HANDS HIGH

During training its very often tempting to drop your hands after you have finished a combative set.  In Krav Maga it's essential to keep your hands protecting the jaw line as you have to factor in multiple opponents and being hit from the side by one of them. Even when you are clearly dealing with one attacker only in the class imagine there are more enemies and keep the hands up and scan the area for exits, more bad guys and anything you could fall over.

Even during sparring sessions when you tie your opponent up in the clinch position for example as you reign down with knee strikes perhaps you should already be looking for an exit or planning your next manoeuvre.

Sometimes as a coach its helpful to walk the room with a padded stick and simply hit anyone who isn't looking or who is dropping their hands.  This will encourage good tactics and also add a small element of stress which is essential in some areas of Krav Maga training.

Marcus

TRAINING IS UNCOMFORTABLE

For the majority of us our training is not our job or what defines us in life.  It’s meant to be enjoyable, social and in some cases a way for us to release the pressures of daily life , job, kids, money, family, friends etc.

Whatever you are training for be it CrossFit, Martial Arts, football, rugby or running there is one thing that should feature in your training, and that is pressure in the training environment.  A small bit of pressure does wonders for your confidence so that you can deal with real life events.  You will only grow as a person from your training if you operate at some point dealing with the feeling of being uncomfortable. You’ll recognize this feeling as you might want to stop the workout, give up training or you'll be making all the excuses of the day.  Training doesn’t have to be hell on earth all the time but you should feel the need to have push and fight through some sessions.  When it becomes easy and you don’t feel wary about going to train you want get the best results you are capable of.

Getting through a tough uncomfortable session that you can talk about at a later date with teammates is a great feeling.  If training is occasionally punishing then you can draw on this experience from the training environment when you encounter something stressful in life.

Marcus

THE ESCAPE

Its important in training not only to scan the area but actively move towards an exit when you are working through your situationals.  For example, you are training your 360 defence against an outside attack.  Your at medium range and your hands are up in a passive guard trying to de-escalte matters.  You've brought your hands closing together to shut down your centre line forcing an attack on the high line to come around your hands making its slightly slower than a straight attack.  Its not going to be easy to stop but hopefully easier than reacting to a straight jab or a cross.

So you work through your verbal portion and your physical defence.  Counter as appropriate and then make your way to the exit.  If you practice just running a few metres towards an exit after the confrontation it's of real benefit to your training.  Building muscle memory that you want you flee danger if appropriate. Maybe you can't just run because you are with other people or your jacket is in the cloakroom off the club and you really love that jacket!  Come back and get it the next day, do everything you can to get home safely which is the purpose of Krav Maga.

Also, after you stop running, don't just run back.  Take a second, a breath, calm yourself and walk back to begin again fresh. Otherwise you are training to run back to a danger spot which isn't a good thing.

Train smart, train safe and have fun.

Marcus

KRAV MAGA TRAINING

Last night we started off with some of the boxing curriculum and then moved into looking at defending a headlock.  We looked at points of prevention from projectile range to almost being in the headlock.  Then dealing with the final problem itself.  Scott then gave the guys some options if they were then taken to the ground in the headlock.  Remember drill the releases as much as possible but practice prevention more. You don't want to develop a victim mind set which can be common in Krav Maga training when classes drill defence over offence all the time.

Marcus

TUESDAY NIGHT TRAINING

Last night we trained out in the fresh air on the concrete.  We started off working on the pads to get a sweat up and build some solid strikes and combinations.  After that we looked at defending against straight attacks skimming of the opponents arm into their vision area then adding in the whatever finishing mode the guys wanted.  We covered face cranks once we had achieved a chest to back position coming off of jab and cross combinations.  We were lucky enough that Scott rocked up at this point as this stuff is his speciality.  He demonstrated some different versions and had the guys squealing as noses and eye sockets were reaching breaking point.  We rounded off the class with some slap boxing as a bit of fun and to develop some footwork.  Next week as the class timetable shifts we can get back focussing purely on Krav Maga and for October we will covering all the fundamentals.  Developing a sound understanding of the basics will give a good overall template.  Then you can develop a style that suits you as an individual which can be adapted as the threat increases and the surroundings change.

