With the proliferation of MMA schools all over the world, combative sports are becoming more and more popular. Boxing gyms have been negatively impacted by MMA's growth. Traditional systems like Karate, Tae Kwon Do and Judo have also been negatively impacted by the rise of MMA. MMA has quickly changed the way that many people view the martial arts and it is good for the growth of the sport.
However there is an under current that I have noticed within the MMA community. While the explosion of MMA has been great for the growth of the sport there are many fans and practitioners of MMA that believe that what happens in the ring is similar to what happens in a violent street encounter. The truth is, the two could not be further apart. If you go into a violent encounter thinking sport and the attacker is thinking combat and violence, you are going to get killed.
The differences between sport fighting and violent encounters is vast and on so many levels, very unique. Combative Sports have rules. The presence of rules or an agreed upon code of conduct between two combatants automatically makes the fight sterile. Those who have been in a real violent encounter know that there is nothing sterile about violence. In fact violence is organic. It changes from second to second. It is not at all predictable and there are major factors that contribute to its unpredictability.
The presence of rules means no weapons! No weapons in a street fight? According to the F.B.I. and Department of Justice weapons are used in 70% of all violent encounters. That means that in 7out 10 altercations a weapon is deployed. When was the last time you saw an MMA fighter bring a weapon into the cage? In fact they are literally patted down prior to entering the cage. So the MMA fighter/practitioner is not at all concerned about a weapon being deployed and will not have trained his/her senses to expect and anticipate when the weapon is deployed.
MMA gyms do not train their fighters to be concerned with multiple attackers. Why? Well it's against the rules. When was the last time you went to a bar by yourself? When was the last time you went to a social gathering by yourself? Imagine you are at an event with a friend and you leave to get a refill of your favorite beverage. When you return you see that your friend is in a fight. What do you do? Do you start yelling out instructions to him like a good corner man? No. You jump in. You help your friend and you put boots to the guy that he is fighting with! Well what do you think your opponents friend will do to you? Again you will never see this in the cage.
There is a difference between combative sports and defending yourself against a person who is hell bent on causing your great bodily harm or even trying to kill you. The next time that you watch an MMA fight ask yourself one question. Which one of the fighters is actually in a homicidal rage and is trying to kill the other fighter? You won't be able to identify him because despite all of the bravado and the chest thumping, neither combatant really wants to kill the other. Neither one of the fighters will use any dirty tactics. Neither one of the fighters is hopped up on a drug or alcohol. Neither one of them are armed. Do you see how different sport is from combat?
There is nothing wrong with training in MMA. Your fighting skill and fitness level will certainly be improved greatly. But do not make the mistake of overestimating your skill level and underestimating the importance of understanding the commitment level of your opponent in the street. Studies have shown that criminals are far more prone to using violence than their victims are. No surprise there right? Additionally they are much better at committing violent acts than most people are at defending and neutralizing the threat.
The training must mimic the actual event. You can't practice two hand touch football and think for one second that you will be able to step into a full contact football game without experiencing a completely different sensation and level of violence.
In conclusion you can train in MMA and for that matter traditional martial arts both pursuits have their strong points. But you should never confuse those sterile environments with the organic nature of combat. If your training does not include dealing with an unknown factor you must upgrade your training now. Your training must include training empty hand vs weapons. You are more likely to run into a violent armed attacker than you are to run into a psychotic MMA figher. Where should spend your time?
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Traditional Martial Arts On life support..... Pull the plug already.
The following subject matter is bound to ruffle some feathers. I have given great consideration to this article and I was talked out of writing it by a dear friend once before. However I am not able to remain quiet any longer. The purpose of this article is not to promote any particular system over another. I do practice and teach Krav Maga everyday. So my opinions are not entirely unbiased. However I want you, the reader, to understand that I do have experience training in traditional martial arts (TMA) and I am well aware of the importance of many of these systems to its many followers. Regardless of my own connection to traditional systems it is my opinion that TMA's days are numbered.
