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Monday, May 27, 2013

Krav Maga: Favouring Focus

"Jack of all trades, master of none."

In his influencial book, Meditations on Violence, Rory Miller notes how many martial arts studios “promise self-defense skills and tournament trophies, discipline and self-discovery fitness and confidence, and even spiritual growth and enlightment.”  
 
This is a noble undertaking but fulfilling such a promise is a tall order.  Each of these goals, if approached properly, requires sustained and focused attention. 
 
Our Krav Maga training reflects a decision to focus on one of these promises: practical self defense training that can save your life.   
At first glance, it might seem that we are limiting our offering but students soon learn that self-defense is a very comprehensive and detailed subject. 

There is much to learn!

Consider the following:

1.   There are innumerable ways assaults take place – verbal, slaps, kicks, stabs, grabs, chokes, holds…
2.   Assaults can happen in various environments.  You must learn to adapt.
3.   Criminals are innovative, inventing new tactics and strategies.
4.   Every self-defense situation is unique.
5.   Every student has different abilities and limitations.


Krav Maga techniques are easy to learn but you also have to develop your assessment skills along with the ability to act quickly and decisively –  actions ranging from avoiding a dangerous situation, to defending an imminent attack. 

Fitness is certainly a benefit as you improve your strength, lose body fat, and improve your conditioning.  Character evolves though perserverence and respecting fellow students.  Discipline and confidence is developed through attention to detail and consistent practice.

These benefits, however, grow from our focus on self-defense.

We certainly respect more comprehensive systems.  For us, however, teaching you to survive is a monumental task in itself, and worthy of our undivided attention.


Stay Safe,




Christopher Gagne
Lead Instructor, International Krav Maga FederationToronto
416-657-1028


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