RE: Krav Maga Training

[marathonrunner]

RE: Krav Maga Training

Guys, I got another question. I was contemplating on signing up for this street combat martial arts as it seems less than lethal defense can give me other options. However, at $159 a month and you have to pay this for 6 month membership, it seems a bit way too much. My feeling is, hand to hand combat would be probably very low probability as I have never got into a physical altercation in my adult life. I feel my only threat is getting carjacked or home invasion.

I am thinking I can save myself a ton of money by just sticking to my CCW weapon and pepper spray. What is the likeliness that using martial arts can help stave off a carjacking? I would say unlikely to be of any value

 

[perrazi]

better be in good shape to do this training. or just carry a gun.

 

[Protected One]

Guys, I got another question. I was contemplating on signing up for this street combat martial arts as it seems less than lethal defense can give me other options. However, at $159 a month and you have to pay this for 6 month membership, it seems a bit way too much. My feeling is, hand to hand combat would be probably very low probability as I have never got into a physical altercation in my adult life. I feel my only threat is getting carjacked or home invasion.

I am thinking I can save myself a ton of money by just sticking to my CCW weapon and pepper spray. What is the likeliness that using martial arts can help stave off a carjacking? I would say unlikely to be of any value

It seems you may be undervaluing the benefits of Krav Maga training. There ARE some places you are NOT allowed to carry (sports venues -where drunk fans sometimes cause trouble, etc...). The probabilty of you finding yourself in a self defense situation where lethal force is necessary is LESS than some other situations where KM training could be useful.

I don't know where you live but here locally there are only two reputable KM schools. One charges $85/mo. and the other $125/mo....the latter is the better run school. They offer a option to participate in one class for $10, as an opportunity to find out what its like first hand. I suggest inquiring if the school near you will do such a deal.

For the record: Krav Maga is not considered a "martial art", but rather a fighting science - there is a difference. I earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a brown belt in judo before moving to Krav. There are no kata (forms), no tournaments. Just practical, efficient self-defense training and conditioning.
Regardless to the system chosen I believe everyone who carries should have SOME hand to hand training (except those in advanced years or failing health...and even then, you can do some wonderful things with a cane)

 

[Arik]

Protected One is spot on. You can't always have a gun with you and the idea that a gun will solve the problem is wrong.

In my adult life i have been in a few fights but never been in a gun fight or even drawn my gun. Situations vary.

The price seems high but if that's the only school teaching they have no competition

 

[loc n load]

Defensive skills

Having been a LEO use of force isnstructor professionally for 30 yrs and a martial arts instructor with my own school on the street for 25 yrs I will tell you this: any defensive skills you can develop whether it is with a weapon system or unarmed ...are "tools in the tool box".....I earned a Black belt in Judo back in the 60's, then moved into Tae Kwon Do for nearly 40 years and studied and taught Hap Ki Do for nearly 30 years.....The Hap Ki Do is a combat art, no sporting aspects.....I am familiar with the Krav Maga and if you want a defensive skill set and IF you are willing to make the investment in time, devotion to learn and develop skill sets that you can perform under duress, then it will serve you well, providing you are up to the task. Becoming proficient in any fighting art will require time and effort. I am not fond of contracts that tie you into paying for something that after the first month or so, you may decide is not for you.
If you want real world defensive training, also try and find an instructor that has actually put their hands on non compliant subjects for years ( has real world experience) & also teaches the legal aspects of use of force, rather than some of these "arm chair commandos" that abound these days.

 

[JohnSW]

better be in good shape to do this training.

BTW, for seniors, I understand that "Cane Fu" self-defense classes are available.

 

[Protected One]

The Hap Ki Do is a combat art, no sporting aspects......

Great point. My Judo Sensei (Master Jongoon Kim) is an 8th Dan in Hapkido. He showed us a few things that I would HATE to experience for real. Hapkido would be an excellent option.

 

[Hapworth]

All who are invested in self-defense and physically able to should study a basic form of striking and grappling in real-world defense scenarios -- one that ideally incorporates (or can be modified to incorporate) drawing your carry piece while fending off a life-threatening attack.

There are too many street self-defense situations where our likeliest first and only response is going to be using our hands to defend ourselves until we can orient and assess, and if necessary draw.

Knowing how to use your hands and body in the critical first seconds of an attack is fundamental because despite what some like to believe you won't have the time or the instinct to draw when first swarmed by surprise.

loc n load is right on in his suggestion to seek training from an instructor with practical experience with non-compliant subjects; it's a whole different mindset and skill set, just like plugging stationary paper is another world compared to a moving adversary shooting back at you.

 

[sipowicz]

I know Judo, ju jitsu, karate, kung fu and 8 other Oriental words.

 

[TLG]

I know Judo, ju jitsu, karate, kung fu and 8 other Oriental words.

LOVE IT!!!!!

When I was 17, (50 years ago), I was threatened by a guy who said he knew judo. My friend who was with me had the perfect answer to the guy who said he knew judo. "Judo may work, but I know the art of "tire iron"....."The guy who said he knew judo backed off.

I have never forgotten the "Art of the Tire Iron". It's not that expensive, but in a pinch it is very effective.