If your school does not fall into this box, I applaud your teacher. You have no reason to be offended. If you are offended its probably because you train at one of these schools and now you are going to have to go ask your Sifu,sensei, master, grandmaster etc... why he'd been lying to you for so long.
The primary issue I have with TMA is the fact that they lie to the public. They sell themselves as "Self Defense" schools when they are nothing of the sort. The problem is that most of these instructors are have never been in a real life or death fight. Most of them are teaching the same old tired techniques that they learned from their instructor who also was never in a real fight! So what they are passing off as self defense is in fact choreographed dance moves covered in grunting, loud kiyai all while dressed like Ralph Machio in the Karate Kid, that's the original version all of you youngsters, but I digress.
The history of Martial Arts is fascinating if you are into that kind of thing. Basically most experts agree that the first written word on martial arts came from China. Kung Fu is the generic term for Chinese systems so Kung Fu practioners are quick to remind you that all things came from their style. The validity and furthermore the importance of this statement are questionable. Many of the traditional systems Karate, Kung Fu (apologies for lumping you all together), Aikido,Judo and everyones favorite Tae Kwon Do have been lying to their students for years. These systems have different origins and I am sure that they are taught significantly different in their country of origin than they are in the U.S. . But, most of these systems have sold out for the quick buck and are stealing money from parents and the few and I mean very few adult students that they manage to have.
If I see another 9 year old black belt I am going to vomit. These school owners have made a living lying to their students and parents of these students. Everyday parents bring their kids into these fluffed up after school daycare centers hoping that their child learns how to defend themselves. Parents are assaulted by the instructors need to show every plaque, trophy, sash, stripe and belt he/she has ever received. The parents are told that the "little dragon" program is the essential first step to the child being able to defend himself. The parents are told that the child will learn respect and discipline and most importantly he/she will be able to truly defend themselves. It's all a bunch of lies. Every word of it. But parents buy it, hook,line and sinker. So off goes little Johnny. He learns how to throw a half ass punch and practices his horse stance, next thing you know Johnny is awarded a belt! It's disgusting.
I spoke to a father who's son earned his yellow belt after his second class! This kind of stuff is criminal! What's more is the culture of fake respect and false humility that these schools show. They talk the talk but walk a different walk. The Sensei/Sifu/Master/Grandmaster or whatever ridiculous title that many of these clowns place on themselves,tell their students lies about knowing techniques so deadly that they can not be passed on to a student until the student devotes his life to studying the art. These clowns are snake oil salesmen. They walk around their dojos like they are the reincarnation of Jesus. They claim to possess special powers and heightened senses . Some claim to have healing powers and claim to have the ability to feel "hot spots" on your body without touching you. Bullshit. It's all bullshit.
Again this all wouldn't be so bad if they were not lying to their student body by claiming to teach real self defense techniques. Your instructor does not have magical powers. He is not a healing man. He is a charlatan. He is a fake.He is lying to you, wake up. He is an imposter. It is offensive that a person who allegedly teaches self defense would try to elevate himself to the level of a spiritual conduit to your personal power.
Over the last several years I have had many interactions with representatives from various systems. Some of these people are my friends now and they know who they are. Most of these Karateka, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu practioners, Judoka and other TMA practioners publicly won't speak ill of other systems and then privately trash them. Cowards. All of them.
Reality Based Systems and MMA are choking the life out of TMA and they know it! Why are there more MMA tournaments than Karate tournaments? Why are publications like Blackbelt Magazine featuring reality based systems more than traditional systems? Because it is clear that the modern martial artist has figured out what Bruce Lee was trying to tell us so many years ago. "When you get down to it,real combat is not fixed and is very much alive. The fancy mess solidifies and conditions what was once fluid, and when you look at it realistically, it is nothing but a blind devotion to the systematic uselessness of practicing routines or stunts that lead nowhere."
In other words you are wasting your time practicing forms and Kata because these have nothing to do with survival or true combat! Yet TMA is wrought with this outdated practice. Again, as long as they don't call what they teach self defense I am fine with it. Forms and Kata are closer to ballet than they are combat!They are worlds apart from self defense and these posers should recognize this and stop lying to their students.
