Krav maga?

[brewer12345]

Anyone tried Krav maga? I am feeling motivated to upgrade my self defense abilities and due to employer restrictions I am not allowed to carry pepper spray or anything else as i commute (when I am most at risk). Hard to learn? Punishing?

 

[eytonxav]

Anyone tried Krav maga? I am feeling motivated to upgrade my self defense abilities and due to employer restrictions I am not allowed to carry pepper spray or anything else as i commute (when I am most at risk). Hard to learn? Punishing?

I'll be interested in the responses to this one, as I was thinking of trying this myself and may do so once I retire. More as an alternate fitness regime, but I suppose it could come in handy if any muggers ever wanted to take me on.

 

[ls99]

Try a google search at the top. There was a thread around 2008 on the topic

 

[ls99]

Anyone tried Krav maga? I am feeling motivated to upgrade my self defense abilities and due to employer restrictions I am not allowed to carry pepper spray or anything else as i commute (when I am most at risk). Hard to learn? Punishing?

Have time, lots? Builds intestinal fortitude many ways

 

[growing_older]

Absolutely practical, no nonsense and brutal when it needs to be. Classes were good for general fitness too, since instructors wanted students to have experience doing the techniques under duress, so started each session with enough running or exercise to get hearts racing. Highly recommended.

 

[Ed_The_Gypsy]

Wait a minute. WHERE did you move to? The Port of Newark? East St Louis And this was an improvement?

 

[nun]

Anyone tried Krav maga? I am feeling motivated to upgrade my self defense abilities and due to employer restrictions I am not allowed to carry pepper spray or anything else as i commute (when I am most at risk). Hard to learn? Punishing?

If all you want is self defense and a pretty brutal approach Krav Maga will work. However, I'd encourage you to study one of the Eastern MAs that also teach the mental side rather than just self defense as it will be far more rewarding. Classes can vary widely in style even with the same name so go along and watch a few, they should be happy to let you watch and take a class for free. Some meditation in class and a considerate teacher who is tough during training are good signs. Find one that does practical self defense rather than just training, forms and sparring. I trained in Wu Shu Kwan in the UK many years ago, and I still do the forms and kick and punch a heavy bag to keep fit.

 

[brewer12345]

If all you want is self defense and a pretty brutal approach Krav Maga will work. However, I'd encourage you to study one of the Eastern MAs that also teach the mental side rather than just self defense as it will be far more rewarding. Classes can vary widely in style even with the same name so go along and watch a few, they should be happy to let you watch and take a class for free. Some meditation in class and a considerate teacher who is tough during training are good signs. Find one that does practical self defense rather than just training, forms and sparring. I trained in Wu Shu Kwan in the UK many years ago, and I still do the forms and kick and punch a heavy bag to keep fit.

Not interested in meditation. Brutal is exactly what I have in mind.

 

[brewer12345]

Wait a minute. WHERE did you move to? The Port of Newark? East St Louis And this was an improvement?

I find I suddenly have employer related risks. Nothing to do with location.

 

[W2R]

I am feeling motivated to upgrade my self defense abilities and due to employer restrictions I am not allowed to carry pepper spray or anything else as i commute (when I am most at risk).

F.'s employer did random searches on employees' vehicles, and a firearm found in one's car was grounds for dismissal. He worked swing shift and had to drive through some [-]pretty[/-] ghastly rough, deserted areas late at night on the way home. So, I worried. To cope with this situation he carried a large (2 feet long?) very heavy flashlight under his seat for self defense. While that isn't enough you might want to throw one under your car seat until you have other self defense measurements in place. At least it would be something. Also, once he got in his car to drive home he didn't stop driving until he got out of the area. No stop sign or flat tire would have slowed him down.

 

[Brat]

I find I suddenly have employer related risks. Nothing to do with location.

Co-workers

If not I would start to control my exposure/environment.

My opinion is based on Fed service about 20 years ago: IMHO FPS is a step above rent-a-cop (and I have a story to go with that opinion) but the FBI is very competent, usually. ATF can be a little loose around the edges.

 

[nun]

Not interested in meditation. Brutal is exactly what I have in mind.

Word of warning, people who go to self defense or MA classes looking for brutality often find it. Knowing techniques without self control can be dangerous.

 

[Nords]

Anyone tried Krav maga? I am feeling motivated to upgrade my self defense abilities and due to employer restrictions I am not allowed to carry pepper spray or anything else as i commute (when I am most at risk). Hard to learn? Punishing?

I think the first lesson of any self-defense martial art is teaching its students to avoid getting into self-defense situations, or at least to run like a scared bunny.

And while pepper spray may not be an approved concealed-carry item, perhaps there are other aerosols at least as disabling. I've seen plenty of examples at the Macy's perfume counter.