Marcus

NEW VIDEOS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

I have started up loading some more recent videos we shot a few weeks ago.  Some of them are looking at basic principles and techniques and others are looking at drills from some of the other systems we teach to help enhance the effectiveness of our Krav Maga.  These drills are mainly edged weapon based or sensitivity drills.  Learn them, use them, adapt them and get better.

There are also some rants for want of a better word from me. In one video I'm talking about who your average assailant is and his skill set.  Another, is on the force ladder.  So get a cuppa, sit down and watch them, share them and make sure you subscribe to the channel. Leave any feedback good or bad, it helps develop future videos.

Marcus

BRICKS AND MORTAR

I was recently on a CrossFit level 2 course.  One of the main themes of the course was the programming of movements to increase levels of fitness.  Combat Ready Gym offers classes in CrossFit and Krav Maga as do many of the larger warehouse gyms in US. In fact it was a Krav Maga coach that created the CrossFit kids course initially.  The point I am trying to make is people often train in one class and look for differences in the others.  

The more I teach, the more I understand the commonalities.  In CrossFit and Krav Maga it's often a rush of the practitioners to go for the funky moves and miss out the basics.  When people watch the CrossFit Games they see the top percent of athletes doing movements and look to emulate them.  They forgot about the basics that will last them a life time.  Thats the same as the Krav Maga mob.  They look to over complicate and learn the most complicated of movements without a solid understanding of the initial movements. Overlook the basics and you can't build a solid structure on top of it and eventually it will collapse. 

I like to teach a lot of basics (fundamentals) and we can use the more exotic stuff to keep interest high and challenge us.  However, you always must keep in mind that to be successful you need a solid concrete base.  

So with that in mind in CrossFit get back to the foundational movements and in Krav Maga get the boxing and low line kicking sharp. 

Train and stay safe. 

Marcus

Interception

So this one is mainly for the martial artists among us.  KM throughout the land is taught as a self defence system first and fighting system second.  So on the one hand you learn to act after the attack has happened, which is good, but I often feel it can train you to become the victim. The fighting system is really where it is at though.  To understand that though you need to look out with KM and straight to Bruce Lee's strategies of attack. I really hate reality videos however, this one is ok and only lasts a few seconds.  Remember we don't know any of the context surrounding this video so be objective.  What I want you to be aware of is the pre-emptive strike and then the interception on the second opponent - and the speed that the cigarette flies out his mouth. Every week in class I am banging on about intercepting this and that and sometimes I feel like nobody is listening.  Look at this video, understand, learn, adapt and use it.  This guys doesn't wait to be attacked, he knows he is and he intercepts the second guy who is trying to kick him.  You could almost say the first attack is an interception more than a pre-emptive strike as the attacker looks to raise his hands. Again, because its a video and we don't know anything about it who is the attacker?  Is it the guy on his own or the other guys.  You are only getting a snap shot so keep that in mind.  

The lesson though - don't wait, be pre-emptive if you feel you need to be or get using those interceptions.  

http://i.imgur.com/b6i7iKe.gifv

Stances

A lot of the martial arts world is overly concerned with stances.  In Krav Maga as well we refer to a certain stance as a 'general outlet' stance. Who in their right mind still says this as it means nothing to anyone in English?  Clearly something was lost in translation.  It's like how most Krav Maga gyms refer to wrist locks as 'cavaliers' as Imi called them this. It means nothing, and if Krav Maga is meant to be progressive why do people not re-name things?  I don’t teach much in the way of stances.  You have a passive guard and a guard position.  One is defensive and looks like you are de-escalating and the other is for full on combat.  What people need to realise is that when you spar in Krav Maga class this has very little to actually do with an actual confrontation. It's alive - moves more, has more dynamics, multiple opponents and weapons.  You want to be able to move left and right quickly so think more about how a basketball player player moves.  Want to experiment? Then simply watch two people spar then add in another two attackers and watch how the movements of the defender totally change. Keep in mind as well, your confrontation could take place in a bar and you don’t have time for stances as you typically think about them.   

Stances are good in traditional arts as they teach you movement and weight distribution for striking. However, we are trying to get people effective quickly and then get them in a comfortable position from where they can strike and move.  Don’t be too rigid with it all.  