More to come.....
If your school does not fall into this box, I applaud your teacher. You have no reason to be offended. If you are offended its probably because you train at one of these schools and now you are going to have to go ask your Sifu,sensei, master, grandmaster etc... why he'd been lying to you for so long.
The primary issue I have with TMA is the fact that they lie to the public. They sell themselves as "Self Defense" schools when they are nothing of the sort. The problem is that most of these instructors are have never been in a real life or death fight. Most of them are teaching the same old tired techniques that they learned from their instructor who also was never in a real fight! So what they are passing off as self defense is in fact choreographed dance moves covered in grunting, loud kiyai all while dressed like Ralph Machio in the Karate Kid, that's the original version all of you youngsters, but I digress.
The history of Martial Arts is fascinating if you are into that kind of thing. Basically most experts agree that the first written word on martial arts came from China. Kung Fu is the generic term for Chinese systems so Kung Fu practioners are quick to remind you that all things came from their style. The validity and furthermore the importance of this statement are questionable. Many of the traditional systems Karate, Kung Fu (apologies for lumping you all together), Aikido,Judo and everyones favorite Tae Kwon Do have been lying to their students for years. These systems have different origins and I am sure that they are taught significantly different in their country of origin than they are in the U.S. . But, most of these systems have sold out for the quick buck and are stealing money from parents and the few and I mean very few adult students that they manage to have.
If I see another 9 year old black belt I am going to vomit. These school owners have made a living lying to their students and parents of these students. Everyday parents bring their kids into these fluffed up after school daycare centers hoping that their child learns how to defend themselves. Parents are assaulted by the instructors need to show every plaque, trophy, sash, stripe and belt he/she has ever received. The parents are told that the "little dragon" program is the essential first step to the child being able to defend himself. The parents are told that the child will learn respect and discipline and most importantly he/she will be able to truly defend themselves. It's all a bunch of lies. Every word of it. But parents buy it, hook,line and sinker. So off goes little Johnny. He learns how to throw a half ass punch and practices his horse stance, next thing you know Johnny is awarded a belt! It's disgusting.
I spoke to a father who's son earned his yellow belt after his second class! This kind of stuff is criminal! What's more is the culture of fake respect and false humility that these schools show. They talk the talk but walk a different walk. The Sensei/Sifu/Master/Grandmaster or whatever ridiculous title that many of these clowns place on themselves,tell their students lies about knowing techniques so deadly that they can not be passed on to a student until the student devotes his life to studying the art. These clowns are snake oil salesmen. They walk around their dojos like they are the reincarnation of Jesus. They claim to possess special powers and heightened senses . Some claim to have healing powers and claim to have the ability to feel "hot spots" on your body without touching you. Bullshit. It's all bullshit.
Again this all wouldn't be so bad if they were not lying to their student body by claiming to teach real self defense techniques. Your instructor does not have magical powers. He is not a healing man. He is a charlatan. He is a fake.He is lying to you, wake up. He is an imposter. It is offensive that a person who allegedly teaches self defense would try to elevate himself to the level of a spiritual conduit to your personal power.
Over the last several years I have had many interactions with representatives from various systems. Some of these people are my friends now and they know who they are. Most of these Karateka, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu practioners, Judoka and other TMA practioners publicly won't speak ill of other systems and then privately trash them. Cowards. All of them.
Reality Based Systems and MMA are choking the life out of TMA and they know it! Why are there more MMA tournaments than Karate tournaments? Why are publications like Blackbelt Magazine featuring reality based systems more than traditional systems? Because it is clear that the modern martial artist has figured out what Bruce Lee was trying to tell us so many years ago. "When you get down to it,real combat is not fixed and is very much alive. The fancy mess solidifies and conditions what was once fluid, and when you look at it realistically, it is nothing but a blind devotion to the systematic uselessness of practicing routines or stunts that lead nowhere."
