Train Ultimate Defense

[kravbrian]

Is Quality Dying?

As a lifelong martial artist, i have earned a 3rd degree black belt in martial arts.  Normally, that would mean something, but if you go to some of these McDojo schools, you’ll find people wearing black belts that don’t look any different technically from those wearing green belts.  Why are so many instructors willing to “give away” the standard of what the black belt means?

As a Krav Maga instructor and practitioner, I take pride in my craft because what I train in can be life saving and what I teach can save someone else’s life.  I have had students eager to advance in rank, but Krav Maga is something that one shouldn’t advance quickly in.  In Krav Maga Global’s rank structure, each level as a focus in the curriculum.  Just because you know the curriculum and have a basic understanding of the techniques doesn’t mean you are ready to test.  The standard should be that when you have a really good understanding of the technique and are able to perform very well, vs “just ok.” then you are ready to test.  Remember, even as Practitioner Level 1, they should be able to effectively defend against all the situations in P-1. 

Not all students testing for P1 will pass, and that’s ok.  As instructors, we have to be ok to fail our students.  People equate rank and advancement with ability to survive an attack, and that is just not true.  I have failed many students who tested for P1, or maybe I should say they failed themselves.  Either they weren’t ready but insisted on testing, or they just performed poorly under pressure.  Remember, in class, the students are a little more comfortable and relaxed, but in a test, they feel pressure and stress which may make them perform differently.  A student shouldn’t pass because you saw them in class all month long and they were good, but during the test, they just had a bad day.  A well run test should bring as close as possible the same amount of stress that an attack would.  If your student didn’t perform well under the stress of a test, that means they may perform poorly under the stress of a violent attack. 

Don’t give your students false security.  I have seen a lot of videos lately on YouTube and FaceBook of students testing for middle to higher level ranks and I can’t help but wonder how and why?  The false sense of security those individuals have will get them seriously hurt or killed in bad situation.  It’s up to us as professional instructors to be honest to our students.  If a student has to stay a P2 for a year, that’s ok.  If they haven’t gotten the techniques of P1 and P2 down well, don’t rush them into P3.  Master the basics and their Krav Maga will be excellent!

This goes for instructors.  As Instructors, we sometimes feel the pressure of getting the highest rank around so people can admire us for our achievement.  People don’t care what our rank is as instructors.  I have only had a couple people ever ask me my rank.  If you are able to WOW them with great technique and aggression, that is what sells.  Who cares that you’re a G4 or G5 or E1.  Can you execute the technique well under pressure and can you teach me to do the same.  That is all our students want to know.

I fear the same is beginning to happen in Krav Maga that has happened in traditional martial arts.  People are more concerned about getting to Expert level as fast as they can instead of enjoying the journey and mastering the technique.  I love the fact that BJJ makes it very difficult (and long) to advance in rank.  To go from white belt to blue belt, you HAVE to have mastered the movements taught at white belt.  There is no “well that was ok, but; or keep practicing that until you get it, but here’s your blue belt.”  You get it and perform it well or you don’t pass.  Make it about the student excelling at the technique and not about advancing quickly.

If you are looking for a Krav Maga school, don’t go by the instructor’s credentials alone.  Watch a few classes.  Watch the beginners and the intermediate or advanced students.  Can you tell the difference? Watch the instructor teach.  Are they performing the solutions that make you go WOW! Are they able to explain the technique or solution in a way that is easy to understand?  If you start training Krav Maga, enjoy the journey.  Don’t be in a hurry to advance in rank.  Make sure you understand the problems and solutions well and are able to perform under pressure.  After all, you are training to stay safe in the event of a violent encounter.  Kida!

[kravbrian]

How this shirt saved a man’s life!

It was a beautiful Sunday morning in Lakeland, FL.  I was set to teach a 4 hour Krav Maga workshop themed “Attack-Defend-Attack.”  I had arrived to the area about 2 hours early, so I decided to hit the local Starbucks, have a delicious cup of coffee while enjoying the beautiful fall Florida weather. 

I was sitting outside on the patio making notes for the upcoming workshop and watching some videos of my instructor, Eyal Yanilov, mentally preparing for the afternoon’s festivities.  I was about an hour into what Eyal would call “mental training” when this young man rode up on his bicycle and proceeded to sit in the patio area.  I only noticed him because he was smoking and the smoke was coming right at me.  My first thought was how rude for his guy to smoke on a patio where no one else is smoking and a few others are just out enjoying the fresh air and a coffee.  The smoke definitely ruins the concept of “fresh air.”  After a few minutes, I didn’t smell the smoke and looked up and noticed he wasn’t there.  I then went back into my mode of preparing for Krav Maga.

Then I heard the snap of a lighter.  I looked up and he was back, sitting down about 20 feet from me, with a coffee on the table and relighting a cigarette.  He was a young man, 20 or 21, about 140 pounds, wearing blue jeans and a white tank top.  He was tattooed all over his body, on both arms, shoulders, chest, neck, and even his face.  He was the stereotypical looking “thug.”  Because he was sitting quite far from me, the smoke stayed away, so I was able to still focus on my agenda, Krav Maga! 

Then I heard an older female voice.  She was soft and fragile in her speaking.  She uttered, “Sir, Sir.”  I looked up and noticed an older couple, probably in their 60′s sitting with their two small grandchildren.  They were sitting on the couch directly in front of the young man.  She continued, “Sir, this is a smoke free patio.  Would you mind not smoking out here?”  As I watched, I saw this young guy take a puff of his cigarette and proceed to blow the smoke directly at the senior couple.  He then turned and looked in my direction.

