Vicky Kapoor is driven by three goals. Propagating Krav Maga as a weapon against terrorism, a fitness regimen and a system that is equally good for kids.

His organisation has made packages specific to these goals. Besides security personnel attached to Government organisations, Vicky’s team works increasingly with the hospitality industry. Vicky considers Krav Maga most relevant to situations in hotels, because it sharpens a practitioner’s mind and trains him to size up people.

Vicky calls Krav Maga a holistic health solution and is excited by its growing popularity among corporates whose work-force is largely deskbound.

His third goal of reaching the system to children often leaves him frustrated. “Krav Maga is not a sport, but a system. Schools don’t show interest in anything that does not lend itself to competition.”

A fter gruelling drills in the dojo, Vicky Kapoor sits his students down for a talk. With that, the curtains come down on a two-day session of Krav Maga in the city; Vicky is now more of an older friend offering general advice than a coach cracking the whip. He tells his students to be greedy for knowledge. “Knowledge is one thing that can’t be stolen from you.”

During the free-wheeling interview that follows, he explains how infected he is with this form of greed. “In August, I’ll complete 36 years in martial arts,” says 46-year-old Vicky. “I have learnt quite a number of martial arts and done many fitness courses, but I have not lost the appetite for knowledge. Only recently, I completed the Spinning Instructor Certification course offered by the U.S.-based Mad Dogg Athletics.”

For Vicky, Krav Maga provides the opportunity to synthesise a diverse range of marital arts and fitness regimens. When Vicky makes Krav Maga packages for specific problems, he consciously or unconsciously runs through techniques of Okinawan gojuryu karate, judo, taekwondo, akido and kubudo. He also draws upon his experience as a fitness trainer.

“While devising defence techniques based on Krav Maga, we have to assume that the attacker is trained in all the traditional martial arts. Our techniques must be effective in combating threat from such a person.”

Since Krav Maga is a highly flexible combat system, Vicky has licence to constantly innovate and evolve new techniques or refine old ones. Krav Maga India, which Vicky heads, is credited with creating a technique that could be used when an attacker places a knife under the victim’s nose. “This technique was shared with the Krav Maga bodies in other countries. A Krav Maga technique evolved in one part of the world is shared with practitioners in other parts,” says Vicky. “Krav Maga is a dynamic system with a wide scope for improvement. A solution to a problem leads to a new problem. There is constant research and learning.”

Vicky says he has many options in life, but chooses to stay dedicated to Krav Maga because the system constantly challenges the student in him. “Not only Krav Maga, anything that challenges me to keep going further draws me. I can’t resist a challenge.” Tasks that seem impossible attract him more.

As a mountaineer, he has scaled an impressive number of peaks in the Himalayas. He undertakes four-wheel drive expeditions in this massive mountain range. And, he is into power lifting for the sheer difficulty of the sport.

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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/

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by MADHUMITHA SRINIVASAN

Avoid the conflict

In such situations it helps to be prepared. But experts say that rather than trying to get yourself out of the situation, it helps to avoid one in the first place. Be smart and accept today’s realities, for instance know that it isn’t safe for you to venture out alone late in the night or in lonely alleys. You might be in the mood for adventure but your attacker might be in the mood for some too. And most importantly, trust your intuition. If you sense something wrong in a particular situation, or feel uncomfortable with a person, back off completely.

Bhavana, a college student, recalls a time when she would walk to her house from the bus stop and on one such occasion a strange man kept staring at her. After this continued for a couple of more days, she started feeling very uncomfortable and arranged for her brother to pick her up from the bus stop for a week. And it worked. Seeing her accompanied by a man and not alone anymore, the man simply disappeared. “I could have confronted him and given him a piece of my mind, but I had no idea how he would have reacted. And I also didn’t want to aggravate the situation,” says Bhavana. It is a clear case of conflict avoidance.

Popular suggestions also include, keeping family or friends informed about your whereabouts and also being aware of your surroundings; for instance, the exits in a room or a hall or the security arrangement. “After night shows, when I have to take a rick back home alone, I make it a point to call my folks at home. I tell them the rick’s number and the route I am taking in the earshot of the driver so that he knows it is unwise to try anything with me,” shares Anandh whose friend’s bad experience during a late night rick ride has made him more cautious.

When walking down the street and you know someone is following you, try to approach people or shops on the street for assistance.

“Never assume anything. Never assume that the man who is approaching you is innocent,” advises Sreeram, a KravMaga instructor in Chennai. He goes on to add that, “It helps to always be cautious than being taken by surprise in the last minute.” Also Sreeram suggests looking at the larger goal in a confrontation. As when you are on your way to an important meeting and there is a biker who is constantly provoking you by honking and driving rashly, think of what is important – making it to the meeting on time and safely or trying to prove a point to the biker? “Forget about your ego,” he says.