NEW YEAR NEW YOU

CrossFit

So you've looked at the main HQ website, you've looked at some clips on YouTube of the CrossFit games and you've even gone and bought your Reebok CrossFit t-shirt.  You are ready to go and earn that body that adorns the CrossFit website site on a daily basis.  You get to class and you work out your body weight squat isn't as good as it could be.  Your push ups suck and you can't do a chin up even though you can bench press a 100kg. That's the basic and you haven't even started the olympic lifts. So what do you do?  You do what most people do, and you find excuses for not training harder or why this particular programme doesn't suit you or it doesn't work.  In today's throw away world everyone wants something yesterday and very few people are prepared to work for it.  How many people do you know who train in a gym and want to be big, yet they still look unimpressive?  They don't have the drive and will to succeed.  Sure, they might train hard but they drink too much alcohol, eat the wrong foods and don't sleep much.  That is the discipline though.  To succeed you need to stick with it and give it time.  Nothing worthwhile is easy or comes overnight.  To learn things takes time, and for God's sake go easy on yourself - don't waste time comparing yourselves to others or thinking people are looking at you.  They are training hard as well and don't have time to look at anyone else.  Think how long its takes you to learn to drive, and how even once you pass your test you are still learning and refining those skills.  Achieving that body, building fitness, dropping weight all takes time.  The people who come consistently, train hard, eat right and most of all listen to what the coaches are telling them are the people that get good and the ones you compare yourself to.  Be one of those people, and don't be the weak willed, easy-to-give-up excuse of a person.  The more you give up the less things there are to try.  Now suck it up, get training, work on the weaknesses and be great.  

Krav Maga

You've seen it in the movies, you seen it on YouTube and now you want to be that guy chucking people about, throwing ninjas through windows and surviving a multiple attack. You get to class and find out your co-ordination is not as great as you thought it was.  You make an excuse and already you start not to enjoy something that is fun and can change your life. You hit the pads and you work out there is not only co-ordination involved but power, accuracy and control.  Then you move on to partner drills and you feel clumsy as you stumble through the scenario.  You don't look as slick as the guy next to you who has probably been doing it a lot longer.  You start to make excuses in your head about why this isn't for you.  You sit at home thinking about your excuse for not coming to the next training session. Tell you what, the time you spend creating excuses just spend shadow boxing.  Practice the techniques and concepts you remember from the last few classes you attended.  It's a new skill and it takes time, you need to understand you are programming your body to move a particular way. You need to relax, go easy on yourself and just get to class and progress.  Screw what everyone else is doing and just focus on making yourself better by making sure you get to class, listen and train hard.  

The theme here is 'to get good takes time and dedication'.  I give it my all in coaching so you do me the courtesy of giving me a 100% back and you will become great.  Don't throw the towel in because something is difficult.  I've given up on things in the past and regretted it.  I've left things and then gone back to them with breaks in between and now it irks me to think if I had stuck with it I could have saved time and been further progressed.  

Remember one thing though.  You will not get great just thinking about it.  Do it, work hard and get the rewards whatever path you choose. 

Marcus

THE WAY TO SUCCEED

It’s true that basic is always best, and it is the same for combatives.  Most altercations, if they become physical, are settled with a strike, or combination of strikes, rather than some specific technique or takedown application.  In the early stages, concentrate your training on the basic strikes found in the boxing curriculum and work them to death.  During training, open your fist and your palm so you have your palm heel strikes.  Look to develop your closer range tools such as the elbows, knees and head butts.  Look in to other arts if you want to do some research, and look at knife hand and hammer strikes as well as forearm smashes and bicep pops.  All these things are taught here at Combat Ready as part of an ongoing curriculum, but many other clubs would rather throw techniques at you in place of the basics.  Remember - you need solid foundations to build a house.  Keep in mind that these strikes and constant forward pressure will get you through most of what life will throw at you. 

