007.

Numbers don’t lie. Most women who practice at these studios have stories to share.

“Last year at a bus-stand near Gargi College, I was groped by a middle-aged man,” says Minakshi Bhardwaj, 22, a student of St Stephen’s College. “I cried for help, but no one came to my rescue. Today, I feel more confident on the streets.”

Mary Kurkalang, 31, who works in a publishing firm said, “Men have grabbed me from behind so many times on the streets. The training has really helped,” she says.

Street fights

The studio lessons are also practiced on the streets. “The idea is to give practical lessons in dealing with various situations that they might face in real life,” says Kapoor, who normally receives 10 inquiries in a day from women who want to know how Krav Maga can help them defend themselves.

Women also get tips on how to use things like mobile phones, hand bags, pens, and even duppttas as weapons.

“Physical drill teaches women to use quick reflexes to attack assailants’ soft spots like throat, groin and nose,” says Shihan Nawal Datta, a martial arts trainer. This new breed of laptop-wielding trainers say many parents are encouraging daughters to join classes.

“My daughters are learning martial arts. One is even building muscles. Martial arts training has instilled discipline and confidence in them,” says Manjari Sharma, a teacher.

With terrorists getting bolder and carrying out audacious attacks in Mumbai and Lahore, the Special Protection Group (SPG), established in 1985 after the assassination of prime minister Indira Gandhi, is training in Krav Maga, a martial art devised by the Israeli Army for hand-to-hand combat.

New Delhi: They are representatives of the people, for the people, and by the people, but they have been advised not to go very close to the people.

The Special Protection Group (SPG), the elite force that guards the country’s top politicians, has asked them to avoid coming in close contact with people while campaigning for the Lok Sabha election. The advice comes in the wake of terror attacks in Mumbai and Lahore.

Prime minister Manmohan Singh and the Gandhi family, including son-in-law Robert Vadra, are among 23 top personalities guarded by the SPG. Though BJP veteran LK Advani is not an SPG protectee, he gets special cover because of the high threat perception to his life.

The SPG advice may keep these leaders away from roadshows and rathyatras — tried and trusted formulae to drum up election hysteria.

The SPG has expressed the fear that roadshows would be an “unmanageable security risk as protectees come into close contact with a large number of people”, a source said.

Instead, the star campaigners have been asked to confine themselves to public rallies and “sanitised” smaller meetings.

“Of course, it is ultimately a political decision whether the roadshows will happen, but our view has been that these are unwieldy and difficult to handle,” said the source in the force. “For example, Rahul Gandhi, during his tour of Orissa, went off on his own during the night to visit a tribal village. So, we can only express a view.”

Though the campaign details of SPG protectees have not been made public, most of them seem to be following the SPG advice. Rahul Gandhi has been largely meeting small groups or addressing large rallies, like the one in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. Advani, who abandoned a series of rallies a year ago because of the enhanced threat perception, has also avoided roadshows so far.

With terrorists getting bolder and carrying out audacious attacks in Mumbai and Lahore, the Special Protection Group, established in 1985 after the assassination of prime minister Indira Gandhi, is training in Krav Maga, a martial art devised by the Israeli Army for hand-to-hand combat.

“We have also started an assault group which is trained to take on attackers while one group will whisk away the protectee from the troublespot,” said a source in the SPG. While most SPG personnel carry small arms, the assault group will carry Pavor 21 assault rifles.

The SPG has about 3,000 personnel, mostly drawn from the ranks of various police forces and the elite National Security Guard.

Source: http://www.dnaindia.com/

Photo source: RAVEENDRAN/AFP/Getty Images Flickr

The terror attacks in Mumbai have sparked new fears, and new business opportunities, in India’s outsourcing capital.

By Saritha Rai – GlobalPost

India — During the week, Anoop Ramakrishnan, 25, an engineer in a Bangalore-based outsourcing firm, provides technical support for telecom networks in Canada and Europe. On the weekends, Ramakrishnan joins a dozen others learning to dodge a flying grenade during a terror attack, to escape a shootout and to block a punch from a street mugger.

Bangalore, a throbbing Indian city with 8 million residents, is known as the world’s hub for outsourcing. On its streets, the names of General Electric, Microsoft, Yahoo and Google adorn tall, gleaming buildings. In its far-flung suburbs, engineers and back-office agents toil in endless 24-hour cycles for companies such as AOL and Citibank.

