October 5th Workshop: Intro to Surviving Close Range Knife Assaults

Recent events, including a 76 yr old women having part of her nose severed in an elevator and a fireman tragicly being fatally stabbed, have highlighted the extreme danger of knife assaults. 

For more information on these incidents visit: 
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/markham-ont-firefighter-dies-unprovoked-caf-attack-123648306.html
and http://cbc.sh/Imz3MWi

This workshop will introduce you to the problem of knife assaults in close quarters. Topics include:

• understanding how people attack
• defending from different angles
• defending from different positions - standing, sitting, on ground, walking
• surviving when you have an escape route and when you don’t (e.g. elevator)

 Beginners welcome!
**See poster below for details.  To register online go to:
 http://www.ikmftoronto.com/prices.php

5 Tips for Defending Yourself in Small Spaces

 

Our previous blog outlined the general reasons some attackers prefer small spaces such as elevators, bathrooms, etc...
http://ikmfto.blogspot.ca/2013/09/understanding-attacker-3-general.html
 
Besides understanding assailant tactics, we now have to address the question: "What can do we do to avoid/survive assault in a small spaces?
 
Here are 5 tips.
 
1. Trust your instincts/logic.  If you feel that entering/remaining in a small space is potentially dangerous then respect this.  If, for example, you are about to enter an elevator with one or more people you perceive as dangerous then don't get in.
 
2. Awareness. Small spaces don't allow for much reaction time. Be aware of who else is sharing the space and what they are doing. Please look up from your screen/phone.
 
3. Minimize burdens. Numerous shopping bags, backpacks, etc... hinder your ability to defend and escape.

4. Use Close Range Tools:  Elbows, knees, hooks, uppercuts, headbutts, biting…  Small spaces and leaping spinning back kicks do not mix well. 

5. Use Your Surroundings: In small spaces there is an increased danger of your head or another vulnerable body part being hit against something like a wall.  Better his head bouncing off a wall than yours. 

6. Aggression: Unfortunately, if you are attacked you are going to have to be very aggressive!  Any pretensions of civility go out the window when your survival is at stake.  


We advocate avoidance as the best self defense but assailants can be cunning and we are not always alert.  If you are training in a self defense school ask your instructor to devote class time to defending in small spaces.

Stay Safe,

Christopher Gagne

Lead Instructor, International Krav Maga Federation, Toronto

torontokrav@rogers.com

416-657-1028
Ikmftoronto.com

Image courtesy of maya picture at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Understanding the Attacker: 3 General Reasons Assailants Choose Small Spaces

At around 2pm, on August 24th, a 76 year old woman was assaulted in an elevator at Dundas Square.

For details go to:http://cbc.sh/Imz3MWi

Besides highlighting the disturbing reality that assaults can happen anytime/anywhere(not only during late hours or in discrete locations) this horrible incident also points to the problem of defending in small spaces. 

 Some examples of small spaces include:

·      Elevators

·      Parking lots (close to a car)

·      Public or private bathrooms

·      Hallways

·      Home invasion

·      Public Transit (subway, streetcar, train)

Why Small spaces?

Here are 3 reasons an attacker will choose a small space.

1. Discretion:  An elevator, even a public bathroom, is an opportune space for an attacker to isolate you.  An elevator in motion, for instance, does not allow for escape or access to help. 
2. Control:  Small spaces allow him more control as it forces physical closeness and limits access to escape routes. 
3. Limited Mobility/Reaction Time:  The attacker knows a smaller space means there is less room to move.  There is little or no chasing and your reaction time is severely reduced.   

Assaults in small spaces are particularly challenging due to limited mobility, escape routes, and access to help.  Our next blog will offer some tips on protecting yourself in such settings.

For more insights into assailant tactics go to:  
http://ikmfto.blogspot.ca/2013/02/understanding-attacker-assaults-and.html


Stay Safe,

Christopher Gagne

Lead Instructor, International Krav Maga Federation, Toronto

torontokrav@rogers.com

416-657-1028
Ikmftoronto.com

Self Defense Striking Tools: An Introduction

 

Striking techniques – punches, kicks, knees, elbows etc..., are used to defend yourself in various circumstances.  Over time, your training allows you to strike an assailant from various directions, distances, angles, and heights. 

Here is a list of 7 basic striking tools.  All of these, with the exception of knees, can be performed in all directions.  (Only Chuck Norris can knee backwards).

1. Kicks.  Kicks are generally long range tools used to strike when you want to maintain or create distance.  Your legs are more powerful (you are using your body’s most powerful muscles) and offer more reach than your arms.

2. Punches. Medium range strikes can be very effective.  Proper technique must be used to avoid breaking the many bones in the hand. 

3. Palm Heel Strikes.  Easy to perform as you don’t have to make a fist.  Palm strikes are also less likely to incur an injury to your hand.  Excellent if weak wrists or inexperience don’t guarantee proper punching technique.

4. Hammer Strikes.  Similar range of punches and palm strikes that allow you to diversify your direction and angle of attack (e.g. striking to the side, behind, down…).

5. Elbows.  Short range strikes.  Elbows are very versatile as you can strike various angles and directions. 

6. Knees.  Very powerful strikes!  Excellent close range tools, difficult to defend against as they are usually very difficult to see. 

7. Head butts.  Not everyone’s favourite but very effective.  There are times, for example, when our hands are confined and the attacker is very close.  Go for the nose!


There are more advanced strikes (finger strikes etc...) but this comprises a general overview.  Please feel free to offer your insights and questions. 

Stay Safe,

Christopher Gagne

Lead Instructor, International Krav Maga Federation, Toronto

torontokrav@rogers.com

416-657-1028
Ikmftoronto.com

What is a Krav Maga Self-Defense Workshop?

 

Every month our Toronto Krav Maga school offers one or more specialized self defense workshops.  Essentially, these allow participants to delve into detail about a particular topic.  From between 2 hours to an entire day, you have the opportunity to focus on a particular problem.

What kind of self defense problems do we cover?

Essentially everything!  Over the past year, for example, we have covered(see posters below);

• women’s self defense
• blunt objects
• armed attacks
• defending from a sitting position,
• defending close range attacks
• ground defenses
• escaping chokes and grabs
• surviving gun threats… and more… 

Who can participate?

Workshops, unless, specified are open to beginners and advanced alike. 

Why do we offer workshops?

As mentioned above, workshops allow you to immerse in a particular topic.  For beginners it offers an overview of the topic.  Advanced students can refine their skills and often cover more advanced topics.  Such attention to detail is vital to progress and, possibly, to survival.

Where do we offer workshops?
We have monthly workshops at our Toronto studio and can also be offered in various locations in the Greater Toronto Area.  Workshops can be held in studios, gyms, backyards, parks, offices, parking lots.. - essentially anywhere. 

Here are some samples of recent workshops:

                        

If there is a self defense situation/theme that is of particular interest or concern then it is worth delving into it with attention to detail. 

Stay Safe,

Christopher Gagne

Lead Instructor, International Krav Maga Federation, Toronto

torontokrav@rogers.com

416-657-1028
Ikmftoronto.com