This is one of those moments that you have a split second to decide what are you going to do.  Are you going to let this guy dominate the area with fear and look away, or are you going to make a stand for what is right and call him out.  Well, I wasn’t about to look away after what I just witnessed and how he disrespected this family, so I proceeded to say, “there is no smoking out here.”  Now, I had no idea what the policy was for Starbucks.  I did notice that there were no ash trays on any of the tables, so I concluded that there must be a policy against it.    He uttered back, “what?”  I continued, “there is no smoking out here.  This is a smoke free patio.”  He then got up out of his chair and began to walk towards me.  Not wanting to get caught in a seated position, I also got up and met him a few feet from my chair.  He again uttered, “what?”  I again repeated “there is no smoking out here.”  He then asked, “what are you going to do about it?”

What a loaded question.  First, I have the above shirt on.  It clearly states what I intend to do about it if the situation escalates.  I would be lying if I said nothing crossed my mind, but in reality, about 20 different ideas of “what I would do about it” crossed my mind.  My first thought was a nice throat pluck.  It would end a fight fast as he wouldn’t be able to breathe for a short time.  Of course, nothing tops a strong right cross to the face, but blood on the patio of Starbucks wouldn’t be good for their business.  Then there was always the ever loved Krav Maga groin kick.  So many ideas, so little time. 

Then, I recalled what Krav Maga is all about.  Krav Maga is not about fighting, but finding peaceful solutions to problems.  Imi Lichtenfeld was all about keeping the ego low so problems avoid you.  I teach fighting, but more importantly, I teach how to avoid fighting.  If I initiate an attack in this situation, then I am no longer an example of what I teach, but a hypocrite.  I train Krav Maga so that if I have to fight, I can finish the fight fast.  Because of how I train and how I’ve been trained, I have no doubt that I can seriously injure someone.  Is this guy worthy of being seriously injured for smoking?  Probably not. 

Rather than lowering myself to his low standard, I proceeded to tell him that I would speak with the manager.  He countered, “that’s what your going to do?”  I said, “yup,” and proceeded to walk past him to speak with the manager, who then came out and informed him there was no smoking on the patio.  He abided by the rules and there were no further problems.

As a told the story to my family, they were engaged and couldn’t wait to hear what I did to him.  When I told them I spoke with a manager, there was a slight let down.  Like any good story, we want to hear how the good guy beat the bad guy to a pulp.  Of course my family understands I did the correct thing. They also understand how this young man will never know how close he came to dealing with a lot of serious pain had he escalated the situation.  Maybe my confidence, my stature, my size, and maybe even this shirt convinced him that it was not a good idea to pursue his aggressive position.  Either way, true Krav Maga was displayed in that I found a peaceful solution.

If you want to get a shirt like this or a couple of other designs, my good friend is the producer of this shirt.  It may just help you avoid a conflict!  You can check them out at:  http://www.contactcombatco.com/

[kravbrian]

Complacency: It’s Contagious

“I don’t need to train for that situation.”  “It will never happen to me.”  “This isn’t realistic so I won’t put much effort into it.” 

The above are some complacent, or even lazy arguments.  I know, because I have said them many times in my career as a Firefighter/Paramedic and also in my role as a self defense instructor.  I’m sure I’m not the only one........ I am willing to bet that you also made some of those same statements at some point in your life.  But it’s ok.  As long as we don’t remain complacent, we can grow and better ourselves.

I chose this topic because recently (within a year), my family and I moved from the Tampa Bay area to the Nashville area where I started a career with a local municipal Fire Department.  I had already been a FIrefighter/Paramedic for 10 years at a Tampa Bay area Fire Department, so when I was told I would have to go through the department’s 10 week Fire Academy, my first thought was “oh man,” but then I thought it should be a relatively easy 10 weeks, since I had so much experience.  What I didn’t account for was my complacency in the 10 years I was on the department in the Tampa Bay area.

These days as Firefighters, we don’t fight much fire because of the efforts from Fire Prevention and the new building codes, so my experience fighting fire, although more than some, is still not a lot.  I figured why train when the chances of going to a fire are very slim.  In the new academy, I realized just how complacent I had gotten, both with my physical endurance and with my firefighting technique.  It was 10 weeks of eye opening and humbling experience.

But this blog is about self defense, so why am I talking about firefighting?  Complacency crosses into every part of our life (contagious), so here is where I’ll make the transition.  We don’t expect to be car jacked, so we don’t train for car jacking scenarios.  We don’t expect to be a victim of a home invasion, so why bother preparing for it.  We don’t go to bars so getting hit in the head with a beer bottle will NEVER happen to me, so why prepare for it; and I could go on and on. 

If you watch the news or read the paper, you see it is filled with stories of complacency.  People being shot, robbed, mugged, car jacked, and so on...... people not taking their own safety into consideration by learning an effective fighting system like Krav Maga or learning how to carry and use a concealed hand gun.  Ah, the concealed hand gun.  How many of you have a concealed permit and carry a firearm?  How many actively train on drawing the weapon? While standing?  While on the ground?  With the opposite hand?  While in the car?  The point, most attacks are by surprise, so there is a good chance you may get hit and knocked to the ground.  Can you get to your weapon while on the ground?  Complacency with a weapon, hmmm........ makes us think we’re invincible sometimes.

The picture above shows a speaker talking at a large, international convention.  He never thought a gunman would walk up to the stage past security and put a gun to his head.  In fact, the odds of that happening have to be astronomical, but it happened.  If that can happen in that kind of arena, then whatever we think we are immune to surely can happen to us.

So, when you find yourself being complacent, stop and check yourself.  The cure is recognition.  This truly is the most difficult part, because it recognizes an inadequacy or a fault in ourselves.  And of course, get to a Krav Maga school and start training for your safety and that of your loved ones!

[kravbrian]

I can do it better!

“I can do it better!”  “We found better ways to execute this defense!” “We took out what doesn’t work and put in what does work!”