In other words you are wasting your time practicing forms and Kata because these have nothing to do with survival or true combat! Yet TMA is wrought with this outdated practice. Again, as long as they don't call what they teach self defense I am fine with it. Forms and Kata are closer to ballet than they are combat!They are worlds apart from self defense and these posers should recognize this and stop lying to their students.
More to come.....
Friday, March 11, 2011
The Revolution will be televised!
What was once thought impossible is becoming a reality. Krav Maga practioners from different organizations are training together and it is creating an entire new generation of Kravists!
The old guard with the old Krav Maga beefs and the tired arguments about who was Imi's chosen succesor have been too busy tearing each other apart and claiming to be the one true source of Krav Maga, that they have not noticed this new generations vibe.
The vibe that I refer to is the new blood that has infused Krav Maga with a swagger and approach that the system had not seen before and quite frankly it was time. Because we are the generation of MMA and Reality Based systems, you are witnessing a new approach to teaching, learning and improvement of the system because the spirit of cooperation that is permeating throughout our system.
If you are training with one source of Krav Maga you are missing out on the revolutionary time in our system. This will be viewed as the golden age of Krav Maga in the future. The future is now and I am just glad to be a part of it!
Strength and Honor!
Donavin
The old guard with the old Krav Maga beefs and the tired arguments about who was Imi's chosen succesor have been too busy tearing each other apart and claiming to be the one true source of Krav Maga, that they have not noticed this new generations vibe.
The vibe that I refer to is the new blood that has infused Krav Maga with a swagger and approach that the system had not seen before and quite frankly it was time. Because we are the generation of MMA and Reality Based systems, you are witnessing a new approach to teaching, learning and improvement of the system because the spirit of cooperation that is permeating throughout our system.
If you are training with one source of Krav Maga you are missing out on the revolutionary time in our system. This will be viewed as the golden age of Krav Maga in the future. The future is now and I am just glad to be a part of it!
Strength and Honor!
Donavin
Monday, August 30, 2010
SOME PEOPLE JUST DON'T GET IT...
In the martial arts there has always been this need for the student to latch onto a specific instructor. It is very common for students to want to train with instructors who have a direct link to the founder. In Krav Maga this is extremely common in fact. But again what does it mean. Over the past several years I have heard, seen, read and witnessed instructors and students alike waste time arguing over who is teaching Imi's Krav Maga.
The truth of the matter is that none of the civillian organizations are teachin military Krav Maga. So depending on when an instructor became involved with Krav Maga the style of "Imi's Krav Maga" was different. As an instructor grows in any system he changes over time. This is especially true for the founder of the system. Krav Maga was meant to change. It was meant to constantly improve. It is not static and stale it is alive and breathing. So should our training be. More to come.....
The truth of the matter is that none of the civillian organizations are teachin military Krav Maga. So depending on when an instructor became involved with Krav Maga the style of "Imi's Krav Maga" was different. As an instructor grows in any system he changes over time. This is especially true for the founder of the system. Krav Maga was meant to change. It was meant to constantly improve. It is not static and stale it is alive and breathing. So should our training be. More to come.....
Friday, August 13, 2010
What Kind of Student are you?
Over the years I have had the opportunity to work with so many different students. These folks have ranged in ages 8 years old to 80 years old. So many different backgrounds, nationalities, ablility level, training goals etc...
As an instructor I have seen so many students come to us in various mental, physical and emotional states. I truly believe that Martial Arts in any form improves the students lives if they are seeking to conquer their own fears. Perhaps they wakled into our doors looking to get into shape. Perhaps they came to us because they were being abused by their spouse. Perhaps they came to us because they are a soldier or law enforcement officer who needs a specific skill set. It does not matter why they came to us, the fact is that they have come to us and we are giving them what they need and so much more.
The students who embrace their new lifestyle, and believe me, training is a new lifestyle. For these students who embrace their new tribe (this is what we call our family of students) we see immediate changes in them. They begin to get in better condition. They have emotional breakthroughs because they are in an enviornment that is both demanding and nurturing. They begin to see themselves differently and all of these things are more important than any punch, kick or technique that we have ever taught them.