CONTROLLED AGGRESSION / EMOTIONAL CONTENT

Watch Bruce Lee's Enter the Dragon and listen to the speech about emotional content - remember and don't focus on the finger!  In training we talk about emotional content or controlled aggression.  This is what separates the greats from the regulars.  Simply put, you have two people working through various drills on the pads.  Both have the same ability and are rather sloppy with technique that could be sharpened up a lot.  That will all come with time and coaching though.  What puts one of these ahead of the other is that he/she has locked into aggression. Now when they confront the pads their mind set changes. These are no longer pads, these are the enemy.  The strikes will be short and sharp, and each one will be felt by his adversary. The striker will work himself up into a state of frenzy but under control.  They unleash hell on the pads and for a few seconds they become an animal. They have shifted their role as the prey to that of the predator.  Then after they have struck the pads they slowly bring themselves back down, but not too early as there may be other adversaries to deal with.  Its a pretty simple concept and one that will truly separate you from the crowd in your self defence training.  When I was training the army recently the CO was speaking to some guys who were going off to Sandhurst to become officers. He was stressing about how, yes the training is fun, but, ultimately, for those guys it is life and death. You have lost your weapon and are using your hands to end a life. You have to be able to switch on the aggression in yourself, do the job and turn it off. For those guys in particular they have the job like me of training people to be able to do it as well.  So in the New Year we will focus on some drills to make you guys more aware of this inner strength you have.  In the meantime just visualise your boss as one of those pads and rock n roll.  

No more excuses

Just remember for every one excuse you find not to come to training I will find two reasons for you to come.  The human spirit is a funny one. It ultimately knows what is good for you, but you can suppress it and choose another path. For example, you know that too much chocolate isn't good for you but you still eat it. You know that training is good for you, but you have had a hard day at work and are tired and simply can't be bothered. You start making the excuses ahead of time.  We have all been there, we have all done it. For some some it becomes a habit and then next thing it spills into every area of your life. You stop bettering yourself in other ways. Maybe you are trying to get promoted, and because you suffer a set back you choose to be happy with the position you are in. You can do whatever you want in life but you have to take control.  Just think that if you don't go to training then others often use your lack of attendance as an excuse not to attend.  Have some accountability and get yourself there and making a difference.  

Focus on your weakness

Work those weaknesses and pretty soon you will wonder what the fuss was all about.  Whether it's your kicking in kickboxing, your takedowns in Krav Maga or double unders in CrossFit, spend some time on them and make yourself a hard target.  Even just five minutes before a class can make all the difference over the course of a week.  Imagine you are struggling with hand position for your lifting. Get in and work on your mobility - in fact you can probably be doing this all day at work. If it's your footwork from the boxing then why the hell can't you train this? Every few steps think about how you transfer your weight and start bobbing and weaving all over the office.  That's a bit extreme but you know what I mean. In my old life I was always getting busted doing stupid things like closing doors with elbow strikes and keeping them open imaging I was working on low line traps and levers. I'd be buttering my toast - next thing I'm using the knife for a dexterity drill from Tactical Edge. 

Get into the open mat sessions at the gym and get working on making yourself better.

LAST WEEK IN KRAV MAGA

Last week in Krav Maga we had a real mixed bag.  We did some training in confined space as well as defending against various attacks whilst seated.  We looked at some defences from and on the ground. Scott, who is the MMA coach and also a KM coach, showed us some great controlling tactics on the ground and also how to neutralise an attacker's striking ability through a variety of positions as well as showing some great little ideas for causing pain and control if necessary.  Other nights we focussed more on the stand up striking game. 

Don't Be Selfish - Give your Partner Everything

When you train with someone in class they are your pupil and your friend.  I'm there as a coach, a guide, someone to point the way and lay the foundations of training. We all have different teaching styles.  I'm a group corrections man - unless I see someone who really needs help. I'm hiding in the shadows. I'm not walking about all the time in your face otherwise I'd be stopping you every two minutes to give you something else.  That being said, it gives me nothing but joy when I see guys training and offering each other advice and making that person better.  You are a teacher yourself and the best way to solidify your knowledge is to pass it on to someone else. They will ask you questions, and you sometimes have to think about the answers which is a good thing.  Don't look at it like 'oh hell, I'm partnered with a newbie'.  You were that guy once, and someone probably helped you along.  Come out your comfort zone once in a while and get a new partner and help someone out - that's what you are there for - to be a better person.  The benefit in Krav Maga, or in any of the other fighting systems, is that often with a new start you get someone untainted and raw and they fight in a more realistic way.  Remember, if you get drama outside its more than likely from a regular guy not someone with a lot of training.  They move completely differently.  So, wether your are in one our martial arts, Crossfit or technique classes, bear all this in mind and don't be afraid to help others out. Give them the benefit of your own learning curve. Help them avoid the mistakes you made and see your own skills and confidence accelerate. 

