Security and self-defense, IDF style!

Dinah Lord expressed some anxiety over security and explores the possibility of becoming a gun owner. 9/11 and hurricane Katrina taught us to be self-reliant and not to wait for the government to come to the rescue.

A few weeks ago, Nick and I watched an episode of “Fight Quest” a series that airs on the Discovery Channel. Hosts, Jimmy and Doug, were in Israel to learn Krav Maga from both the IDF and civilian instructors. For a short Krav Maga history you can go here.

During the show commercials aired for “Ohio Krav Maga & Fitness” conveniently located in Gahanna Ohio (a mere 15 minutes from our home). We talked about checking the place out and maybe taking a self defense class. The fact that scum bags prey on women and those they deem weak, we thought taking a class could only be a benefit. So I enrolled us in the “Intro to Fight” module.

The Front

The Back

The intro to fight (Krav) class was 10am Saturday morning. Once we were signed in and paid for the course ($19.99 for both) we received our T-shirts, toured the facility and met some of the instructors. The program started promptly and wasted no time. After a brief history we were soon paired up and throwing punches at each other. The 45 minute lesson was followed by an invitation to join the Krav 1 class. Everyone from the intro class stayed.

During Krav 1 the group learned to kick, punch and elbow an attacker. When assaulted Krav Maga teaches you to explode, to blow-up and assail your attacker. No mercy and nothing is out of bounds.

I used muscles I haven’t used in months if not years. I was sweaty and my heart rate was up and the cardio work-out was not overly intense. I felt good and had a lot of energy once I got home. We decided to enroll in the Krav Maga instruction which is a 5 step program and you have to test into the next level.

Sunday morning found me a bit sore. Mainly my thighs and shoulders, surprisingly my back felt like it usually does, no better or worse. Nick plans to attend twice a week and I’m going to the Saturday class, once a week until I build up my strength and stamina. I'll keep you post on our progress.