These statements and many more like it really do make me laugh.  What am I talking about?  Krav Maga of course, but now I’m talking about those instructors or practitioners outside of Israel or the IDF who “think” they have a better way of dealing with a violent attack.  I laugh because the average American Krav Maga instructor probably has no real life combat experience, but now they think they can improvise a technique better than those who use Krav Maga on an almost daily basis. 

Krav Maga is simply the most effective system of self defense because it has been battle tested at some point and was proven effective.  How some instructors outside of constant fighting can say, “I changed this technique because it wasn’t effective” or “I stopped teaching this all together because it just doesn’t work,” I just don’t understand.  Krav Maga is based out of Israel and the techniques, if they don’t work, are already thrown out.  Now I’m not talking about minor adaptations to make a technique work for someone.  What I’m talking about is completely changing the solution to a problem because that instructor thinks it’s better.  Here’s an example:

The static front choke with 2 hands is a problem every Krav Maga school addresses.  For the longest time, the solution to a strong 2 hand front choke was the 2 hand pluck release with simultaneous knee or kick to the groin.  Are there other variations we teach?  Absolutely.  Remember, the defense is based on the threat.  A “weaker” choke may not naturally draw the victims hands to the hands of the attacker, so then we have other options.  But when it’s a strong choke, it’s hard to fight the urge to bring the hands to the hands of the attacker.

I had a family once ask me what the difference was between karate and Krav Maga.  Now, this family were all black belts (mom, dad, and 16 year old son).  I told them that in its simplicity, Krav Maga is based on natural response, and I told them that just the way we train makes Krav Maga effective.  They asked for an example.  I asked if I could lay hands on the 16 year old to prove my point.  I told the 16 year old that I was going to choke him and to do whatever technique he knew to defend the choke.  I reassured him the choke would be light and to just go slow.  I put my hands on his neck and he worked a technique that realistically didn’t make much sense, but it was what he knew.  We did that a few more times so he could have an advantage for when I choked him harder.  After several times, I told him I was going to choke him hard and squeeze and I wanted him to respond to the problem.  He nodded. I grabbed his neck fast and squeezed hard which then brought his hands to my hands.  He had no other response than that.

The point - even someone who has trained for several years couldn’t resist doing what was natural to do.  Are there other solutions for the front choke?  Of course.  Do they work?  Of course, some of them, but remember, under stress, the body will respond a specific way.  Eyal Yanilov once even acknowledged that he prefers the single hand pluck release with simultaneous counter strike with other hand, but he knows through all of his teaching that during a strong choke, the hands will come to the threat. 

This is just one example.  I’ve seen other schools completely change their gun defenses, knife defenses, ground defenses and on and on because they have a “better way.”  Is their way less effective?  I wouldn’t say it is, but here is the rationale behind a lot of the techniques in Krav Maga.

The Krav Maga that Imi developed and Eyal updated (with Imi’s approval) was designed to be a system.  There is a specific systematic approach to Krav Maga to allow the practitioner less confusion when dealing with a situation.  For example, in its simplest form, a practitioner is dealing with linear threats or circular threats.  When dealing with linear threats, this could be a straight punch; a straight knife thrust; a knife threat; a fire arm pointed at you; or anything that is coming straight towards you.  From a semi passive position, the hand defense and body defense is virtually the same for all of these situations, making it much more simpler to recall the solution to the problem.  If we start adding in “wax on wax off” motions, then we complicate an already stressful situation.  The practitioner will also notice that the hand/body defense to a threat to the side of the body is virtually the same as from the front.  Again, keeping it simple is the heart of Krav Maga.

But my Krav Maga instructor says that Krav Maga evolves?  Absolutely it does, but the principle stays the same.  In evolution, there are terms such as micro evolution and macro evolution.  Micro evolution is slight change inside a species, like a german shepherd and beagle.  Both are dogs, just different breeds.  Macro evolution says that a cat will one day turn into a dog.  One thing completely changing its form to become something completely different.  Macro evolution doesn’t exist.  When we evolve something in Krav Maga, it will be micro evolution.  It has to follow the same principles already established.   What are the principles?  Natural reaction; address the threat; counter attack as soon as possible; control (if possible); neutralize the threat; safely disengage the scene.   Keeping the solution as simple as possible is also the key.  No complex moves.

Be weary when your instructor says “I modified the techniques to make it more effective.”  Chances are, you’re not learning Krav Maga.  You’re learning “Their Maga.” 

[kravbrian]

Krav Maga Level Testing - What Should It Look Like?

I have been doing martial arts for a very long time - over 26 years.  I have been through numerous tests for ranks, up until 3rd Dan Black Belt (traditional martial arts), but no traditional test has been tougher than any of my Krav Maga tests.  I even had my own “traditional” students who also trained in Krav Maga say that they thought the Krav Maga Level 1 (Practitioner 1 or P1) test was harder than their “traditional” black belt test.  The question is, why?

I can only speculate why based on my own experience.  I had excellent Tae Kwon Do instruction from age 15 on, and the tests were challenging, but Tae Kwon Do is a process, like other martial arts.  I would learn the curriculum, say for my white belt test, and then 2 months later I would test on it.  It was expected that I wouldn’t look good because I just started.  It’s not like anything associated with TKD is natural.  All of the stances were different then any other way I ever stood; the punches started from my hip; the kicks were to be delivered a certain way, and so on.  The mentality of myself and my peers was that if I stick with it, I will get better, and it’s true.  Martial arts takes years to become proficient and everyone knows it - but Krav Maga is NOT a martial art!