Common Object Training

In Krav Maga you have small objects being used for distraction.  Imagine a hand full of coins, some stones, dirt, a cup of coffee or a handkerchief being thrown into an attackers face just before you launch into your striking curriculum.  A good way to practice is throwing a bandana or duster or even some rubber washers on a piece of string to simulate coins.  That way your training partner gets to keep their eyes and teeth. You can practice by having the object already in your hand or if you are under threat say you are going to get your wallet and arm yourself.  Remember, this is just distraction tool. In a multiple attacker situation you may be throwing it towards one attacker and striking another.  Practice, practice, practice and have fun.  Each time should be different don't get stuck in a routine.  

The Good Old Leg Kick

You've seen the Thai kick destroy an opponent - you've felt the power you can produce on the pads and you've even been kicked in the thigh with this kick.  It's a great tool, but not one that is always the best in a self defence situation.  If you do use it in self defence, remember you will be targeting the knee, and in order to compromise that joint you really don't need all that much power.  The knee is a weak point, and in self defence situations a low regular front kick or oblique kick is going to be your best friend.  You ever bang your knee? I mean really bang it. It brings tears to the eyes immediately. Anyone can learn to develop this kick.  If you can kick a ball then you can bust a knee.  The only caveat being you can sometimes miss in the heat of battle with the front kick.  This is where the larger surface area of the oblique kick comes into play. You can use it like you are kicking a ball or you can stamp down and literally destroy the joint.  People overlook this kick because they think martial arts, and they think of head height kicks.  Also, its a difficult one to practice. One way is to get someone to wear substantial shin pads and just drive the foot into the shin - you get the same reaction.  You can work it on a decent heavy bag, or one way we have found useful at the gym is some foam lagging duct taped around a metal pole.  Remember to be fast and accurate and follow up with good strikes.  Think about your fighting strategies such as attack by draw, so you low kick then attack high when they react. Alternatively, you drive the kick home and it becomes a single direct attack.  You want to take a tool and work it and see what you can come up with.  Train smart and intelligently and, most of all, safely.

Testimonial for Combat Ready and KME

On behalf of City of Edinburgh Universities Officer Training Corps, I would like to thank the instructors at Krav Maga Edinburgh, with special commendation to Lawrie, for delivering a bespoke eight-week training programme for us. Professional instruction was provided at a level appropriate to the group, which progressed at a steady rate, as the majority had no prior martial arts experience. On several occasions, the instructors even stayed behind to go over any techniques for those having problems.

Sessions were physically and mentally challenging; hard work was encouraged in a natural and relaxed manner, which resulted in individuals feeling a real sense of achievement after every session. It was apparent that each session had been carefully considered and individually prepared, as teaching was clear and concise, with a different approach and set of objectives each week. Techniques were straightforward and effective, with many considered in the context of military scenarios. Most drills mirrored realistic situations, in contrast to other disciplines of martial arts that are less dynamic, and more rigid. We began defending against unarmed opponents and later progressed to defending against attackers armed with knives and firearms. These self-defence skills felt relevant to training with the Army Reserves - they are extremely sought after and everyone benefitted greatly from these weekly sessions. Furthermore, knowledge of how to defend ourselves or how to avoid such situations gave us more confidence in our everyday civilian life.

An additional bonus to the training was its effect on our fitness levels, and circuit training at the beginning of each week ensured that we were warmed up and primed for learning! Such a varied and strong programme would usually come with an expensive price tag – which can be very off-putting, especially for the student population. However, the affordability of these sessions meant that participation numbers were maximised.  Finally, training was fun and resulted in much laughter, a vital component of any training programme! We will definitely look into working with Krav Maga Edinburgh again. 

Hooking Punch

The hook is generally used when there is a barrier in front of us and we require a strike that can flank it and land heavily.  The hook can come from the lead or the rear hand and can be done up close or at a more medium range.  The power comes from the hip and the arm comes round in a circular potion to strike and then follows the line back again. Think about the elbow being high and twisting through the target.  Depending on strategy and power you can recoil or punch through the target.  Keep in mind if we punch through then we can often leave our body exposed.  You can land the hook from the lead or rear hand.  You really need to keep the hip snap in mind when punching with the lead hand as it just doesn't have that same venom as the rear hand.  Often if you miss with the fist then you can land an elbow strike. The hand can either be in a horizontal or vertical fist.  Its down to personal preference. With the vertical fist your have a greater surface area to strike with in gloves but remember in reality you won't have gloves on and should be hitting with the first two big knuckles. Hands are delicate and we want to keep them in one piece.