Now, Bangalore’s profile as a global outsourcing center is making it vulnerable. Six top outsourcing companies in the city received multiple emailed terror threats in the last few weeks. India’s intelligence agencies have warned that outsourcing companies could be the terrorists’ next target after Mumbai.

Bangalore’s army of young Indian technology workers is naturally nervous.

Like Ramakrishnan, dozens of techies are flocking to a self-defense course in an Israeli combat technique called Krav Maga. “The Mumbai attack victims were helpless,” said Ramakrishnan, clad in black sweat pants, a T-shirt and protective gear for the lesson. “I want to be well-prepared.”

After a grueling two-hour combat session consisting of jumping, pummeling, rolling on the floor, kicking and throwing punches at imagined opponents, Ramakrishnan wiped off the sweat streaming down his face. The course was tough, he admitted, but “the real world is tougher.”

Fellow trainee Mrinal Khamboj, 30, an employee at the Indian unit of Oracle Corporation, said the practical, no-holds barred tactics would serve him well in any hand-to-hand combat situations. He had never faced any sticky situation so far. “The one time I almost got caught in a fight, I ran away because I’m a marathon runner,” he confessed.

Many outsourcing companies, including Khamboj’s employer, have sprawling, lush campuses and modern buildings with glass facades where vigilance comes in the form of metal detectors, camera surveillance and even physical frisking of employees and visitors. Some campuses have electric fencing around their perimeter.

But all this is hardly foolproof, for instance, against a suicide attack.

Morever, the world outside these establishments is a different place. The companies’ buildings and campuses abut crowded neighborhoods. Overworked and underpaid policemen patrol these neighborhoods carrying nothing more than a thin stick of bamboo, a lathi, to enforce the law.

Admitting the meagerness of the security arrangements, the chief minister of Karnataka state, where Bangalore is located, has repeatedly petitioned the federal government to set up an anti-terror commando force in the city.

For many like Shyamanta Phukan, a dimunitive 25-year-old software engineer with Alcatel, the security is simply not good enough. “A Mumbai can happen anywhere,” he said. Last weekend, Phukan signed up for his first Krav Maga lesson.

Meanwhile, Bangalore’s outsourcing companies are stepping up security. Some are providing employees with GPS-tracked vehicles and setting up command centers to kick in moments after a terror attack. Campus guest houses are stocked with essential supplies. In many ways, Bangalore’s technology companies are doing the best they can.

Still, Krav Maga trainer JW Frank has been inundated with inquiries from anxious employee techies ever since November’s terror attacks in Mumbai. “People want to be better prepared to protect themselves, their family and their community,” Frank said. Two or three new students are signing up for the lessons every weekend.

Ashish Puri, a manager at Cisco Systems India, enrolled for the classes some months ago when he felt that war had landed at his doorstep. Neither the police nor the army commandos could be counted upon to take care of every situation, Puri said, and the training made him confident about tackling critical situations. “It changes the equation between the attackers and me,” he said.

In recent weeks Ramakrishnan, the telecom engineer, has learned many tricks at the self-defense course — how to have a low profile during an attack, how to fall to the ground and roll off to a corner in a shootout, and what to do during a bomb explosion.

He does not know about facing off with terrorists. But Ramakrishnan is confident that he is well-equipped to handle at least two of Bangalore’s lesser evils – muggings and road rage.

Source: http://www.globalpost.com/

Soubhik Mitra, Hindustan Times

Mumbai, January 28, 2009

Through the week, Satish Nair helps software developers make user-friendly programmes for the bank he works with. On the weekend, the 33-year-old business analyst learns how to duck from a flying grenade and defend himself from hoodlums as part of his Krav Maga lessons, which teach the Israeli hand-to-hand combat art.

After November’s terror attack in Mumbai, several professionals like Nair have begun training in martial arts like Krav Maga and kickboxing. “Your confidence grows manifold. It teaches you to hold your nerve in a panic situation,” said Nair. The Mumbai chapter of International Krav Maga Federation received 93 applicants in the four days after the terror attacks. “Slowly people are taking charge of their own safety,” said Ajit Verma, one of the chief instructors with the federation.