So how should a Krav Maga test look?  Well, it would depend on what level one is testing for, but let’s take a look at what a Level 1 test should look like.  There are many Krav Maga organizations out there and each one has different “techniques” associated with their Level 1 curriculum, so I will look at my organization, Krav Maga Global.  In our Practitioner Level 1 curriculum, we keep it rather simple.  We teach basic natural stances, basic punching, basic moving while punching, defending straight punches, defending circular attacks, defending a front kick, defending chokes while standing and on the ground, and a couple other situations.  The thought process is to build a solid base with a handful of techniques versus inundating the practitioner with a long list of material to know.  We want the student to be good at punching and kicking at the Level 1 rank.  If you can’t throw a good punch, then nothing else matters.  It doesn’t matter that one can do a great 360 defense, but then have a lousy punch. 

A student who completes and passes a Level 1 Krav Maga test should be able to effectively defend themselves against some basic threats and attacks, as well as be able to initiate a good offense.  This means that they can kick well, punch well, move well, etc.  I’m not saying they’re going to do it perfectly, but they should be able to do it very well.  If they can’t, then they should wait to test!  Period! 

So why this rant?  Well, I saw the video below on YouTube and it just fired me up.  Not because these new students are doing a lot of incorrect things, but that their instructor allowed them to test.  They clearly are not ready for a Krav Maga test.  They clearly would not be able defend themselves from a basic threat or attack.  What this instructor is doing is building a false sense of security in these students.  So, either the instructor is under trained or unqualified OR he is treating his Krav Maga program like a martial arts program and testing his students with the idea that over time, they will get better.  

The goal for Krav Maga should be to make the practitioner good enough to protect themselves, not worrying about testing for the next rank.  People hold rank to a status higher than it deserves.  I see it, even among my own colleagues, unfortunately.  Some feel that it is better to get to the next rank faster, as if that dictates what their ability truly is.  Does a criminal jacking one up with a knife care that you are a G4?  Does a rapist care that you recently passed your P5 test?  Of course not.  Can you perform effectively to neutralize a threat?  This is all that matters.  

If you are a Krav Maga student, just focus on training.  Don’t worry about training for the next test.  Worry about training to save your life or the life of a loved one.  If you are training under a good instructor, they will let you know when you are ready to test.  On the other hand, if your instructor asks or tells you to test, but you feel or know you aren’t ready, then don’t be afraid to question your instructor.  A Krav Maga test is important as it is a great indicator of where you are at with your own skill, but it shouldn’t happen every couple of months.  For our up and coming Practitioner 1 (P1) students, it can take somewhere between 3 and 6 months before one tests.  I’ve had students that have taken longer, and these were individuals who trained twice a week.  Some just learn at slower paces......nothing against them, but they understood the importance of training and not worrying about testing.  I want them FIRST to be able to defend themselves and then second, to pass a test.  

I recently heard the head of one Krav Maga organization say in his blog that he has a lot of black belts in Krav Maga under him.  He even added that he probably has more black belts in his organization than any other organization.  What is the standard he is setting?  What is his goal?  Is his goal to have more black belts or to have quality practitioners who can effectively defend themselves.  When I hear that type of bragging, it makes me thing twice about what the goal of training is.

How long should a Krav Maga test be?  It varies among instructors.  For our P1 testing students, it would usually take about 3 hours.  We are looking to see that our students not only know the technique once or twice, but that they can continually do the technique well, over and over again.  After our P1 test, our students feel very confident that they can protect themselves, and that is what it’s all about.  From there, the foundation has been established and we can then begin to build upon it.  Without a strong foundation, the walls will collapse.

Until next time, train hard and train safe!

[kravbrian]

Training on your own is important!

Often times I find with my students that the majority of them only train Krav Maga when they come to class.  How do I know?  Well, first I can tell by their lack of improvement from the last time I saw them; but it is confirmed when I ask the group, "how many have trained outside of the training center?"  The answer almost always is "none." 

It is extremely important to train on your own outside of the training center.  It's your time to put into practice what the instructor has taught you; to recall the technique, application, check points, and everything that makes the technique clean.  You want to develop that muscle memory so that when you return to class, the instructor can tell that the students have been practicing and have down the previously learned technique.  The instructor can then review quickly the technique and then move on to the next technique to learn, versus having to do a longer review of the previously learned technique, slowing down the student's pace of learning more techniques.

Remember, Krav Maga is not a fad; it's not a cliche; it's not an extracurricular activity.  Krav Maga is a way of life.  It has to be, otherwise why train in Krav Maga?  You either want to be extremely effective in defending yourself (making it a way of life) versus hoping you have what it takes to protect yourself or a loved one (a fad or extracurricular activity).  Like anything you would take seriously, you need to devote time, energy, and patience to develop your skills.  How much time?  I would say at least 30 minutes a day on technique alone.  Whether you're at your office, sitting at your desk practicing 360 with simultaneous counter attack several times; or walking to the restroom to then execute an inside defense with 1.5 rhythm punch with finishing mode.  These are small amounts of time, that done several times a day begins to help you excel in Krav Maga.

What about in your car?  What I like to do every now and then is when I come to a stop light, I'll pretend a bad guy jumped in the front seat and now I have to fight.  A few hammerfists to the head rest with follow up techniques is fun and passes the time, especially when the stoplight is a long one.  Not to mention the funny looks I get from the car sitting next to me.  Makes me laugh, but hey, I got a few seconds of training in.

Don't forget the mental training.  Visualize a situation occurring where you are at, then imagine in your mind what your response would be.  See yourself doing the technique perfectly and surviving the situation.  The more you can visualize yourself doing proper techniques, eventually that will translate to the physical.  This is a concept that pro fighters, pro athletes, and others have been doing for years.  It truly does work.  The mind is powerful!

Develop the warrior mentality!  When practicing on your own, if you make a mistake, continue to fight through it.  Finish what you were doing and then make the correction after.  We have to learn NOT to stop our aggression when we make a mistake, lest we stop in a real situation.  Fight through and when done, correct it.  Warriors don't stop.  Warriors fight through adversity.  You are a warrior!!