Diffusion

In a situation of provocation or conflict, what is important is trying to not let the situation get out of hand. In the event of verbal abuse the best thing to try and do is to ignore it. “Many people do not know how to handle it, and let the abuse get to them; this in turn develops into stress and depression,” says Archana Achuthan, Director, Chennai. According to Archana, the best thing to do is not show vulnerability. When we start reacting to the abuse, then the abuser only gets motivated to prolong it. They are usually looking for soft targets. In familiar environments like an office or college, the only way to handle it would be to complain to the higher authorities or avoid the person completely.

In the case of a physical attack or confrontation, try talking your way out of it. “Violence begins where civilization ends. So use all civilised behaviour to avoid the conflict. Only as the last resort, use your body. Everything need not end in violence,” says Sreeram. Most attackers look for soft targets, so never show that you are scared. Resistance and aggression can dissuade your attacker, as most of them would want to get it done with quickly.

Be prepared

“Fight or flight is usually anybody’s reaction in an attack,” says Archana. While flight is the easier option (and no, it is not a shame to do so. Saving your life always comes first.), fight comes when you have no choice and/ or are well prepared and confident of what you are going to do. It requires a lot of common sense and presence of mind too. All these come with the knowledge of fending off your attacker, through self-defence training or general awareness. Proper self-defence training through Karate, Judo, Kick boxing or KravMaga, you will learn the techniques of surviving an attack. But even that needs mental conditioning, one that allows you to stay calm and think clearly during an attack so that you can put what you have learnt to use.

General awareness, on the other hand, comes with reading and observing situations. For instance, you could read up and internalise a tip as important as this one: when in a situation where your attacker is holding you from behind, rather than trying to elbow him or stomp his feet, use your head to give your attacker a blow on his face. Also learn of the vulnerable parts in the human body (see box) that can be attacked to immobilise your attacker temporarily thereby giving you enough time to escape.

Always carry some self-defence products like a pepper spray, chilli powder, pocket knife etc. If nothing, use your presence of mind and see if anything in the vicinity or the ones available at hand can be used to defend yourself. Like your laptop bag that can be used to shield yourself (your head is surely worth more than your laptop), a handbag that can be swung at your attacker or even an umbrella. For Olivia, it’s the heels of her footwear that come to her rescue. “While travelling in a crowded bus, if I know that the guy behind me is trying to act funny, I poke his feet hard really hard with my heels. It is sure to cause some pain and no one can complain in a crowded bus,” she shares matter-of-factly.

Generally, on a day-to-day basis “Do the required workout to keep the body healthy and fit. Do meditation to keep the mind calm, relaxed, alert and be in the present moment,” says George Thomas, Founder and President of Fu Sheng Yuan Tai Chi Academy-India Chapter.

Self-defence ultimately comes down to using your head, at times quite literally too. Be aware, stay safe and do not try to become a hero but rather learn to be a survivor of the streets.

(Cobra Self Defence Pepper Spray, India’s perhaps first indigenous pepper spray. Available online at: http://www.cobraspray.com/)

Smart moves

Vulnerable spots in the body

Eyes

Nose

Mouth

Chin

Groin

Knees

Ankles

They are called vulnerable spots because:

They are easy to reach

They are sensitive

They cannot be exercised so the pain/injury is the same for everybody irrespective of size or fitness level.

Hitting these spots causes immobility that will give you enough time for you to run away or get help.

For more read up on: http://kravmaga-chennai.blogspot.com/

Girls, be aware

Steps to defend oneself from a rape attempt:

1. Insert one knee between the attacker’s buttock and ankle: The person is now seated on your thigh rather than his own folded leg.

2. Lift hip: this ensures that the attacker’s balance and weight depend on the victim’s hip position.

3. Tilt hip to the same side as that of your knee between the attacker’s buttock and ankle: This shifts the attacker’s centre of gravity making him lose balance.

The technique is based more on physics rather than the victim’s strength.

Courtesy: KravMaga, Chennai

Read up

http://kidshealth.org/teen/safety/safebasics/self_defense.html

http://ezinearticles.com/?10-Common-sense-Self-Defense-Tips-For-Men&id=63393

http://www.safetyforwomen.com/tips.htm

http://www.real-self-defense.com/self_defense_tips.html

http://www.talewins.com/protectyourself/selfdefense.htm

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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.

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Often I have come across this sarcastic query, “Do martial arts really work in a street fight! Is it worth training at all!?”

That may be asking like why maintain a fire brigade since it is idle most of the time. Any physical activity is beneficial in some manner.

It could be games, yoga, swimming, cycling, dance or anything. It could improve some element of total fitness – either cardio-vascular, muscular endurance, flexibility or atleast co-ordination and quick thinking; which help in a crisis. But, if you are in a job prone to confrontations like security, policing, hotel bouncer etc., learning fighting arts is definitely a plus.