There is something magical that happens when students come together to learn and improve themselves. There is almost a "third mind", that is created when people get together and work toward a common goal. A students life is enriched in every aspect because they have surrounded themselves with like minded individuals.
If you are not training consistently you are robbing yourself of a magical experience. Do not allow the day to day grind of life to distract you from your training. Everything in life boils down to habit. It is habit to train or not to train. So who are you going to be? Are you the type of student who wants to train hard? Do you want to wear the shirt and shorts and say you train but never attend class? It's your decision.
As an instructor I have seen so many students come to us in various mental, physical and emotional states. I truly believe that Martial Arts in any form improves the students lives if they are seeking to conquer their own fears. Perhaps they wakled into our doors looking to get into shape. Perhaps they came to us because they were being abused by their spouse. Perhaps they came to us because they are a soldier or law enforcement officer who needs a specific skill set. It does not matter why they came to us, the fact is that they have come to us and we are giving them what they need and so much more.
The students who embrace their new lifestyle, and believe me, training is a new lifestyle. For these students who embrace their new tribe (this is what we call our family of students) we see immediate changes in them. They begin to get in better condition. They have emotional breakthroughs because they are in an enviornment that is both demanding and nurturing. They begin to see themselves differently and all of these things are more important than any punch, kick or technique that we have ever taught them.
There is something magical that happens when students come together to learn and improve themselves. There is almost a "third mind", that is created when people get together and work toward a common goal. A students life is enriched in every aspect because they have surrounded themselves with like minded individuals.
If you are not training consistently you are robbing yourself of a magical experience. Do not allow the day to day grind of life to distract you from your training. Everything in life boils down to habit. It is habit to train or not to train. So who are you going to be? Are you the type of student who wants to train hard? Do you want to wear the shirt and shorts and say you train but never attend class? It's your decision.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
The Evolution of Krav Maga.....
Recently I had the opportunity to discuss the current state of Krav Maga with one of the world's best instructors. We were talking about the systems challenges and how these challenges would be met by those who are working tirelessly everyday to push this great system forward.
Krav Maga is still relatively young in North America, especially when you compare its popularity compared to say Tae Kwon Do. The reality is that prior to the 1950's Americans were not exposed to the martial arts. So the entire genre of martial arts is only 60 years old here in the U.S. . Compared to say Japan, China, Indonesia, Africa etc... the history of combat systems is extremely young here in North America.
These are interesting times indeed. Recently there have been many developments in the world of Reality Based Martial Arts, a world which Krav Maga is the premiere system by the way. There have been many instructors and systems which have been exposed as being less than what they have claimed the are.
Are there really "different styles" of Krav Maga? Is Krav Maga a generic term which describes all Israeli martial arts? Does the system have a specific set of techniques which makes it unique to other forms? Is this a principle based or a technique based system? Is there any room for improvement to the system? If so, who is "authorized" to make such a change?
These are just some of the questions surrounding our system. I will answer these questions to the best of my ability, which means that I am giving you my opinion. I know, I know, opinions are like some a certain part of the anatomy..... everyone has one. These opinions are based on conversations that I have had with some of the top practitioners and instructors in the world. Some of these individuals actually trained with Imi. Others have contributed much to the system and are recognized around the world as experts in Krav Maga.
So let's get busy.
1.Are there really "different styles" of Krav Maga?
I don't think that there are different styles of Krav Maga. However I do think that there are different interpretations of Krav Maga. The system has been practiced in an ever changing environment, Israel, for many years. Remember Krav Maga is a military system and each unit in the military has a different area of expertise. So one unity may have need for more expertise in a particular set of tactics in Krav Maga that another unit may not require. The system was created to provide options for the practitioner. So if the techniques can be modified to fit the task what governs the techniques? In other words how is the technique selected for the practioner? What is the criteria?
