FITNESS
By Deb Hong Looking for a physical activity where you can learn to protect yourself and have fun at the same time? Consider Krav Maga. Krav Maga is Hebrew for “contact combat” and is a martial art and selfdefense and fighting system. Developed in the late 1930s by Israeli martial artist Imi Lichtenfeld, it was used by the Israeli army before being developed for civilian use in the 1960s. It is a highly effective form of self-defense due to its practicality, counter attacks and focus on real-world situations. While it has roots in several martial arts, it is based on instinct and natural body movement, and thus can be learned relatively quickly. Krav Maga is especially useful for women. It’s a sad fact that women are targets of sexual assault and violence, and many women experience fear when walking alone at night. Due to Krav Maga’s focus on tactical self-defense, you can learn skills
20 Discovery
October - November 2017
to fend off an attacker, and cultivate alertness and awareness to prevent dangerous situations. Since it’s a system designed to exploit weak points and take down opponents regardless of size and strength, you don’t need to be particularly big or strong. The emphasis is placed on learning and repeating moves, which will help keep them at the front of your mind when you’re under stress and help you free yourself from an attacker. This all can help give better peace of mind and increase confidence. Besides the practical benefits, Krav Maga is fun. I attended a women’s self-defense workshop recently and learned techniques to prevent and combat wrist and hair grabs, chokes, bear hugs, and knife threats. You practice moves with a partner after watching demonstrations by instructors who also explain the moves by breaking them down bit by bit. Embrace your inner Wonder Woman through mock punching, striking and grappling with a partner. Since the students are all women,