Or if your life style makes you vulnerable, like living in a crime prone locality, commuting late or transporting valuables.

But a word of caution, look out for these inherent failures in any fighting art before signing up. These system weaknesses make you victim and at worst a casualty. So choose carefully. Your life depends on it.

What are the signs that a martial art is NOT street-smart -

1) CHOREOGRAPHED MOVEMENTS – That is nice in dance. In the street it can make one look ridiculous. Because the most shocking realization in the street is the ‘unpredictability’. Choose a fighting method like KravMaga, which constantly exposes you to attacks from different directions, angles and timings, which makes one adaptable.

2) NO AGGRESSION TRAINING – Having an obliging partner who holds back his punches politely, stands still till the partner goes through all the movements makes one complacent. Choose a method which teaches you the basic skills, then escalates physical and mental stress. KravMaga classes have some energy sapping aggression training.

3) TRAINING IN A SINGLE METHOD LIKE STANDING STYLE OR GROUND STYLE The reality is, one could be standing, sitting or on the ground when attacked. Or it could be even an attack by more than one. Or it could be in a suffocating crowd. If you are training in a martial art which says punching & kicking will solve all problems, or just grappling will do, start praying in a street fight. Better still, choose KravMaga which trains one in kicking, punching, grappling, restraining with locks / holds. And to face street weapons like sticks and knives too.

4) COMPLICATED AND EXOTIC TECHNIQUES Looks great in movies. Or in a demo to school kids. On the street it’s quick and decisive movements which count. Fancy kicks and locks fail miserably in reality, unless you are facing a still dummy. And they take years of repeated practice to be effective. Leave that to the grey-haired masters.

5) PHILOSOPHICAL MUMBO-JUMBO IN CLASS Philosophical nuggets went along with the movie Karate Kid. A self-defense class is about facing a rapist, a mugger or a bunch of drunken goons. Learn that first before worrying about self-actualization.

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New Delhi, December 14, 2009

Abay Deol learning Krav Maga

Interestingly, Akshaye Khanna was to play the lead in the film initially, when director Navdeep Singh was to direct it for Nikhil Advani’s production company. But the two parted ways due to differences and Deol stepped in to back his director ofManorama Six Feet Under.

Deol is so fascinated by Krav Maga that whenever he got time off  between shots while filming Aisha with Sonam Kapoor, he’d practise it with his trainer. Basra, which sees Deol in the role of a RAW officer, has extensive action sequences. And Deol wants to ensure that he does his stunts perfectly. Singh is planning to start the film early next year with a schedule in Iraq.

Indiainfo.com

Tuesday, December 29, 2009 10:48 [IST]

Mumbai: The different Deol boy, Abhay, is going all out to prepare himself for his home production Basra that will see him do action for the first time in his career. After Hrs has learnt that the actor has started training in the Israeli hand-to-hand deadly combat tactics Krav Maga. By doing this he joins Akshay Kumar, the only hero in India who can perform the art and international faces like Angelina Jolie, Michelle Yeoh and Keanu Reeves.

This deadly skill will see Abhay hit a variety of fast crippling attacks to vulnerable body parts of his enemies. He has to go through a mixed aerobic and anaerobic workout and has to also use heavy pads to protect his body from damage while training.

“The film will see me fight like a street fighter and I’m learning really fast. It is fun and I have to learn many things if I have to convincingly play an action hero. Plus, it’s my home production, I cannot take any shortcuts,” Abhay told DNA.

Sources close to the film reveal that the young actor has also set up a training area where he would look to challenge his body reactions and defense skills through simulated attacks. This will make him faster and agile at offense and defense. Abhay has been called a perfectionist by many critics and this clearly shows his diligent approach to cinema.

“I always believe that you have to know something to perform it with ease and convince people. Nobody buys a fake and if you are not good at something you are doing, it always shows. I know I have to perfect myself in action because that’s never been my USP,” he says.

When not fighting in the arena, Abhay is traveling the world visiting film festivals in Venice, Toronto, Cannes, Tribeca where he has also lectured on cinema. The actor is ecstatic that even though he has not done the so-called Bollywood masala movies, he has managed to rub shoulders with Hollywood icons like Martin Scorsese, Robert de Niro, Jodie Foster, Matt Damon among others.

“Hollywood is very excited and appreciative of Indian cinema. Whenever I have met people who are greats in their own rights, they have been very inquisitive about our industry. This just shows that Indian cinema has a global presence and it is a huge achievement. There is scope for everyone to get the spotlight even if you are not a traditional Bollywood movie star. That’s a healthy change for our industry,” he ends.