These to me are the more important issues. I submit that the principles that govern our system are far more important than any particular technique or set of techniques. Principles. Rules. Not Dogma. Principles. In an individuals personal expression of Krav Maga the techniques need only to fit the principle of the users comfort and ability to perform the technique under stress. This is a different thing entirely from inserting a technique into the system simply because an instructor favors that technique and therefore he/she wants the students to know the technique.
So if we are evaluating the merit of a particular Krav Maga organizations techniques then we should use some sort of generally accepted principles in order to properly assess the technique.
1. Is the technique based on natural movements or does it require heavy memorization?
2. Can a smaller person perform the technique against a much larger attacker/
3. Does the technique solve multiple attacks or is it only applicable in a specific situation?
4. Has the technique been tested under stress and pressure?
5. Is there already a technique in the system that can be applied to the situation?
These are just a few of the questions that we should be asking regarding any technique in Krav Maga. If the technique can pass this little quiz then it is more than likely "Krav Maga". Now if in fact the technique has a base or root in another system, that is fine. This means that the technique is probably based in truth because truth is eternal and it is consistent in any form.
There is a difference between the way Krav Maga is presented in the IDF, The IDF spec forces, Civilians and law enforcement here in the U.S. and around the world. Does this mean that the Krav Maga being taught at your school is "watered down"? Truthfully, I don't know. Is it watered down just because your instructor was not an IDF Krav Maga Instructor? Of course not. However to claim that what is taught at the local Krav Maga school is always the same as what is being taught in Israel is not at all accurate.
The instructors overall understanding of Krav Maga is the most important attribute that an instructor should have. There is a difference because most of us as instructors have not had to grow up in Israel, a place where your life is on the line daily. So of course the techniques have been modified to fit our environment. Is this a bad thing? I don't think so. I think this shows the beauty of the system the way Imi intended.
Is Krav Maga a generic term which describes all Israeli martial arts? Yes and No. Yes first. Has anyone ever asked you "what kid of Karate" you take? Well this illustrates my point. If you go to certain parts of the U.S. and order dinner at a restaurant the waitress will come to your table and ask you "what kind of Coke" you want. I have been asked this many times and sometimes my answer is Pepsi. They are using the term Coke to define carbonated beverages generically. So in some circles in Israel "Krav Maga" is used in a similar manner that Karate is used. However Krav Maga is a specific system with specific principles, techniques, tactics and strategy. One cannot just grab a technique from Judo and call it Krav Maga.
So it is sometimes generic when spoken of. However it is very specific when studied and practiced.
Is there any room for improvement to the system? If so, who is "authorized" to make such a change?
The system was created to deal with a myriad of situations so as situations change the system must be able to adapt to them. The Wingate Institute and the IDF will always be viewed as the governing bodies of Krav Maga on an official basis anyways. However there are very talented instructors who have devoted their lives to training and teaching at the highest levels. They have earned the right to look at the system and make it more efficient. Of course the principles that are listed above must be adhered to above all.
In order for this system to continue to be the recognized leader in the Reality Based Systems revolution we have to maintain our principles without becoming rigid. Our principles must serve as a checklist. The curriculum of the different organizations should be evaluated and it should be said here that not all teachers or curriculum are the same. They are not equal. Just as all law schools are not equal.
Lastly,
The evolution of our system can't happen if one organization and therefore one instructor is the only source of Krav Maga. It is not possible. Imi is gone now. His teachings live in all of us. We have to improve what he gave us. We have to search for ourselves and remain humble enough to always be a student. I am blessed. My mentors, peers and friends share this mindset. These men are leading the way in the next evolution of Krav Maga and I have a front row seat. I am glad that I have the blog to give you all the play by play.
Be safe. Train hard.
Krav Maga is still relatively young in North America, especially when you compare its popularity compared to say Tae Kwon Do. The reality is that prior to the 1950's Americans were not exposed to the martial arts. So the entire genre of martial arts is only 60 years old here in the U.S. . Compared to say Japan, China, Indonesia, Africa etc... the history of combat systems is extremely young here in North America.
