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Watch your Step
BY MOSHE KATZ
CEO
ISRAELI KRAV INTERNATIONAL
August 17, 2024, Israel
With Joe Hess, Bill D'urso, Michael Depasquale Jr. at Karate College, several years ago
June 2002, I had just completed my first season of Karate College. Everyone was saying their goodbyes to new friends and old and I was standing near the stair. I was chatting with Professor Arthur Cohen of blessed memory when Joe Hess of blessed memory came walking down the stairs. It was great meeting and training with Joe, a true gentleman and a legend in the martial arts. I feel honored that I had the privilege of knowing him, a truly humble man.
As Joe passed me, knowing that I was returning home to Israel, he said, "Take care Buddy, watch your back".
Yes, simple words, but thoughtful and powerful. Looking back, I feel it means; you can handle yourself in a fight, your front is protected, but Buddy, watch your back. Because if you don't see it coming, no matter how well trained we might be, we can be in deep trouble. Watch your back, simple and yet profound.
We must always watch our back because no one, even a champion, cannot win a fight fighting backwards.
Fastforward to the present. This morning in the synagogue, a dear friend, now an elderly man, is walking gingerly with his cup of coffee towards his regular seat where he prays. Suddenly he bangs into a table and slightly spills some coffee. Someone says, watch out Yossi!
And I am thinking. What use is it to say Watch Out, after the guy banged into the table? and yet people do this all the time. After someone bangs into some object they are warned to watch where they are going. Being warned beforehand would be more practical and more useful.
These two images immediately blended together, Yossi from now and Joe from so many years ago. Ironically, the same name (Joseph, Yosef).
And I thought about this. When do people take up Krav Maga training? Too many take it up after a violent incident. Well, better late than never, and at least they learned from their unfortunate experience, but wouldn't it be better to start training before something bad happens?
When Joe Hess made his comment, it was to someone who was already deeply involved in training, it was an expression of caring and concern, and a valuble piece of advice; you can't block the attack that you don't see, thus, watch your back, I know you are already prepared for the frontal attack.
But today's incident, minor as it was, was an example of backward thinking. And I say don't wait until your spil your coffee to start paying attention. Don't wait until a violent attack takes place before you take up Krav Maga training.
And I am thankful for having met Arthur Cohen and Joe Hess, just trying to pass on the message.
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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