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Learning and Unlearning
BY MOSHE KATZ
CEO
ISRAELI KRAV INTERNATIONAL
August 18, 2024, Israel
The rabbi spoke: several hundred years ago Rabbi Nehemia came up with a system of Biblical interpretation, how each verse can be expanded to include a wider concept. He continued this interpretation until he reached the verse, "And you shall be in awe of your God". and he thought, God cannot be expanded upon, there is only one God, not more. I must be in error in my method of interpretation.
At this point he decided to abandon his method of interpretation and admit that he was mistaken in his approach. His students asked, but rabbi, what about all the time and effort you put into this method? What about all that effort?
The rabbi answered humbly, Just as I received (heavenly) reward for the effort in building my system of interpretation, so I shall receive reward for dropping it once I realized I was in error.
Many years later Rabbi Akiva came along and added an interpretation to this verse, be in awe of God can be expanded to include be in awe of those who study the word of God, i.e. the rabbinical scholars. And thus, Rabbi Nehemia's system in fact, was proven to be correct.
But what can we learn from this? Many great scientists and mathematicians come up with theories, and then those theories are disproven. but these scientists spend the rest of their lives vehemently arguing in favor of their discredited theory. They cannot admit they were wrong.
With Biblical and Talmudic interpretation, we never reject any opinion, even if it is not accepted for law. The reason is that every opinion contributes to our understanding of the text, of the whole picture. Every effort has value.
In Krav Maga we take the same Talmudic approach. Over time techniques improve. Over time as we observe how students learn, or do not learn, techniques, we modify them. Over time as these techniques are tested in real life situations, we learn what works, what can be approved upon, and what must be relegated to the "Krav Maga museum". We believe that the old techniques had value, we built upon them to get to where we are today. They were tested, retested, and finally improved upon or rejected, but their experience was priceless. We received reward for developing them and we received reward for eventually discarding them. Krav Maga changes with time, life changes. We adapt.
Once again, a Talmudic lesson sheds light on how we approach 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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