These are interesting times indeed. Recently there have been many developments in the world of Reality Based Martial Arts, a world which Krav Maga is the premiere system by the way. There have been many instructors and systems which have been exposed as being less than what they have claimed the are.
Are there really "different styles" of Krav Maga? Is Krav Maga a generic term which describes all Israeli martial arts? Does the system have a specific set of techniques which makes it unique to other forms? Is this a principle based or a technique based system? Is there any room for improvement to the system? If so, who is "authorized" to make such a change?
These are just some of the questions surrounding our system. I will answer these questions to the best of my ability, which means that I am giving you my opinion. I know, I know, opinions are like some a certain part of the anatomy..... everyone has one. These opinions are based on conversations that I have had with some of the top practitioners and instructors in the world. Some of these individuals actually trained with Imi. Others have contributed much to the system and are recognized around the world as experts in Krav Maga.
So let's get busy.
1.Are there really "different styles" of Krav Maga?
I don't think that there are different styles of Krav Maga. However I do think that there are different interpretations of Krav Maga. The system has been practiced in an ever changing environment, Israel, for many years. Remember Krav Maga is a military system and each unit in the military has a different area of expertise. So one unity may have need for more expertise in a particular set of tactics in Krav Maga that another unit may not require. The system was created to provide options for the practitioner. So if the techniques can be modified to fit the task what governs the techniques? In other words how is the technique selected for the practioner? What is the criteria?
These to me are the more important issues. I submit that the principles that govern our system are far more important than any particular technique or set of techniques. Principles. Rules. Not Dogma. Principles. In an individuals personal expression of Krav Maga the techniques need only to fit the principle of the users comfort and ability to perform the technique under stress. This is a different thing entirely from inserting a technique into the system simply because an instructor favors that technique and therefore he/she wants the students to know the technique.
So if we are evaluating the merit of a particular Krav Maga organizations techniques then we should use some sort of generally accepted principles in order to properly assess the technique.
1. Is the technique based on natural movements or does it require heavy memorization?
2. Can a smaller person perform the technique against a much larger attacker/
3. Does the technique solve multiple attacks or is it only applicable in a specific situation?
4. Has the technique been tested under stress and pressure?
5. Is there already a technique in the system that can be applied to the situation?
These are just a few of the questions that we should be asking regarding any technique in Krav Maga. If the technique can pass this little quiz then it is more than likely "Krav Maga". Now if in fact the technique has a base or root in another system, that is fine. This means that the technique is probably based in truth because truth is eternal and it is consistent in any form.
There is a difference between the way Krav Maga is presented in the IDF, The IDF spec forces, Civilians and law enforcement here in the U.S. and around the world. Does this mean that the Krav Maga being taught at your school is "watered down"? Truthfully, I don't know. Is it watered down just because your instructor was not an IDF Krav Maga Instructor? Of course not. However to claim that what is taught at the local Krav Maga school is always the same as what is being taught in Israel is not at all accurate.
The instructors overall understanding of Krav Maga is the most important attribute that an instructor should have. There is a difference because most of us as instructors have not had to grow up in Israel, a place where your life is on the line daily. So of course the techniques have been modified to fit our environment. Is this a bad thing? I don't think so. I think this shows the beauty of the system the way Imi intended.
Is Krav Maga a generic term which describes all Israeli martial arts? Yes and No. Yes first. Has anyone ever asked you "what kid of Karate" you take? Well this illustrates my point. If you go to certain parts of the U.S. and order dinner at a restaurant the waitress will come to your table and ask you "what kind of Coke" you want. I have been asked this many times and sometimes my answer is Pepsi. They are using the term Coke to define carbonated beverages generically. So in some circles in Israel "Krav Maga" is used in a similar manner that Karate is used. However Krav Maga is a specific system with specific principles, techniques, tactics and strategy. One cannot just grab a technique from Judo and call it Krav Maga.
So it is sometimes generic when spoken of. However it is very specific when studied and practiced.
Is there any room for improvement to the system? If so, who is "authorized" to make such a change?