As the instructor for Ultimate Defense Krav Maga, I make a review video each week for our members to watch and review and practice.  I do this because it is EXTREMELY important to practice on your own time.  I want my students to become proficient quickly.  The only way is to practice, practice, practice!!

Now, get of your computer and go train Krav Maga!!  KIDA

[kravbrian]

Techniques ARE the answer!

I recently read a blog by a relatively large Krav Maga organization in the U.S.  It was titled "Techniques Aren't The Answer."  What I gathered from reading the article was that aggression and the philosophy of Krav Maga (their words) is better than focusing on technique.  He pointed out that they noticed the "technique" degraded under stress in training, but it was the aggressive side of Krav Maga that kept the defender alive. 

It sounds like he never trained with Eyal Yanilov!

I started out as a student under Krav Maga World Wide, which has the same focus (the article was not from them).  As a newbie Krav practitioner then, I appreciated the aggressive side of Krav Maga and the techniques.  My instructor at the time was a technician, meaning he was a master of martial arts and appreciated technique and desired everyone who train display good technique.  He did a great job of incorporating technique with aggression.  When I first met Eyal Yanilov in 2007, I saw a Krav Maga master who had unbelievable technique and an aggression that would make you want to lay down and say "uncle!"  It was when I saw Eyal that I decided that was who I wanted to train with.

Eyal is a stickler for technique.  He insists on having proper hand placement; body alignment; footwork; angles; etc., because it is what gets you out of harms way or makes your defense stronger.  He also knows it's the technique that saves your life.  What do I mean?  Take a gun threat for example.  If I don't use proper technique, meaning bringing my hand from down low up to the gun, versus to the side and then towards the gun in a pushing or sweeping fashion, there's a chance I may get shot (I've seen a lot of instructors in other organizations and practitioners do this very thing).  The eye of the gunman picks up lateral movement much faster than vertical movement.  Couple that with if I don't execute a proper body defense, I may get shot moving the gun offline.  This is technique.  This has nothing to do with aggression.  What follows next is the melee; the aggression; the fight!

Or take a overhand stick assault.  If I don't execute proper technique in defending the stick, meaning me arm is vertically diagonal to the stick; my waist is bent with my head forward; my bicep is slightly above my ear and elbow rotated slightly in; and I step into the attack, then there's a chance I may get hit in the head.  If my initial technique of defending the stick failed, aggression means nothing if I'm lying unconscious and bleeding from the head from being hit with a stick!

The initial movements or defenses of Krav Maga are based on natural body reaction.  It's these natural reactions that we as instructors attempt to "enhance" in our students.  We're developing techniques.  Otherwise, why teach the pluck?  Why teach 360 defense?  Why teach inside defense?  Why teach sweeping defense against knife stab?  Why teach scooping defense?  If aggression and philosophy is all we need, then why bother?  Why bother teaching the proper technique for executing a punch?  A kick?  And I could go on.  Any organization that doesn't care about the technique or technical aspect of Krav Maga is one I would want to stay away from.

The Navy SEALS train time and time again on technique.  Technique for shooting; technique for room clearing; technique for infiltrating a vessel, and so on ( I just finished 2 books about Navy SEALS so needed to use the analogy).  If techniques aren't important, then why bother.  I'm sure the bad guys would be just as scared if a team of 7 SEALS came in "aggressively" just shooting the place up (but because of no technique, the SEALS may shoot themselves in the process).

As a responsible Krav Maga Instructor, I know that because the people I train are not fighting real life battles everyday, that under stress of a real situation, there may be some degradation of technique.  This is why we do stress drills.  We do surprise attacks.  We work on reaction time and reaction drills.  We want the body to react "naturally" with the enhancement of the technique of Krav Maga.  We want the aggression to "neutralize" the attacker.  We want both the technique AND the aggression.  If the technique fails, meaning I didn't stop the punch; or I got stabbed; or I took a bullet; now the aggression kicks in.  The "Warrior" mentality takes over.  We continue advancing forward being aggressive, but attacking using proper technique of punching, kicking, etc, so that we don't further injure ourselves.  No matter which way you slice it, you need proper technique. 

As Krav practitioners, you've no doubt heard it said over and over again, "Hand defense, body defense."  We call this 200% defense.  The same goes for technique and aggression.  They go hand in hand.  One without the other may not be enough.  We need both. 

In Krav Maga, we are guided by principles, but it is the technique AND aggression that minimize damage to us while maximizing damage to the attacker(s).  This is why I choose to train with Eyal Yanilov.  

The author of the blog "Techniques Aren't The Answer" would have been better off blogging about "Techniques AND Aggression ARE The Answer, in my humble opinion.  You need both, period.

[kravbrian]

I Will Go Home Tonight!

"I will go home tonight!"  This is something that every police officer, sheriff deputy, and state trooper tell themselves when they strap on their gun belt and pin their badge on to their pressed uniform blouse.  It is their intention to go home at the end of their shift.  No officer sees themselves being killed in the line of duty, yet it happens........ more often than it should (shouldn't happen at all!).

In 2014, there were 121 police officers killed in the United States.  Of those 121 officers, 47 of them were killed by gunfire.  It doesn't say the range the officer was in when the gun was pulled, but I know from the news that in several cases, the gunman was close.  In Krav Maga terms, this means the suspect was either close range or medium range.  In this range, an alert officer should have a chance at defending themselves, even when a gun is presented.

Now, please don't misunderstand my point for this blog.  I am NOT Monday morning quarterbacking a decision an officer made that cost him or her their life.  They deserve more respect than that.  What I do intend is that every time a "call" goes wrong, that it be used as a learning tool.  As a Firefighter/Paramedic, we have all kinds of "drills" we do that were developed as a result of firefighters killed in the line of duty.  Not meant to disrespect them, but to prevent further tragedy.

