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Critical Krav Maga
BY MOSHE KATZ
CEO
ISRAELI KRAV INTERNATIONAL
October 30, 2024, Aspire Business Lounge, Gardermoen Airport, Oslo, Norway
Dr. Albert Einstein, a legend in his time, and for all time.
Dr. Albert Einstein was clearly an innovator in his time. Far be it from me to describe his greatness. I am sitting in Oslo waiting for my flight, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the lounge when I came across this story about Dr. Einstein, how 100 scientists published a book against his ideas. He responded with grace and humility and pointed out how his goal was not to seek popularity but to advance science. This can only be done by stressing the importance of evidence and rigorous testing, empirical validation and well supported theories. Science evolves through critical debate. Well-supported theories stand the test of time despite opposition.
I know a thing or two about facing opposition.
I am returning home after a series of training sessions in Norway. Near us was another Krav Maga school, they not only boycotted our event but did everything possible to sabotage it, once again, by scheduling a major party on that day giving out false honors to each other. Clearly, they are not adherents of Dr. Einstein's method of study and research.
During our training our local leadership team of instructors presented me, as always, with a list of questions that came up during the past year since my last visit. There is only so much you can learn by watching a video, we do need the personal contact. These guys are all younger than me, at least a head taller, and stronger. And yet the questions must be asked because as dear Albert pointed out, this is the only way to progress, this is the only way to move forward, we must have critical debate.
Why 100 scientists came out against Dr. Einstein is not entirely clear to historians. One of the reasons is clearly an objection to change, objection to new ways of thinking. Many of the techniques we use in IKI Krav Maga are innovative, unseen and unused by other organizations, the product of 40 plus years of critical debate. Some of our techniques seem strange and confusing to other practitioners of Krav Maga. They prefer to stick to the aggressive Neanderthal techniques of the past rather than try and understand what we are doing. I have never had a single person disagree once they have understood what we are teaching. I have never had anyone debunk any of our techniques. I stand with conviction. And yet, I am always open to questions and often there are useful points being made that help us teach the techniques better and adapt for potential issues.
We challange and evaluate our techniques is several ways, just as Dr. Einstein advocated all these years ago. First, when a situation is presented to us, either a theoretical issue, (What if...the guy does the following), or based on a real crime committed and caught on camera or witnessed by one of our members., we do not approach it with any pre-conceived ideas.
I will say, OK, attack me just as the criminal did in the real case, or in the theoretical way of the "What If", type of situation. I want to see how my body will respond. I will NOT anticipate the technique. I will NOT try to "look good" in order to impress my students. I want to be totally honest; I want to see how my body will react, how I will react. As Bruce Lee wrote, "Train your tools and they will strike at the correct moment", I want to see how my tools will respond. After that, after that "Baptism by fire" as they say, I will analyze the attack and my reactions. I will see where a slight modification can improve my defense. Then we will all try it on each other, the men and the women, the big and the small. I will present this as, Now it is your turn to test this and let me know the results. I am not a woman, I am not a short person, I want to see how these people will respond. I need their input and feedback as I am only one person.
We will then discuss it and debate, critical debate as Dr. Einstein said.
Another layer of the process is the empirical evidance. Just last night I was discussing this with one of our American instructors. She told me of two recent events where students used IKI techniques to defend themselves, and did so successfully, after having learned the technique only once. Many of our techniques have been used in real-life violent encounters and they have proven themselves. These include hand to hand situations, guns, knives, and even long weapons (rifles).
But there is yet another level. None of the above is enough. We approach this in a scientific manner of critical thinking: The technique must be logical. Empirical results are important, but they are not enough, in particular if there are only a few cases to study. A logical analysis of the technique will tell us if it makes sense, if the technique fits the nature of the body. A real case might not reveal the truth. The fact that it worked for one guy one time, does not mean it is a good technique. The guy could have gotten lucky, the criminal may have been a bit absent-minded or caught during a moment of distraction. Anything can work but we must analyze what is most likely to work, all the time, for everyone. If it worked once for Uncle Freddy at 3 pm on a Tuesday, does not prove that it is the most effective technique. I know many cases where people used made up techniques, or just grabbed a gun, and it worked. Perhaps the assailant was simply surprised, but that does not prove that it is the best technique for us to teach.
The technique must have internal logic, it must work because it is the most logical approach based on the anatomy of the body, Body Mechanics, and the psychological state of mind one is likely to experience under such circumstances.
Only when a technique meets these strict standards does it become an IKI Krav Maga technique. And all techniques are subject to constant critical review. Like the great Dr. Einstein, we do not seek popularity, but we do believe that we will stand the test of time, and the test of real-world violence.
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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