Being a Krav Maga Instructor: Developing and Improving Quality Teaching

People ask me why I become a Krav Maga instructor, particularly an instructor with the The International Krav Maga Federation, (IKMF).  It is a great question and there are many reasons.  One reason centers around what I see as the IKMF's continued efforts to ensure quality instruction to offer the best possible self defense to our students. 


Becoming a Certified Instructor

There is no short cut to achievement.  Life requires thorough preparation - veneer isn't worth anything. George Washington Carver

It is recommended that candidates have 4 years of martial arts experience.   I would also strongly suggest some training at a reputable Krav Maga school.  The Civilian Instructor Certification (CIC) runs for 20 days, 8 hours a day.

The course is divided into 3 parts: techniques, theory, and teaching methodology.  Prospects must achieve high standing in all three categories to pass the course.  It is, of course, tempting to simply flood the market with instructors to make for more short-term returns. We cannot, however, compromise on quality. There are no shortcuts to becoming an IKMF instructor, no correspondence courses, or weekend crash courses where Friday you pay a substantial fee and by Sunday you are certified to teach.  There is too much at stake.  Your safety!

Here is a video with IKMF Global Instructor Tamir Gilad describing the Civilian Instructor Course (CIC):

Renewals and Continued Education

“Never become so much of an expert that you stop gaining expertise.” - Denis Waitley

Becoming certified is only the first step.  Instructors are required to renew their certification annually to maintain technical quality, improve their skills, and stay current on any curriculum changes.  This assures that your instructor's knowledge and skill level are up to date and you have access to the most  effective techniques.  During these "renewals", instructors also have to opportunity to talk with other instructors as well as National Directors and members of the Global Instructor Team(GIT). This offers a great opportunity to share training and teaching tips.  Instructors always return to their schools with more knowledge and wisdom.  

This commitment to quality control is one of the main reasons I decided to train with the IKMF and continue to teach as part of this organization. With your safety we don't want to take any shortcuts or compromise teaching quality. 


Stay safe,


Christopher Gagne

Lead Instructor, International Krav Maga Federation, Toronto

torontokrav@rogers.com

416-657-1028
Ikmftoronto.com

Krav Maga and Body Defenses.

  
Central to learning self defense is moving your body our of harm's way of a punch, kick, stab, slash, knife/gun threat, grab or attempts to grab etc......  Since attacks can be fast and catch us off guard, moving effectively is very challenging. 

Here is an overview of body defenses:

Student leans away from stab while kicking.

1. Moving Back:  One of our more natural movements.  After all, if there is a fist or sharp object speeding toward your face there is a decent chance you will move away.  In many situations, since you are moving your body away, a kick is a preferred strike aimed to distract or disable the attacker. (see picture above)
2. Moving Forward.  This one is more difficult to teach.  Moving closer to an aggressor is less natural.  Who, for example, wants to get closer to someone swinging a hammer or baseball bat?  The most dangerous part of these objects, however is the end, so if you can't run moving rapidly into the aggressor is the safest option. (see stick defense below)
3. Moving to the side.  Moving back or toward a gun aimed at your chest, is, of course, not effective.  Moving to the side, out of the line of fire, while redirecting the weapon offers you the best chance of survival. (see gun defense below)
4. Moving Down.  Ducking a punch is the most obvious example.  Boxers are among the best at ducking and countering.  

Moving body to side - out of line of fire

Moving in to defend against stick attack

     
Body defenses are one of the more challenging aspects of self defense training.  It involves timing, coordination, and the ability to quickly assess and act.  Consistent training that involves attention to detail as well as various reaction drills will improve your body movements and your ability to defend yourself. 



Stay safe,



Christopher Gagne

Lead Instructor, International Krav Maga Federation, Toronto

torontokrav@rogers.com

416-657-1028
Ikmftoronto.com

6 Reasons Striking is Vital to Your Self Defense Skillset

Student elbows "attacker" as she escapes a bear hug.

Self defense does not always involve striking an attacker.  In fact, we advocate avoidance and escape as safer alternatives to direct contact.  Also, soft techniques such as wrist releases can solve a problem without inflicting serious damage.

Striking, however, remains essential to any effective self defense system. Here are 6 reasons why:

1. There is Always Someone Stronger: Even if you possess natural strength and live in the weight room there is someone out there who is stronger than you.  Also, consider the added problem of multiple attackers.  Your strength is an asset but you need other tools.
2. Releasing Holds.  Speaking of strength, some people are capable of exerting incredible force when choking, grabbing, bear hugs etc...   A knee to the groin, stomp on a foot, or a head butt might encourage him to release - even a little.  
3. Keep him distracted.  If his eyes are watering, his nose is bleeding, he feels an intense pain in his groin or shin, then he is less able to continue his assault.  Don't, however, underestimate his pain threshold or resolve. 
4. Maintaining or Creating Distance.  A series of effective strikes can deter someone from getting closer or create space for you to escape, grab a weapon of opportunity etc...   
5. Armed Attacks.  Generally, disarming is not the preferred choice as taking a weapon such as a knife is extremely difficult even for the best trained.  Gun threats require disarming due to their range.  To have any chance of disarming, the attacker must be hit to distract and disorient. If you are not disarming you still need to strike - a kick, palm strike - to survive.  He needs to feel pain or injury for assaulting you! Crude but the alternative is worse.
6. Disabling.  Effective striking can prevent a pursuit (e.g. knee strike), or prevent the attacker from continuing the attack.  You are also, to some degree, disabling his cognitive abilities - to problem solve. 