Kavita Pai (30), a chartered accountant, invests a few hours a week learning to defend herself. “I finish work at around 10 pm. A month after joining the course, I feel far more safe.” Paul Devassy travels all the way from his residence in Nerul to Bandra to attend training sessions. News reports claiming that the police were not fully trained to tackle such an attack had disturbed Devassy.Dr. Komal V.S., deputy director of the Andheri-based Academy of Combat Fitness, said, “We have witnessed a 25 per cent surge in enrolment after the terror attack.”

The kickboxing association, which runs courses in Bandra, Lokhandwala, Matunga and Goregoan, has witnessed a 50 per cent surge in enrolment. “Earlier, our students, especially women, would consider this as a fitness option. However, the batches since the terror strike are more interested to learn combat techniques. Women aged between 20 and 40 years have enrolled for the courses,” said Ziauddin Khatib, president of the Indian Kickboxing Association.

Some hotels and business processing outsourcing companies, too, have hired the services of these institutes. “Two hotels contacted us recently. We conduct these courses for BPOs too,” said Verma.

2008

HCL Technologies believes that healthy employees miss fewer days of work, increases productivity and reduces health care costs. Wellness program is seen as an added benefit that encourages employees to stay and work with efficacy.

Work related stress is a major concern for the organization. Rather than spending ever-increasing expenses towards health care, and treating diseases only after they develop, HCL Technologies believes in creating healthy workspace employees. They focus their resources and energy on preventing and / or reversing chronic disease through engaging, targeted employee health and wellness programs which motivate employees to change their lifestyles. Wellness for employees is seen as a prime corporate responsibility and they incessantly look for ways to cater to this aspiration. The company’s Wellness Council is a platform to channelize the energies of employees into more profitable avenues by trying to rein in their stress levels.

Wellness initiatives at HCL Technologies have been successfully implemented since January 2008 and have received good response from employees.

There are a few new initiatives are in the pipeline. Amongst these is a global launch planned for Krav Maga. It is a self defence and military hand-to-hand combat system developed in Israel. This would be exclusively
available for all women employees.

If you also wish to ask your organisation or company to take part in such wellness programe showcasing Krav Maga : Israeli Self Defense system for either your women employees or your entire staff, please get in touch with International Krav Maga Federation, India.

[poll id="3"]

Krav Maga India

Pepper spray or OC (Oleoresin Capsicum), is a chemical compound that aggravates the sensitive membranes of the nose, throat and the eyes – where it could result in temporary blindness.

Pepper Spray is widely used by security personnel for riot / crowd control and by individuals for personal protection. Pepper Spray has also seen success as a mode of defense against attacking dogs and wild bears.

In “An Appraisal of Technologies of Political Control” published by The European Parliament Scientific and Technological Options Assessment, it is said that : “The effects of pepper spray are far more severe, including temporary blindness which last from 15-30 minutes, a burning sensation of the skin which last from 45 to 60 minutes, upper body spasms which force a person to bend forward and uncontrollable coughing making it difficult to breathe or speak for between 3 to 15 minutes.”

For people with an history of respiratory ailments, asthma, or those on prescribed medication, there exists a real risk of death.

Since 1990, The Los Angeles Times has reported over sixty fatalities associated with the LAPD’s use of pepper spray.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has also acknowledged 27 deaths in custody of people sprayed with Pepper Spray – this is in the State of California alone.

So far Pepper Spray comes across as a very potent deterrent when dealing with danger.

How would KRAV MAGA rate against this seemingly simpler alternative of self-defense ?

Let’s consider the following situational examples :

The Parking Lot :

A woman, about to enter her car in a semi-deserted parking lot, is suddenly attacked.

There is NO TIME and NO CHANCE for her to unzip her hand-bag, rummage through its contents (purse, Driver’s License, money, make-up, Pepper-Spray. . .). She is repeatedly kicked, punched and finally pushed to the ground. Her assailant grabs her car keys – drives away with her car and her belongings including her bag with the Pepper Spray inside – unused.

She is fortunate. The assault could easily have escalated to carjacking / abduction, sexual assault and ultimately homicide. The total time duration for the assault ? About as long as it took you to read this !