The system was created to deal with a myriad of situations so as situations change the system must be able to adapt to them. The Wingate Institute and the IDF will always be viewed as the governing bodies of Krav Maga on an official basis anyways. However there are very talented instructors who have devoted their lives to training and teaching at the highest levels. They have earned the right to look at the system and make it more efficient. Of course the principles that are listed above must be adhered to above all.
In order for this system to continue to be the recognized leader in the Reality Based Systems revolution we have to maintain our principles without becoming rigid. Our principles must serve as a checklist. The curriculum of the different organizations should be evaluated and it should be said here that not all teachers or curriculum are the same. They are not equal. Just as all law schools are not equal.
Lastly,
The evolution of our system can't happen if one organization and therefore one instructor is the only source of Krav Maga. It is not possible. Imi is gone now. His teachings live in all of us. We have to improve what he gave us. We have to search for ourselves and remain humble enough to always be a student. I am blessed. My mentors, peers and friends share this mindset. These men are leading the way in the next evolution of Krav Maga and I have a front row seat. I am glad that I have the blog to give you all the play by play.
Be safe. Train hard.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
TRIAL BY FIREARMS!!!!
All,
I want to call your attention to an amazing event that will be happening in Las Vegas in a few weeks. TRIAL BY FIREARMS! This is a dynamic three day course that will focus on Krav Maga and firearms training. The three days will cover weapons disarms, third party protection, live firearms training, tactical shooting, clearing rooms and a grand finale so intense, so realistic and so crazy that I can say without a doubt that nothing has ever been done on this level in Krav Maga!
Full disclosure. This event is a Krav Maga Alliance event that Krav Maga Las Vegas (my school) are putting on in conjuction with the fine people at American Shooters Club in Las Vegas. John Whitman and I will be teaching the Krav Maga portion and our friends at American Shooters will be covering all aspects of deploying firearms tactically.
This event is open to any and all Krav Maga practioners, regardless of organization. Let me repeat that. We do not care what organization you belong to. This is about Krav Maga and weapons training. Don't miss this oportunity to train with one of the top instructors in the world (John Whitman) and one of his blackbelt instructors (me).
It has come to my attention that my friends who belong to a certain organization which will not be named here has banned their instructors from attending events that are not presented by their organization. How sad. How arrogant. How insecure. Do not be dismayed my friends, you are still welcome. I am not asking you to put your job in jeopardy. I am asking that you attend the event if you can.
For more information please go to www.kravmagalliance.com
I hope to see you there. Remember the event is June 4th thru June 6th. You need no prior experience. All you need is an open mind and a desire to learn and have some serious fun!
I want to call your attention to an amazing event that will be happening in Las Vegas in a few weeks. TRIAL BY FIREARMS! This is a dynamic three day course that will focus on Krav Maga and firearms training. The three days will cover weapons disarms, third party protection, live firearms training, tactical shooting, clearing rooms and a grand finale so intense, so realistic and so crazy that I can say without a doubt that nothing has ever been done on this level in Krav Maga!
Full disclosure. This event is a Krav Maga Alliance event that Krav Maga Las Vegas (my school) are putting on in conjuction with the fine people at American Shooters Club in Las Vegas. John Whitman and I will be teaching the Krav Maga portion and our friends at American Shooters will be covering all aspects of deploying firearms tactically.
This event is open to any and all Krav Maga practioners, regardless of organization. Let me repeat that. We do not care what organization you belong to. This is about Krav Maga and weapons training. Don't miss this oportunity to train with one of the top instructors in the world (John Whitman) and one of his blackbelt instructors (me).
It has come to my attention that my friends who belong to a certain organization which will not be named here has banned their instructors from attending events that are not presented by their organization. How sad. How arrogant. How insecure. Do not be dismayed my friends, you are still welcome. I am not asking you to put your job in jeopardy. I am asking that you attend the event if you can.
For more information please go to www.kravmagalliance.com
I hope to see you there. Remember the event is June 4th thru June 6th. You need no prior experience. All you need is an open mind and a desire to learn and have some serious fun!
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