I don't know if krav maga training is readily available in your area, but I'm pretty sure there's at least one taekwondo dojang. The sport has a variety of splinter groups, but the most practical training comes from groups affiliated with the World Taekwondo Federation / USAT Olympic-style competitive sparring. Judo, karate, and jiu jitsu would also work. The key is to find an instructor you enjoy working with and a place that's convenient enough to make it easy to show up.

 

[growing_older]

First lessons in Krav Maga will be avoiding situations or getting out of situations without having to actively defend yourself. Any fight you can avoid is a fight you do not take a chance of losing. It's very practical. And very focused on effective self defense if needed.

 

[nun]

I think the first lesson of any self-defense martial art is teaching its students to avoid getting into self-defense situations, or at least to run like a scared bunny.

Yes, that should be the first lesson. Avoid pr diffuse situations or run away as a bruised ego is better than a bruised face - not just yours, but that of your potential opponent too. Part of the mental training is to control the ego, anger, fear etc. It also makes you realize that there is no shame in backing down to avoid a fight. This is often one of the hardest things to learn for people brought up in sports where competition and aggression are encouraged.

 

[FinanceDude]

Brewer, maybe you should look into a local MMA dojo? They teach a mix of things, Krav Maga, ji-jitsu, wrestling, kick-boxing. I know some the instructors at our local dojo, those are bad-ass MOFOs, ain't nobody messin' with them........

 

[Tigger]

I'm also interested in Krav Maga. A friend who is a target because of his wealth and his profession has taken up Krav Maga a couple of years ago and is very satisfied. He recently was in a store when there was a hold-up and he used his training to avoid getting into trouble with the gangsters, while being ready to defend himself if they would not leave him any choice.

What's been keeping me from trying it out are: 1) I don't really have time to pick up new hobbies, 2) So far my spine, knees, etc. are undamaged. I don't have any sports injuries and I would like to keep it that way, 3) I don't want to be used as a punching bag by those who practice or teach martial arts as an outlet for their frustration

 

[nun]

What's been keeping me from trying it out are: 1) I don't really have time to pick up new hobbies, 2) So far my spine, knees, etc. are undamaged. I don't have any sports injuries and I would like to keep it that way, 3) I don't want to be used as a punching bag by those who practice or teach martial arts as an outlet for their frustration

If you find a responsible MA instructor 2 and 3 would not be applicable and you just need a couple of hours a week, but it sound like Tai Chi would be excellent for you.

 

[nun]

Brewer, maybe you should look into a local MMA dojo? They teach a mix of things, Krav Maga, ji-jitsu, wrestling, kick-boxing. I know some the instructors at our local dojo, those are bad-ass MOFOs, ain't nobody messin' with them........

Sounds like a dojo to avoid......I would never train with anyone who outwardly appeared to be a "bad ass MOFO".

 

[nun]

I don't know if krav maga training is readily available in your area, but I'm pretty sure there's at least one taekwondo dojang. The sport has a variety of splinter groups, but the most practical training comes from groups affiliated with the World Taekwondo Federation / USAT Olympic-style competitive sparring. Judo, karate, and jiu jitsu would also work. The key is to find an instructor you enjoy working with and a place that's convenient enough to make it easy to show up.

TDK is a good option and there are classes everywhere.

 

[donheff]

Not interested in meditation. Brutal is exactly what I have in mind.

I find I suddenly have employer related risks. Nothing to do with location.

WTF Don't tease us like this Brewer, what's going on? In our collective vast and varied experience we may have better approaches than MA training. And, of course, there is a modicum of plain old morbid curiosity.

 

[eytonxav]

Pepper spray is out, so I suppose a collapsible baton or tazer would also be out, but may be not.

If I do this I will visit several places and definitely avoid any bad as! MoFo type instructors. The best fight won is the one avoided.

 

[Sarah in SC]

I've taken Krav Maga, as has my husband. I think you'd like it. It does focus on quickly disabling your opponent and then hauling butt out of the situation.
It is very close contact, though, and I am more than just a bit squirrely about close-up contact with other people (aka the don't hug me person).
I just took a couple of 6 week classes, but DH did it for a while, until an injury sidelined him and he lost interest.
Give it a shot--but expect to learn how to get away, not to stay and fight.

 

[FinanceDude]

Sounds like a dojo to avoid......I would never train with anyone who outwardly appeared to be a "bad ass MOFO".

When I said that, I meant their backgrounds include national martial arts championships, regional champions in MMA, one of them is a master in tae kwon do, etc. A number of them have a lot of tatoos and stuff, they look like guys not to mess with. However, they are great instructors and are quiet and confident.........

 

[Bimmerbill]

How about hornet spray, or dog/bear spray?