Have a good one.....
The old guy from WV.....

 

[Protected One]

Karate instructor: "Mr. Wilson, karate is the oldest form of self-defense known to man".

Mr. Wilson: "It ain't older than running!"

 

[Devildogcpl]

Training is key

First off I believe you have to have a sound understanding of the basic fundamentals of shooting. Then after the basics are mastered you should incorporate reactionary shooting and tactical shooting. If you carry a firearm on your person you need non lethal options at your disposal. Pepper spray and/or a collapsible baton (if legal) as well as hand to hand confrontation skills. I would recommend anything based on grappling and ending the confrontation quickly. Good luck...Semper-Fi!!

 

[mrdemal]

Being proficient in a martial art does wonders for for self-esteem. Well worth it.

 

[Jiman]

It's not the name of the class that's as important as the quality of the instructor. Krav, karate, jits, mui tai, etc...all depend on a great teacher.

I'm a big proponent of any kind of defensive measures course. At the very least it starts to hone a mindset. It also allows you, in a training environment, to understand your own bodies reaction to being hit. If it's either been a long time, or you've never been smashed in the face before, it's a very eye-opening experience and so will your reaction to it. Some turtle up, some run, urinate themselves, etc...You'll also be very surprised how tired an untrained person gets after even 30 sec of max effort....30 sec!!!

Sex, race, size...doesn't matter. I've seen the smallest female fight back with impressive violence and huge males panic. You won't know until you train.

IME, you're more likely to get into a physical altercation before you get into one with a gun. And in a fight, there are two basic ways to win. You either out violence someone or you out cardio. them. You can pretty much break down any UFC, YouTube, MMA fight down to those two things.

I also wouldn't narrow your threat assessment of being car jacked or home SD drive your thinking here. Fact is there is no way to predict how, when it's going to happen.

 

[Jessie]

Has anyone heard of Split Second Survival?
The founding instructor has decades of martial arts training and teaching but believes a more practical street fighting skillset better serves most people.
I think his martial arts background has more influence in performing what he's developed than he realizes though.

 

[Protected One]

Has anyone heard of Split Second Survival?
The founding instructor has decades of martial arts training and teaching but believes a more practical street fighting skillset better serves most people.
I think his martial arts background has more influence in performing what he's developed than he realizes though.

That's Larry Wicks organization. He started in Tang Soo Do, I believe. If you want to view pertinent videos or read the work of someone I recommend Sgt. Rory Miller. He's the one the TEACHERS speak of with awe. A veteran corrections officer who trains correction officers, police, military and civilian personnel internationally. He also designs courses in use of force policy and police defensive tactics. IMO his book "Facing violence; Preparing for the unexpected" should be required reading for anyone serious about defending themselves or loved ones.

sgt rory miller - Bing Videos

 

[Rastoff]

Some good stuff here.

I'm a proponent of learning some empty hand self-defense. You won't always be able to have a gun with you. If you have a gun with you, you won't always be able to bring it to bear.

There are three types of martial arts schools; Historical, Sport and Self-Defense.

A historical school is focused on bringing the "art" through time. They work hard to do things exactly the way they were done 2,000 years ago. This type of school frowns on changing anything.

A sport school is focused on sport style fighting. They work on learning to score points in sparring. This is what we see in the Olympics and other games.

A self-defense school is focused on street defense. Most of these schools have a foundation in some known "style" but are less concerned with perfect technique and work more on being effective. These schools are constantly evolving.

Every school contains aspects of all these three types, but each school focuses on one. TKD for example, is usually a sport type of martial art. That is not to say it's not effective for self-defense. They (usually) just focus more on the sport side of things.

Krav-Maga is a mostly self-defense school. It has gained popularity lately. I suspect this is due to being used by the Israeli forces. If you decide to train in this art, be prepared for some pain. This is a good thing as it prepares you for a real encounter on the street.

There is a way to determine quickly if a school is a self-defense oriented school. Do they require a cup to participate? If they don't, go looking for another school.

 

[Protected One]

Krav-Maga is a mostly self-defense school. It has gained popularity lately. I suspect this is due to being used by the Israeli forces. If you decide to train in this art, be prepared for some pain. This is a good thing as it prepares you for a real encounter on the street.

There is a way to determine quickly if a school is a self-defense oriented school. Do they require a cup to participate? If they don't, go looking for another school.

+1 on this. We require a cup AND a mouthpiece!

 

[Rastoff]

+1 on this. We require a cup AND a mouthpiece!

Good point. We don't require a mouthpiece, but we should. I haven't seen any teeth go missing, but I have seen guys get caught, accidentally, in the junk many times.

 

[Kanewpadle]

It would be difficult to find out what martial arts is all about in six months or less. But I still wouldn't pay for six months up front.

Most martial art styles require you to be up close and personal with your attacker. Some folks never get used to that and don't like it at all.

And martial arts is not something you do half way. Either you do or you don't.

Also, what goes on between the ears is of utmost importance. Knowing when and how to use martial arts will keep you from getting hurt.

And last, good technique is important. But quickness in your thinking and your feet and hands is just as important.