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Analysing techniques the biblical way
BY MOSHE KATZ
CEO
ISRAELI KRAV INTERNATIONAL
August 9, 2024, Israel
Moshe, Moses, is a great example of a leader. If one is considering a position of leadership, one should first study the life of Moshe our Teacher, Moshe Rabeinu as he is known to us in Hebrew. After studying his life, his trials and tribulations, you might very well decide to opt out of leadership. I would not be surprised if you chose a job as a computer analyst instead. You might want to avoid people as much as possible.
Moshe is leading his motley grew through the desert. Many years later the Bielski brothers would be doing the same with 1,200 Jews in the forests of Belorussia as they evaded the Nazis. Leadership. Study it, you will want to avoid it at all costs. Trust me.
I have written several blogs about Moshe; I will include the links at the end of this blog. There are also in my book, Biblical Lessons for Martial Artists. (Highly recommended by me).
"How can I single-handedly bear your tribal quarrels, the burden of providing food and water for you, and your financial strifes?
Propose men from each of your tribes, wise men, people of understanding, and popular persons, and I shall appoint them as chiefs over you." (Deuteronomy, Chapter 1)
IKI members may have noted the similarity. Managing many schools across many countries, dealing with different "tribes", and different personalities, is not for the meek or weak of heart. I often joke that I have offended more people accidently that I every could have intentionally. Often, I have to deal with quarrels thousands of miles away between two instructors who have known each other for a liftime and were childhood friends, but it is my task to work it out.
I can hear Moshe/Moses, and I can relate and understand. One must be wise, knowledgeable and patient, very patient.
But what I wish to focus on today is how the Bible views analyzing Krav Maga techniques. Ah, you might have thought the Bible neglected this area? No, it is covered. "I cautioned your judges at that time, thus, listen not only in part, but to the entire cause of both parties of your fellow men, and execute justice between a man and his neighbor ....
You must not show any partiality to any person in court cases; to minor cases you must give the same earnest attention as to major cases, you must not fear any personality, for the Eternal God requires that justice be executed, but the case that is too difficult for you to handle, you will bring to me, and I will hear it. I myself instructed you at that time in all the teachings which you must practice." (Deuteronomy, Chapter 1, verses 16- 18)
What can we learn from this?
When analyzing a technique that an IKI instructor is teaching, something you received on our online program, or saw at a seminar, What do you do?
First, do not show any partiality, i.e. do not favor a technique because you like the person who taught it to you. Do not disfavor a technique because you have a personal agenda to show that your teacher is a fool, or that I am. (yes, people have done this, trust me). Be fair, be objective. I have seen instructors of certain arts who feel a need to discredit a technique that contradicts what they learned in their other chosen art. I.e. if one is a wrestling or Jujitsu instructor, some have felt the need to prove that their technique is better than the IKI version. This is BAD. Do not do this. Follow the Bible, be objective. If our technique is more practical than your other technique, so be it, and vice versa. Be impartial, like the Biblical judges.
Treat minor matters and major matters the same. Every detail is important, every concept is important.
Do not fear anyone. Do not favor a technique because you are afraid of some instructor who insists that this is better. I personally do not care if the technique was handed down from Moses or Lichtenfeld, Chief Yellow Fever Shang Chai check, or your late grandmother, all I care is that it works. It is not sacrilegious to dismiss a traditional Krav Maga technique. No technique is sacred.
and if you still can't handle it? What does the Bible say? "you will bring it to me, and I will hear it". That means you will bring to me, the one who taught you this, and I will hear what you have to say. I will consider it, we will discuss it and we shall see if you have a valid point here. Listen to the words, "I will hear it". Not - I will pre-judge, but I will hear it and consider it, for "I instructed you at that time in all the teachings which you must practice."
Moshe is teaching us the correct way to evaluate a law, a technique, a concept. These ideas are just as valid and relevant today as they were 3,700 years ago.
Moshe, the Snake, and Krav Maga
Moshe Katz, 7th dan Black Belt, Israeli Krav Maga. Certified by Wingate Institute. Member Black Belt hall of fame, USA and Europe.
Understand the Israeli Fighting Mentality - Israel a Nation of Warriors by Moshe Katz
What is the cultural background of Krav Maga? What makes it unique? What makes the Israeli military so effective? Why are Israeli security systems used all over the world?
What are the Biblical origins of Krav Maga and who was the first Krav Maga instructor?
What weapons and military strategies did our Biblical ancestors use?
How has Krav Maga developed in Israel and what are its goals?
All that and more in this unique book.
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