With striking there is a balance in expectations.  We cannot assume that a strike or series of strikes will stop the attacker.  Strikes might simply open up an opportunity to escape, get help, or grab a weapon of opportunity.  On the other hand, some strikes can end an assault quickly.

Continue to work on your striking.  Improve your power, speed, and timing.  Developing these skills can be life saving.


Stay safe,



Christopher Gagne

Lead Instructor, International Krav Maga Federation, Toronto

torontokrav@rogers.com

416-657-1028
Ikmftoronto.com

Self Defense and Protecting Others

When we hear the term "third party protection" we often think of bodyguards protecting state officials or celebrities.  While this is certainly an aspect of third party protection there is a more practical application for most of us: protecting those we spend time with -  friends, co-workers, and family.

 
Self defense training tends to focus on protecting yourself but real life situations might require you to help others.

Some possible scenarios:

• You are out for an evening walk with your partner/spouse and an aggressive man approaches, yelling at both of you.
• A home invasion. You must protect your family -get them to safety.
• A co worker is attacked at the office or off-site.

There are innumerable examples.  On December 4, 2014, here in Toronto, a woman and her 21 month old baby were attacked by a 14 year old boy, and a 12 year old girl.  She was allegedly punched and kicked and the baby was briefly snatched from the woman's arms. 

 Learning how to protect others includes body positioning, strike prevention, releasing others from hold and chokes, even weapons defenses.  Sometimes, it is simply getting help. Essentially, it comes down to defending someone who is vulnerable due to lack of physical ability, skill, or awareness of the danger.

Third party protection is very challenging but, in my view, a necessary part of of any practical self defense program.  After all, we are social animals, spending much our time with others, including  people we care about.

Here is a video with one of our Global Instructors, Tamir Gilad, teaching workshop participants in New York City how to protect others.

Stay safe,



Christopher Gagne

Lead Instructor, International Krav Maga Federation, Toronto

torontokrav@rogers.com

416-657-1028
Ikmftoronto.com

Self Defense and Public Stabbings

This year, Canada has witnessed a series of high profile public stabbings involving one assailant and multiple victims. 

Some examples:

• On  Friday, Feb. 28th, Jayme Pasieka, went to his job at a Loblaw warehouse donning a bullet-proof vest and armed with two knives. His stabbing spree ended with two workers dead and four others wounded.

• In Toronto, on the morning of Wednesday, April 9th, Chuang Li was fired from his job at his office near York Mills.  In reaction, Li allegedly repeatedly stabbed two managers then stabbed another manager who might have tried to stop him. 

• Most recently, in Calgary, a young man stabbed a group of young adults at a house party.  Five were killed. 

Why these tragedies happen is not clear.  It is also difficult to anticipate such horrible acts as they happen suddenly, without warning, and in places where violence is foreign. 

The simple fact is we simply don't know what people are thinking, feeling, or planning.  How, then, can we anticipate such horrible incidents.  Sadly, in most cases, we cannot.

So, what can we do? Every situation is unique but here are 5 general suggestions.

1. Exit/escape plans. Similar to fire drills exit plans facilitate employees leaving the dangerous area for a safer place.  In fact, such evacuation plans should be similar and should include contingency  actions. For tips on escaping go to:  http://ikmfto.blogspot.ca/2012/10/escaping-7-points-to-consider.html

2. Planning for hindered escape.  You might not be able to escape. The assailant is blocking the way. An unsettling reality is that if the assailant is an employee then he will be familiar with exits and yes, exit plans.  This means you might have to resort to different actions (see points below).

3. A safe place?  If there is no accessible exit is there a room you can lock, barricade, and call for help? 

4. Common Objects:  Warehouse inventory, office supplies, chairs, fans, lamps, small tables, chairs....   If immediate escape is not possible using a common object to protect yourself can be life saving.  It is worthwhile to ask an expert how best to use common objects. (leading us to point no.5)  

5. Learning Self Defense: Yes, this sounds self-serving but self defense training that offers you a better understanding of edged weapons assaults and teaches practical skills, can be a life saving investment.  For more on surviving knife assaults visit: http://ikmfto.blogspot.ca/2012/07/knife-assaults-5-general-tips.html


Public stabbings instill terror and often have tragic results.  If you are ever involved directly or indirectly please take care of yourself by seeking counseling that focuses on addressing your traumatic experience.



Stay safe,



Christopher Gagne

Lead Instructor, International Krav Maga Federation, Toronto

torontokrav@rogers.com

416-657-1028
Ikmftoronto.com