As KRAV MAGA practitioner, the lady would have had multiple choices of counter-strikes available to her. She could have also used her bag as a weapon and if it had a long enough shoulder-strap, utilized the same as an effective form of restraint around the assailant’s throat or wrists.

The Side Walk :

A man walking home after a long day’s work, is oblivious of a threat in the shadows.

His assailant springs out, hooks his elbow around the back of the man’s neck – a perfect head lock – and wrests him to the ground. The man is kicked, punched and knifed. The attacker frisks his victim’s pockets. Among the articles he finds Pepper Spray. He hoses the man down with a full 7 second blast emptying its contents on its owner and scoots with the loot – into the shadows.

The victim, barely alive is left bruised, battered, bloodied – his senses of smell, sight and taste are ablaze.

The total time for this attack ? About as long as it took you to read this.

Beginners at KRAV MAGA classes are taught effective defend and destroy tactics for precisely such an attack.

Let’s consider instances where the alleged victim has enough time to spray an intended target.

The Night Club :

At a Bangalore night club recently, there was the instance of a woman having to deal with the unwanted attention of a local lout.

She Pepper Sprayed him good. However, the spray, picked up by the interior air-conditioning was circulated to a different part of the place resulting in several innocent patrons screaming their way out nursing burning eyes, noses and throats.

At The Movies:

In the midst of an interesting film, you are suddenly acutely aware of a groping hand.

In this instance you have more than enough time to inconspicuously slip your Pepper Spray out, aim and fire !

However, considering the close proximity of seats in cinemas, you run the risk of Pepper Spray dissipating rapidly to other innocent viewers around you – including you! There is nothing worse than being shot by your own bullet – figuratively speaking.

As the opening lines of this article read, Pepper Spray can be lethal. There is therefore a high possibility that your intended target, by virtue of being too close, could be in for a deadly dose of Pepper Spray. Did you want to warn him or waste him ?

Sometimes all it takes is a discreet, well executed wrist-lock to stall any groper in his tracks, and KRAV MAGA will teach you plenty.

In An Airplane :

We’re not even talking 9/11 style misadventurism here.

In view of the strict security measures at airports across the planet today, the chances are you’re going to find yourself seated next to a drunk and disorderly fellow passenger instead.

First of all, airport security standards and flight safety regulations prohibit the carrying onboard of certain liquids and aerosols – your Pepper Spray would never make the flight with you as carry-on cabin baggage.

Dealing with an intoxicated and unruly passenger in the seat next to yours, on a long-haul flight can be nothing short of hell. Calling for the assistance of an attractive flight-attendant could sometimes aggravate the situation with the intoxicated individual now spoilt for choice.

Once again, a discreet, simple yet excruciatingly painful wrist-lock can prove to be an superb sobering agent.

Unlike Pepper Spray, your KRAV MAGA hand-to-hand combat skills cannot be taken away from you by airport security.

When walking down a street, a stranger asks you for

• The time,
• Directions,
• Loose change.

In the seconds that you are initially distracted, he or an accomplice strikes. There is almost always NO TIME to reach into a bag or pocket to remove and effectively aim and use Pepper Spray (or another defensive weapon) against your assailant(s).

Remember, your Pepper Spray works best against your attacker’s eyes, nose and throat. But his knife or gun will be put to equally effective use against any part of your body.

• What if he is wearing a mask and protective eyewear ?
• What if you do pull out the Pepper Spray, but in the heat of the moment, spray in the wrong direction – possibly at yourself ?
• What if the attacker knocks your can of Pepper Spray out of your hand ?
• What if your can of Pepper Spray does not work ?

These are far too many “what ifs” for anyone’s comfort.

All our lives we have depended on our limbs – our legs and arms, hands and feet to walk, climb, carry, grip, hold. . . KRAV MAGA enables us to sharpen these basic skills to accurately and effectively punch, kick, jab, grapple, grip, throw . . .

Krav Maga is a simple, efficient self defense system which underlines one’s natural movements and practical skills under realistic exercise situations. This is why KRAV MAGA is the choice of 25 international armed forces and multiple security agencies across the globe.

When confronted with the business end of an attacker’s knife or gun, when faced with the true threat of a blade between the ribs or a bullet in the brain, will you depend on a little can of spray to save your life and see you home safe ?

KRAV MAGA will give you that chance – that fighting chance !

MYCATQUOTE