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Understanding South Africa
BY MOSHE KATZ
CEO
ISRAELI KRAV INTERNATIONAL
July 25, 2024, South Africa
Zulu village in Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa
Israeli Krav International is present in over 40 countries worldwide. In addition, students from all over come (under non war circumstances) to train with us in Israel. As such, we gain experience with people from around the world. Interacting with different cultures can be very exciting and interesting, but, it can also be very challenging. There are cultural differences when it comes to time, there are cultural differences when it comes to money and financial transactions. In one country it may be considered rude to discuss money before sitting down and sharing a drink. In another country arguments can ensure as to what kind of coffee should be served, or how big breakfast should be. These are challenges that are difficult to plan for and there will be some misunderstandings. When I first came to Italy, I did not understand that they don't drink huge cups of coffee as Americans do, or that they don't serve a large buffet for breakfast as American hotels do. Misunderstandings take place and we must learn to understand each other. It takes time, and patience.
South Africa is a country, a nation, that has gone through many changes over the past years, it is still emerging as a power and many divergent groups are slowly learning to work together. During this trip I have sense a sense of optimism that I have not seen earlier, and I have been visiting South Africa yearly for close to 15 years.
But use of time, money, and eating habits are not the only cultural differences that exist in different countries, there is also a culture of crime. While we all have the same basic body, same numbers of limbs, same number of eyes and fingers and toes, and they all function in the exact same way across the cultural divide, there are still cultural differences when it comes to crime. I have spent the past 15 years studying these aspects of South African culture.
When I first arrived in South Africa I wanted to become educated in their history. I asked for books representing different aspects and approaches to their history. I read books from the Dutch/Afrikaans perspective, fromt he British perspective, from the "colored" perspective and the "African" perspective. I have spoken with people of different communities, descendants of British, Dutch, North African, Indian, Chinese and mixed race. Each year I hear stories of crime, I learn of their nature, how and when they occur. I see how they drive, and I hear stories of how their driving must differ from Israeli or American driving due to the unique dangers that they face.
There are different dangers to be aware of and to look out for. I listen, I learn, I understand. These lessons are incorporated not only in how I teach in South Africa but also influence my worldwide approach, we can all learn from each country.
During this trip I have met with victims of violent crimes, car jackings, and members of elite units of the South African military. Each shares their stories; each enlightens me in some way. There is always more to learn, and I never stop learning.
Do I know South Africa? I do my best, none of us has experienced every type of violence in every country. I understand Arab terrorism even though I personally have, thankfully, never experienced such violence. I understand South Africa quite well, having met the people, studied the violence and seen police surveillance videos. Wisdom is to learn from all kinds of people, from all walks of life. No police officer has seen every type of violence, no Krav Maga instructor has experienced every type of attack, but we can learn from the experiences of others. During this trip I am continuing my education of South African 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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