One of the biggest challenges I have as a Professional Krav Maga Instructor is teaching new students the difference between martial arts and self defence training. And believe me the gulf is enormous…..
Many new students come with pre conceptions based on films or unrealistic expectations at their own abilities. Others confuse what they were told was a practical ‘self defence’ in their martial arts class with something that will work . As always, tough training and pressure testing against a non compliant partner should be your guide. Not just what some martial arts instructor, (or even a Krav Maga Instructor) tells you. It should feel earthy, simple and aggressive.
Now before I go any further I would point out that I am a life long martial artist. I hold Black Belts in traditional systems and thoroughly enjoy every aspect of martial arts training. I value the huge diversity of training, the people, the experience and the health benefits of regular training. One look at my own age peers shows me how beneficial this type of training is. But, put simply – it isn’t is realistic self defence training.
Martial arts training overlaps with self defence to a degree. But as time progresses they are increasingly distant from one another. By far the majority of Martial Arts techniques and training methods have evolved so far from fighting off an attacker, they bear little more than a passing resemblance to the original systems. Martial arts training as commonly found in the UK is a leisure activity closely aligned to the leisure and fitness industry. There is an enormous gap between the martial arts industry and the fight industry which is grittier, tougher and more realistic..
To get some understand of the size of this gap between fighting to protect yourself and martial arts look at the training provided to competitive fighters. Whilst technically the considerations for sport are different to self defence, the required intensity is the same. Boxers, Thai boxers, mixed martial artists training competively have much in common with good Krav Maga. Training is tough, no nonsense and hard work. Its requires fitness, mental toughness and commitment to training.
Its tough, snotty, sweaty and real – it even has the smell of reality, (that’s not a good thing – trust me on that ;-)
Not everyone wants to fight – I understand and applaud that. But if you want realistic self protection, it requires an investment from you. A little ‘sweat equity’ so to speak. The real payment for realistic skills is tough training, hard work and a non compliant partner. This is usually a far cry from the cosseted world of high grades, belts and inflated claims of the Martial Arts Masters teaching self defence.
If you are UK based and fancy some realistic training in real Krav Maga with a professional Instructor come and visit the British Krav Maga Association at www.realitybasedtraining.co.uk and grab your first lesson for free.
Paul Grey
