“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.

Hyderabad

March 18: Employees of corporate and BPO firms are learning martial arts such as Krav Maga of Israel and Ninjutsu of Japan to deal with possible terror attacks. Security personnel of information technology companies are also picking up Krav Maga, which has become popular among police forces across the world.

Increasing attacks on women employees of BPO firms are another reason for their taking to martial arts. Experts say that Krav Maga is not just meant for self defence but will also enable learners to stay fit. “Some instructors are arriving on March 23 to conduct more classes,” said Mr Frank J. Wolf, the civilian instructor for Hyderabad of Krav Maga International Federation.

Krav Maga is based on natural human reflexes and uses everything possible for self-defence, said Mr Vikram Kapoor, the Indian chief of Krav Maga International. “We have already conducted three corporate workshops in Hyderabad for IT sector to teach self defence,” he added. “It is useful in close combat.” He added that all possible scenarios had been envisaged during the training. “We have taught them how to defend themselves in a night cab,” Mr Kapoor said.

Source: http://www.deccanchronicle.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

March 11th, 2008

Learning KM has been one of the major decisions that I have taken in life and I can safely say that, it has been the best decision of all.

One may ask, is a military based martial art relevant to a common man?? The answer is a big YES. How?? I shall tell you that. With a lot of untoward incidents happening all around us, the issue of safety has become paramount. Everyday we come across a few incidents that have resulted in loss to property or even worse, loss to life. A lot of those could have been avoided/minimized, with the knowledge of self-defense. That is where KM comes in handy, in real scenarios (more than any other martial art).

Krav Maga can be called as a fusion martial art with a few basic principles.

• Neutralize the threat.
• Avoid injury to the maximum extent.
• Go from defense to attack ASAP.
• Use the body’s natural reflexes.
• Strike at any vulnerable point
• Improvise with available resources.

As , our instructor, always emphasises, the above principles are to be used only in the case of life-threatening situations, either to oneself or one’s loved ones. The most important principle of all is- DO NOT INITIATE/PROLONG A FIGHT. It is always advisable to try and diffuse the situation and only if necessary, do what needs to be done and escape.

Although Krav Maga shares many techniques with other martial arts, it is very very unique. It stresses fighting under worst-case conditions or from disadvantaged positions, for e.g: Against multiple attacks, when protecting someone else, when one of your hands isn’t free, when inside a car etc. The basic idea is to deal first with the threat and then prevent the attacker from re-attacking, by neutralizing him.

The trainings are usually fun sessions with a lot of cardio and self defense techniques in it. They include heavy drills, lots of punches, kicks, elbows etc and at times, some grapelling and sparring too.The best part is that, KM doesn’t require the learners to be in perfect physical condition. Rather, training in KM will tone your body and build your fitness levels from scratch and make you fit as a fiddle.

Now that I too am a full fledged KM practitioner, I have seen the difference it has made in my life. My attitude and my self confidence have truly increased and knowing all the pros and cons of self-defense and attacks, I have learnt to respect life even more than before.

So guys and gals, my advice to all of you is- JOIN KM and become a better human being.It is always better to be SAFE than WORRY !!!

MYCATQUOTE