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How to End the Fight
By Moshe Katz
CEO
Israeli Krav International
June 1, 2015, Israel
The question comes up often; how do we end a fight?
Ask most tough guys on the street, i.e., the average male who thinks himself really tough, and you will hear things like, "I will finish him off with a kick to the groin", or "I will give him a beating he will never forget" etc etc etc....(too many movies or too many beers).
Studies have shown that this is mostly nonsense, false bravado. Most of these guys will pee in their pants before getting off any serious attack. Most guys will collapse like a house of cards.
Training that only involves the physical will not properly prepare you for street fights, combat, or any real life situations. Most people will do anything and everything to avoid confrontation. They will eat lousy food rather than return it, accept bad service etc. So what makes them think they can stand up to a seasoned street thug?
Illusions and Delusions.
And even if you took a few lessons in some martial arts school, what will this really do for you? Really.
At IKI we try to protect you, or rather, train you to protect yourself and your family. It has to be more than physical.
First we begin with humility. If you can avoid a fight, do so. That is the oldest martial arts principle. Sadly, many modern styles have forgotten this.
We are not looking for a fight. We are looking to get home safely. Fighting is always the last resort. Lets' not forget this point, ever. Karate for self-defense only. (Rule Number 1)
Some styles of Krav Maga preach a violent end to every conflict. But why?
If we believe in avoiding conflict, why must every conflict end in violence? Advocating a violent end to every conflict is extremely dangerous and highly questionable, physically and morally.
That is why in IKI Krav Maga we use the APC system. Ability - Purpose - Circumstances. Actually, we might say AAPC - we can add Avoidance to the top of the list.
AAPC
A - Avoidance - Is this conflict necessary? Are you being attacked by a terrorist or is this starting off as a verbal conflict that can be contained?
Did someone insult you? Is there anyway you can control your ego and walk away?
Avoidance is the simplest solution. No one gets hurt. No police report, hospital visits, no courts or lawyers. It is not always possible, but it should always be explored and considered as a first option.
How can we omit this in our training? What kind of a Krav Maga instructor begins only with fighting techniques?
What kind of Krav Maga instructor does not explore ending the fight before it begins?
We must remember that our goal is to get home safely. That's it!! Nothing more. Our goal is not to "teach the other guy a lesson". Trust me, he will learn no lessons. So, lets teach ourselves a lesson, control your ego, get home safely. There might be someone at home who really wants to see you home, safe and sound.
A - Ability. Some styles teach that we must always "finish off" our opponent or else he will come after us. Thus, we must knock him out. Leave him on the floor unable to come after us.
Is this realistic?
As I said to one of my students, an IDF soldier, shortly after he took a Krav Maga course in the army. Your sister is barely 5 feet tall, petite, small boned. Will she "finish" off a large muscular 6-foot-tall man?
The answer is simple, no, she will not. Not in this lifetime. T h at is why competitions have weight categories.
If your ability is minimal, you must choose an appropriate counterattack. We will teach you a defense based on gross motor moves, simple moves, simple attacks to vital areas. Your ability is a key factor in your defense strategy. But ability is only one factor. We must consider the other factors as well before reaching a decision.
P - Purpose. What is your purpose in this situation? Are you alone on vacation? In such a case your purpose is to escape and get away.
Are you a counter - terror expert on a mission to stop terrorists? If so, your purpose may be to kill the enemy on the spot.
Are you a bouncer in a club in Europe? If so, your purpose is to escort the drunk client out the door. Take the abusive drunkard outside. You have no right to harm him.
But what if you have not studied the AAPC concept? What if you are a former Counter Terrorist now working as a bouncer abroad? Will you revert to your training and kill the man? If so you will end up in jail, where you belong.
You must understand your purpose in every situation. You cannot ignore this factor.
C- Circumstances. What are the circumstances and why is this a crucial question?
Are you alone, an adult in a foreign city? Or are you a parent with two small children? A teacher with thirty small children? A prison guard? A presidential guard sworn to protect the president at all costs?
The answer to this question will make a huge difference on your defense strategy.
APC - Once you realize that first A, Avoidance, is no longer an option you take the combination of APC; your personal Ability, your Purpose in this situation and the Circumstances. Together this will determine your most intelligent response.