I had a Captain on my department make the comment once that in his mind, all firefighters and police officers SHOULD be the best and top athletes in their field.  As public servants who put their lives on the line everyday, it is our training that gets us out of jams.  So, as a police officer, why would you not want to be an expert in hand to hand combat?  Why would you not want to be an expert in firearms and marksmanship?  Why would you not want to be an expert in evasive and pursuant driving?  The answer:  complacency. 

Even as a firefighter, I dreaded some of the training.  The likelihood of me being trapped or falling through a roof or floor was very low.  We didn't fight very many fires, but it's that complacency that could cost me my life if I just didn't do the training.  The same goes for police officers.  Most officers will never draw their weapons in their careers, and even fewer will ever fire their weapons.  So they play the odds.  But in that moment when you do find yourself face to face with a life and death situation, wouldn't you wish you had trained?

When I ran my school in Tampa Bay, FL (Tampa Bay Krav Maga), I offered FREE training twice a month for Law Enforcement.  The word went out.  We had about 10 officers from various departments that would partake in the training.  They would try and recruit their fellow officers to come take part in this FREE training, only to get all kinds of excuses why they couldn't make it.  Some excuses were legit:  court, working, etc....... but most of the excuses they got were signs of complacency.  "I don't need that training."  "I won't get close enough to have to use it." And so on...... the officers who took part in the training were amazed and frustrated by their fellow colleagues who just didn't want to train. 

So, why this rant.  Well, in December 2014, a Flagstaff, AZ police officer was shot and killed.  Here's the video link:  http://www.fox10phoenix.com/story/27842220/2015/01/13/police-camera-shows-final-moments-before-man-killed-flagstaff-officer 

Caught on video, it shows the range.  What it doesn't show is the officer's response.  After talking with several police officers about this situation, I asked them according to their training, what was the officer's LIKELY response.  They all said to "retreat and go for his own weapon."  In a timeline, it would take too long to draw a weapon when the suspect already has a gun out.  At this range, the appropriate response would be to go for control of the suspect's weapon and make it a fight (again, not sure if the officer attempted this or not).

In Krav Maga, we deal with and train a wide assortment of scenarios, and then drill them under pressure.  In Tampa, we also had simunition ammo which allowed us to train various gun threats under live fire.  Of course, under real life stress, there are other factors, but with continuous training and refinement, you can be physically and mentally prepared to deal with any situation.  Does that mean you will come out unscathed?  Of course not, but it does improve your chances for survival.  As the saying goes, "Failing to plan is planning to fail." 

As a result of this Flagstaff Police Officer being killed at close range, I will be holding a workshop teaching how to defend against gun threats.  It's a start, hopefully, in educating civilians and police officers alike in how to deal with gun threats that are medium or close range.  The workshop will be the end of February or beginning of March.  Still working out the details.  Visit our website often for updates on Workshops and Seminars at www.TrainingUltimateDefense.com

[kravbrian]

Are you better than the other guy?

As a Krav Maga school owner, this is one question I get asked all the time.  People want to know why they should train with me versus the "other guy" down the road.  I mean after all, the other guy teaches Krav Maga too, so what makes me better or different?

This is a difficult question because most times, I have no idea what skill the "other guy" has.  Unless I've trained at their school and know them, I will never make a judgement that they are a bad (or good) instructor.  As a Krav Maga instructor and school owner, I do want to check out who else is teaching Krav Maga in my area and check on their credentials.  If they are not credentialed with a legitimate or reputable organization, I will make the distinction to people to "be careful."  There are too many schools now jumping on the bandwagon of getting "certified to teach Krav Maga" in only 3 or 5 days.  So, when you are looking for good Krav Maga, be sure to ask about the instructors credentials, and then check them out.

Here is a story of a BAD Krav Maga instructor.  I recently moved to the Nashville area, and while on one of my visits, I stopped in at a "Krav Maga" center in Murfreesboro, TN.  This guy was teaching "Krav Maga" out of his Tae Kwon Do academy.  I met with the instructor/owner prior to trying the class.  He tried to impress me with all of his accolades of Tae Kwon Do prestige, and it was impressive, but when I pressed him about his Krav Maga experience, he admitted he really only had a little, and currently is not training Krav Maga with anyone or affiliated (present or past) with any reputable Krav Maga organization.  He further told me that with his 35+ years in martial arts, he knows how to teach self defense. 

Well, I figured I'm already here, I'll try the class.  He told me he wasn't teaching because he had to teach TKD at his other location, but one of his "qualified" instructors would be leading the Krav Maga class.  The Krav class had about 12 - 15 people in it, with half men/ half women.  The instructor, who I have no doubt is a nice guy, was very soft spoken and lacked the "WOW" factor in delivering a technique.  The class was a big waste of my time, and in the class, there was not one iota of Krav Maga taught.  They obviously don't understand that Krav Maga is NOT Tae Kwon Do, and should looking NOTHING like it.  Nice people teaching nice people how to hurt themselves in a real life situation.  This demonstrated to me that not all "Krav Maga" is true Krav Maga!

So, when people ask me if I am better than the other guy, I always get stuck.  Of course I think I'm better than the other guy, otherwise I would be training with them! :)  But how do you relay that to someone without sounding egotistical?  An example of this was when I had my school in Florida, there was a Krav Maga instructor who opened up a school less than a mile from me.  I knew him through other people, but never met him.  His reputation preceded him as an egotistical, maniacal thug, but I would never tell people that because I never met him.  People would ask and I would simply say I don't know about his teaching style, but he is with a reputable organization (Krav Maga World Wide).  He, on the other hand, would tell people what he thought of me, which later would be relayed to me as most of those people tried his class, then tried ours, and ended up signing up with us.  They would tell me later that I was nothing like this other guy had portrayed me to be. 