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Krav Maga India Photo Gallery

http://KravMaga.co.in

03 Oct 09:: Krav Maga Chennai Israeli Self Defense Workshop by Mr. Vicky Kapoor

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18 Aug. 09 :: MOU signing for Krav Maga training amonst CAPSI members

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15 Aug. 09 :: Civilian Instructor Course New Delhi

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26 July 09 :: Delhi Police Special Weapons & Tactics (S.W.A.T.) Unit training in Krav Maga

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14 May 09 :: Krav Maga India tour & training in Israel

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08 May 09 :: Mr. Vicky Kapoor visit to Krav Maga Mumbai Chapter

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26, April 09 :: Krav Maga Civilian Instructor Course in New Delhi by Krav Maga India

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2009 :: Krav Maga Bangalore Chapter

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09 Feb. 09 :: Bangalore Visit by Mr. Vicky Kapoor

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16 Nov. 08 :: Krav Maga Civilian Instructor Course, New Delhi

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13 Oct. 08 :: Kabadi Match by Krav Maga India :: New Delhi

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13 Oct. 08 :: Krav Maga Mumbai Workshop by Mr. Vicky Kapoor, Chief Instructor Krav Maga India

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30 Sept. 08 :: Bangalore Workshop by Mr. Vicky Kapoor, Chief Instructor Krav Maga India

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25 July 08 :: Civilian Instructor Course in New Delhi by Krav Maga India

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Martial art techniques ranging from Jujitsu, Taekwondo and the novel Krav Maga ruled the roost on the second day of Vitalsport.

There was then Krav Maga, something you might have heard of if you have followed singer Jennifer Lopez closely. Closer home, Abhay Deol is learning it for his next movie.

Dressed in fatigues of a soldier is Frank, Bangalore’s Krav Maga practitioner. Krav Maga is a system of self defence created by Israeli military and combines the various forms of martial arts. It is highly dynamic and street oriented. “There is nothing fancy. Instead, Krav Maga teaches you how to enhance your energy and protect yourselves and those around you,” he says.

It is also very situational. “The training we give depends on the situation you are under,” says Frank. So while some of his clients require him to train employees on how to escape from a building on fire, there are MNC companies who want him to train employees on anti-terrorist drills.

“There is a lot of demand for them and in these workshops, I give people basic information such as how to duck when a hand grenade is thrown at you, what to do when a car bomb explodes, and even when to cry or not to cry in front of a terrorist!”

With a self-defence technique to handle every possible danger you can think of, Krav Maga, Frank elaborates, is more about instilling confidence in the person. Tactical and martial arts are only a small part of it. It is about combining science, psychology and physical strength to protect yourself.

With even schools facing security threats, Frank also conducts workshops at schools , training kids in things such as identifying a bad guy in the crowd. With around 200 students learning the art from him, Krav Maga has definitely come here to stay.

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Shruti Badyal

With crime against women continuing unabated in the city, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, recently appealed to women to join self-defence training courses offered by the government and private agencies. While safety has been a major concern of the Delhi Government, women have started equipping themselves with self-defence training lessons. Experts conducting such training sessions at various places in the city say that the number of women seeking self-defence classes has rapidly increased in the last few months.

[stextbox id="info"]Vicky Kapoor, chief instructor, Krav Maga India, says, “There has been a drastic increase in the number of women wanting to be able to protect themselves. A major reason triggering this attitude of self-safety among women is that they don’t really rely on any security system. They want to be equipped to deal with challenging situations on their own.”[/stextbox]

Jaipreet Joshi of FITCOMB feels that self-defence training includes 90 per cent psychological defence, and 10 per cent physical training. According to Jaipreet, corporate hubs in Delhi and the NCR are encouraging their employees to take up self-defence training sessions. “There is a great demand for these classes among corporate officials. A major reason for this is that the girls don’t think guards and cabbies can really protect them from an unpleasant situation. So they want to be self-sufficient when it comes to protecting themselves. Also, more than the physical training, we focus on the philosophy of psychological safety,” says Jaipreet.

So what is the most common fear that grips girls who seek training on self-defence? “Many girls have gone through some kind of trauma which haunts them time and again. So, when we enroll students, we always ask them to narrate their story and suggest that they share it with others in the group,” says Jaideep.

Some feel, that instead of complicated measures, and encouraging the use of mere gadgets, women should be taught simple techniques to save themselves. “Simple and easy techniques are always taught rather than asking them to depend on fancy gadgets during an attack. We focus on the fitness aspect and building a positive attitude with some simple and workable techniques, which one can use in various circumstances no matter which situation you are in or how you are dressed. For instance, you should be able to defend yourself even when you are wearing a sari or a short skirt,” says Dr Rajnish Jawas, chief instructor with Martial Arts Academy of India.

For others, awareness about physical training sessions is still lacking. “The frequency of these classes should be increased and they should be made available in all schools and colleges. NGOs and the government need to push the need for these classes in educational institutions,” says Rajat Mahajan, a gym instructor.

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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.

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