Gazette
12 Gazette 4 July 2013
dublinlife
feature
Avoid mugging by staying alert - and using Krav Maga Natalie Burke
A lot of people have a tendency to be distracted when out and about, either because they are looking at their phones while walking or listening to music. But it’s this distraction that can result in you becoming a victim of mugging, according to Matt Comerford, an Israeli-trained instructor with the International Krav Maga Federation. Matt, who teaches Krav Maga, a form of selfdefence, in Celbridge, Co Kildare, says that when it
comes to muggers choosing their opportunities, it is believed they will choose a target who is distracted and likely to be surprised. W hen it comes to being prepared for any situation, Matt says prevention is the best medicine. “Being able to prevent an attack/mugging is preferable to being able to physically deal with it. If we can successfully prevent an attack, then we have exposed ourselves to considerably less risk, even if you are trained in what to
do, prevention is always best!” he said. To prevent a potential attack, Matt says people need to be more aware of their surroundings, take in what is going on around them, and stay alert. Having practised Krav Maga for over six years, Matt has more than 10 years of experience participating in physical training and fitness. In 2012, he travelled to Israel for intensive training with some of the top Krav Maga experts from around the world. Phoenix Krav Maga
is running self-defence classes in Celbridge using Krav Maga; one of the world’s most renowned self-defence systems. It is used by military and police units globally because of its effectiveness and simplicity. In classes, par ticipants learn to deal with a wide range of confrontations, either by de-escalating and avoiding potential attacks completely, or by disabling the attacker if necessary. For further info, visit www.phoenixkravmaga. ie, or e-mail: mail@phoenixkravmaga.ie.
Matt Comerford Phoenix Krav Maga Instructor
awards Women in business Network Dublin, an organisation for women in business, hosted its annual Businesswomen of the Year awards. The luncheon took place at the Dylan Hotel recently, presented by AIB, to a crowd of high achieving businesswomen, and a few men too. President of Network Dublin, Kate Fox, said a record number of nominations were made this year and she was delighted at the high level of interest. Winners of the three categories for the 2013 awards were: Ruth Savill - Paris Bakery and Pastry Ltd - Businesswoman of the Year (self employed), Kate Mullahy – Ormsby & Rhodes - Businesswoman of the Year (employee) and Aileen Rogers – Ready Girls - New Business of the Year.
Ruth Savill, Kate Fox, Network president Dublin and Aileen Rogers