Toronto Krav Maga Academy (TKMA): December 2013

Monday, December 30, 2013

Self Defense Training: Identifying and Extending Your Limitations

Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.
Albert Einstein
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Once we accept our limits we go beyond them. Albert Einstein

Self Defense training will highlight your abilities and limitations- physically, mentally, and emotionally. You will feel inspired as you learn life saving skills but frustrated when you struggle with certain techniques and exercises. Through these experiences you become more capable of protecting yourself.

Here are some general examples of how Krav Maga training highlights your abilities and limitations.

Fitness. Training will improve your cardiovascular conditioning, strength, and flexibility. If you stay away from donuts and beer (or in moderation) you will also lose body fat. In the process of training you will also meet your limits. Even the fittest struggle through Burpee jumps, chin-ups etc...

Confidence. Learning techniques is certainly confidence building. There will be times, however, when you struggle with a technique/exercise, or your test results are not what you hoped for. Unsettling? Yes. All students (and yes, instructors) will experience an ebb and flow in confidence. It is part of your growth.

Comprehension. Krav Maga is a relatively simple self defense system but some techniques involve more detail. When you have those epiphanies or “a-ha moments” it is encouraging. There are times, however, when you will hit a mental roadblock. For the longest time I couldn’t wrap my head around wrist releases. Practice, practice, and ask questions.

Decision-making: Besides the challenge of learning specific techniques you learn when and how to use them. Through various exercises you make better decisions in a shorter time. Multiple attacker scenarios, for instance, require quick and concise decisions and we all make mistakes. The key is to practice and to minimize these mistakes as every correct decision can save your life.

Focus on yourself. There is always someone who is stronger, faster, younger, bigger, more experienced etc.... Focus on your abilities and limitations. You will get frustrated but with consistent effort and informed guidance you will improve, enjoy your training, and learn life saving skills.

Be safe,

Christopher Gagne

Lead Instructor, International Krav Maga Federation, Toronto

torontokrav@rogers.com

416-657-1028
Ikmftoronto.com

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Self Defense and Subways

Subways are public places but assaults still occur as people travel to work, home etc... Some examples:

In April 2013, as a subway approached Davisville station a man was stabbed in the throat.
April 2010, 2 men held down and mugged a 79 year old man on the subway near Chester station. There were 20 to 30 passengers on the subway. No one helped.

Surviving a subway assault requires you to be aware and to understand the particular challenges of this environment.

Here are some points to consider.

Public place = safe place? Sadly, no. Subways are a public place but as the above examples remind us, assaults still occur. Be aware of who is on the subway and be mindful of their verbal and body language.
Confined space. A subway is a confined space meaning escape options are severely limited. Accordingly, you might be forced to stay and fight.
Limited space. Subway aisles don't offer a lot of room to move. This is exacerbated during busy travel times. Flying spin kicks will have to be rejected in favour of short range striking tools (knees, elbows, etc..),, and grappling. You must also be aware of obstacles such as seats, poles, suitcases, walls...
Getting Help. Be aware of the presence of security personnel so you can ask for their help. Subways also have emergency notification systems. Be aware of where they are and how to use them. Don't assume bystanders will intervene.
Defending From a Sitting Position. There is good chance you will be sitting when an assault takes place putting you at a disadvantage. If you are involved in self defense training ask your instructor for tips and to include such scenarios in your training.

Subways are generally a safe way to travel. Be aware and if you are involved in self defense training ask your instructor to help you prepare for potential assaults.

Stay Safe,

Christopher Gagne