So, having said all of that, it truly is up to you to do your own research.  Check the instructor's background.  Try a few classes and see if their teaching style suits you.  Talk to other members of the class and get their take of the instructor.  Visit social media sites and see what kind of posts they put out.  Find out if they are still learning from a higher rank or authority in Krav Maga.  It is important to be diligent.  Don't just go to the local Krav Maga school because it's right down the road from you.  Find the right school, and if it takes you 15 minutes or longer to get there, it will be worth it in the end.  If you want a good steak, you're not going to drive to Steak 'n Shake which is a block away...... you'll drive the extra 8 miles to get to the Outback (or whatever your favorite place is). 

[kravbrian]

FREE Krav Maga Workshop

2015 just keeps getting better for Krav Maga!  We are excited to bring Krav Maga to Title Boxing of Cool Springs, located in Franklin at 1550 McEwen Drive on Saturday, January 24 from 1pm - 3pm.  This is a great opportunity for you to experience Krav Maga Global.  In just 2 hours, you will learn how to defend various strike attacks; knife threats; and even a ground scenario!  You will leave more confident then when you came in...... that is a promise!

Krav Maga Global is leading the way for Krav Maga training around the world and it is now in the Nashville area.  Stop by and see why KMG is the top organization in the world! 

Please register for the event by going to our website at www.TrainingUltimateDefense.com and completing our online form.  We look forward to seeing lots of people there!

[kravbrian]

Krav Maga Group Training STARTS January 10, 2015!!

It's finally here!!  We have been getting emails from numerous folks around the Nashville area waiting for us to start group training.  Well, it's starting January 10.  Here are the details:

We will have group classes twice a week:

Saturdays, from 9am - 10:30am at Temple Fitness, located at 114 SE Parkway Ct., Franklin, TN.  Cost is $30 per class

Sundays, from 9am - 10:30am at Pinkerton Park, located at 405 Murfreesboro Road, Franklin, TN.  Cost is $30 per class.

We want to keep the training group small.  No more than 15 people per class.  This means you MUST register for each class you want to attend.  You register by completing the small form on the website, or email us at [email protected]; or by calling or texing us at [phone].  You can attend both classes or mix up the days....... just remember to register first.  If we have 15 people and you show up without registering, you will not be able to participate.  If you register but do not show up, you will have to pay the $30 fee for the class you missed before you can register for any other classes.

If classes are full consistently, then we will add more classes.  When students begin to advance in rank, we will add advanced classes.  By starting now, you will become the foundation for Ultimate Defense Krav Maga.  This is really exciting for us and we cannot wait to start teaching quality, high level Krav Maga in the Nashville/Franklin area!

There will be some Saturdays and/or Sundays that we will not have class.  Please watch our website closely and be on our email list to receive those notifications.  We will try and limit this. 

There will be no contracts.  You come and train as long as you want.  It motivates us to provide quality classes to keep you coming back.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

[kravbrian]

Noone is exempt

Recently in the Nashville area, a paramedic, who was alone at the fire station, heard 2 people outside asking for help.  The paramedic advised the twosome that he could not let them in, but told them to walk around to the side of the building and he would take a look.  One of the 2 men was supposedly having difficulty breathing.  As the paramedic went to assess the man, both men began to attack the paramedic.  The paramedic was able to fend off the two assailants, who then ran away.  The paramedic suffered minor injuries.  Here is the news story:  http://www.wsmv.com/Clip/10922815/dickson-paramedic-attacked-by-two-men

In addition, the have been numerous reports of assaults and attempted kidnappings in the Nashville area.  One assault was a Vanderbilt University professor who walked into her office as 2 suspects were stealing her computers.  She was assaulted as the 2 fled. 

The point:  Self Defense training is no longer considered a fun, extracurricular activity.  Self Defense training is becoming a necessity.  No one is exempt from a violent encounter.  Whether you're a paramedic at the fire station or a university professor; to a mom walking to her car at Walmart, or to an elderly female sitting at home as home invaders break in and rape her.  Personal protection is your responsibility.  Even if you were able to have a phone in hand and could call 911 just before the violent encounter occurred, the amount of time it would take for police to get to your location, on average, is about 10 minutes.  A lot can happen in that time.

So what is the solution?  Take responsibility for your own safety.  It's easy to say to avoid dangerous places, but the paramedic and the college professor, or the woman at home who was raped on a home invasion were in safe places.  The solution is to be prepared.  Training in self defense is a great way to start.  Don't make it an occasional thing; make it a lifestyle.  Take 2 to 3 hours a week to focus on your own health and physical training while learning practical self defense.  In an encounter, you may be caught off guard, but with proper training, you'll be able to turn the table on the aggressor quickly, allowing you to get away safely.

[kravbrian]

Indestructible Woman - Our first workshop in the Nashville area

November 15 and 16 was historic for Ultimate Defense Krav Maga as we launched our (soon to be famous) INDESTRUCTIBLE Women's Survival Workshop at Temple Fitness in Franklin, TN.  15 ladies, not knowing really what to expect, enrolled and arrived for the workshop.  The ages ranging from 13 to the late 50's.  All different levels of fitness and athletic ability.  Some very athletic and fit, and a few not so much.  Either way, it didn't matter.  These ladies came to fight; and fight they did!

Indestructible Woman was developed by my wife and I.  After teaching Krav Maga in the Tampa, FL area for several years, and holding numerous women's self defense seminars, we looked at what was successful and what wasn't.  What were the women picking up and learning in the short time and what took longer to develop; and lastly, what are the biggest threats or likely attacks that a woman might face.  In addition, my wife (Deanna Peters) is instrumental in teaching or helping to teach the workshops as women want to see other women perform the techniques.  Deanna's personal testimony of how she came to know and love Krav Maga is also a big inspiration to the women.  The women at this workshop hung on every word Deanna said and were definitely inspired to see another woman move and hit the way she does, which is fast and hard!  All in all, as a husband/wife teaching crew, we have a winning combination.

