LEARN YOUR LINES

In Krav Maga we take a simplistic view of angles of attack.  Krav Maga is a system not an art so practitioners don't need to spend a lot of time on what some people call fluff.  KM has begged, borrowed and stole from the arts to make it what it is and has obviously its own ideas depending on where and who you train with.  However, in some instances its worth stepping outside of KM as they might have taken too simplistic an approach with certain points.

Check out the picture below and train those angles of attack with a common object and your striking tools.  I guarantee you that your interpretation of attacks will get better and you'll be able to intercept and have access to more striking lines.

A lot of guys training at the gym are cross training in JKD, NSI, Filipino arts and all of Scott's wrestling.  If your only training in KM spend a little time working on this and you'll reap the rewards in class.

Marcus

Beware Of False Idols

No one way is best. Nobody has it all, no one has all the answers. You are smart enough to do your own research and work out what is the best course of action for you to achieve your goals. Seek quality advice from sources who will put you before themselves and their wallets. Just because something is worldwide and or originates in a foreign country it doesn't necessarily make it better. Consider fighting styles from a by gone age. We all seek to learn from Japanese Masters or Guros from the Philippines when in fact the UK and Europe has such a rich martial heritage. The Empire conquered so much of the globe so we can presume that we had some ideas on hand to hand combat. Look again at more modern military combatives from WWII. Then tell me again why you are rushing off to learn something from another country.

The world is full of amazing and interesting people with stories to share and things to teach. However, never overlook the local guy or the guy a few towns up from you who I'm sure can teach you so much without the need to travel to the ends of the earth. I have an instructor in the US, have travelled all over Europe to train with people however, the bulk of my training was from a guy up in sleepy little Arbroath. A guy whom if he had been living in the US I am sure would have been a martial arts hall of famer. The same can be said about the fitness world. I've been taught kettle bells in the UK and seen the greats from abroad however, sometimes I have been more impressed with the local guy. So keep this in mind when training or seeking mentors. It might be that the person you need is just around the corner.

Master your own bodyweight...

A lot of people seem so eager to progress onto lifting weights before even mastering their own bodyweight. Push ups, squats and chin ups should all be done correctly before you even think about needing to lift a weight. They are the foundations of everything physical. Remember strong foundations are the key in everything we do otherwise whatever we put on top will simply topple. Think about Bruce Lee and how he practised the basics for hour after hour. This is what made him exceptional. There is nothing stopping you from being exceptional except yourself. Be great, be kind but most of all be yourself.