I want to give a BIG shoutout to Kelly Barbera of Temple Fitness for opening up her gym to us and allowing us to bring the information of Krav Maga in the form of Indestructible to her and many of her clients.  It was really a fantastic group and a great way to kick off our new program.

There are several people not pictured who didn't want their picture posted on the internet.  For more information about our program, visit our website at www.TrainingUltimateDefense.com

[kravbrian]

Here, a woman is caught on tape being abducted.  These are situations that in Krav Maga, we train for.  We never know when, where, or how an attack can happen.  Here, this young nurse was walking and in the video, you see her being forcefully walked to the attacker’s awaiting car.  At one point she struggles and falls to the ground, but the attacker overpowers her and forces her into his car.  Police are now looking for both the attacker and the victim.

I won’t dishonor this woman and dissect the video to show what she did wrong, but clearly, there are plenty of things she could do - if she had a plan and trained for such situations.  She, along with so many others, just go through life thinking that “this will never happen to me.”  We pray for her safety and safe return.

I’ve actually heard some people say that they shouldn’t have to learn self defense.  People should not be attacking or hurting others.  Well duh, of course that would be great.  We don’t live in that world.  We live in a world that has criminals and insane people who have no regard for the feelings or welfare of others.  It is up to you and me to be prepared.  Just as we prepare for the good things in life, like saving to buy a home; saving to put our kids through college; working hard to get that great job, we also need to prepare for things that we don’t want to have happen but could.  It’s better to be prepared than not.  In preparing for such things, what harm is there?  You get into great shape; meet some great people; and of course, feel more confident to deal with any situation. 

So, what’s holding you back from training?  Do you think that “this will never happen to you?”  True, odds are it won’t, but “what if?” If you’re a woman, do you know the odds of being sexually assaulted is 1 in 6, and that is the reported cases.  Experts believe it may be more like 1 in 4. 

Point is, have a plan.  Be prepared.  Practice your plan.  And most importantly, if ever faced with a situation like this, FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!  Going to a secondary location is NOT an option. 

[kravbrian]

Krav Maga - More than just punching and kicking

When people think of Krav Maga (those who actually know what it is, I mean), they immediately think of the translation of the Hebrew word, "Contact Combat."  They immediately begin to envision destroying people with the swift movements that is taught in Krav Maga; the combatives that are so fast and so relentless, that often times the receiver of this onslaught (the bad guy) cannot even get out the word "STOP!"  But there is another side to Krav Maga aside from devastation and that is the mental side - the focus; the overcoming of obstacles or thought - there is the Warrior Mindset!

The Warrior Mindset is something that most people don't have, but with the right training, can be developed.  In the self defense world, the Warrior Mindset is the attitude that even though I got stabbed; even though I got shot; even though I got knocked to the ground and now 3 big dudes are stomping me, I AM NOT GOING TO QUIT FIGHTING!  If there is breath in my lungs, I fight!  If there is a beat in my heart, I fight! If I am still standing or am still conscious, I fight!  The thought of losing a fight isn't the problem.  The thought of losing my life is.  I have a family and want to be with them.  In the world of self defense and Krav Maga, we are not looking for the fight, we don't train to win a brawl; we don't train to be a champion mma fighter.  We train to live.  We train to survive an attack.  We train to protect our families, and as sure as all of that involves the physical, the mental is just as important.  The Warrior Mindset must be developed.  We MUST be strong physically and mentally.  They go together.  With only one of the two, you will lose.  You need to have both.  Just as we need both oxygen and water to survive, we need a strong body and strong mind to survive an attack.

In Krav Maga training, we train both.  It's just a part of the training.  It's who we are.  In the gym when you work out, when you get tired, you rest.  In Krav Maga, as in a fight for your life, when you get tired, you must push yourself and continue.  By exceeding these limits, you begin to develop both physically and mentally.  You are developing the Warrior within you.  In Krav Maga, we start out training with rubber knives and guns to develop technique.  After some time, we need to use the real thing.  Why?  to develop a Warrior Mindset.  There is no threat when faced with rubber.  When you are defending against a real knife in training, it definitely adds an element of pucker; an element you for sure will have in a real life situation.  The same goes for a firearm.  Now, we of course don't use real bullets, but an airsoft gun or Simunition ammo can be used.  There is a consequence if you don't move or defend just right.  This type of training aids in developing a Warrior Mindset and is essential. 

So, if you don't train in Krav Maga but another martial art or self defense system, good for you, but ask yourself some questions and be honest with your answers.  First, are you physically able to defend yourself?  Have you tried your tactics against a strong, aggressive attacker who won't "buckle" at the first light touch you hit him with?  Have you drilled aggressively what to do if Plan "A" fails?  Do you have a Plan "B" that you can employ immediately?  Have you trained those various situations in different elements, such as low light; confined space; while injured?  Secondly, have you developed a Warrior Mindset?  Have you "fought" til you almost passed out?  Have you continued defending yourself in training after receiving an accidental hard punch from the attacker, or did you stop because it "caught you off guard?"  Have you "overwhelmed" yourself on purpose to add more stress to see how you would react? 

In summary, when you train, push yourself.  When you feel tired and want to stop, go 30 more seconds.  If you get punched or kicked a little too hard by your partner on accident, keep going for at least 30 seconds to see if you have what it takes mentally to overcome the injury and are able to deliver attacks.  Develop the Warrior Mindset alongside the physical and technical component of your training.  KIDA!