Krav Maga
A little over two years ago I discovered Krav Maga. I’ve since become a full blown addict. For those of you who don’t know what Krav Maga is, it is the official system of self defense employed by the Israeli Defense Forces, Israeli Anti-terrorist Units, and various branches of the Israeli Security Forces. I do my training at Paul Evans Martial Arts. Right now I’m a level 3 practitioner.
The reason I like it so much is that it’s so damn brutal. I know that sounds odd, but it is the only way I can describe it. After each class you really feel a sense of accomplishment. Imagine what it feels like after surviving a four and a half hour level 1 test. If you pass, you walk away feeling pretty damned good about yourself. The level 2 test was even more difficult and the sense of accomplishment was even greater.
Over the last couple of years I’ve had cracked/bruised ribs, numerous bloody noses, various injuries and what not, but I’ve also learned to take a beating and to dish out a pretty damned good beating as well. Plus I’m in better shape at 47 than I was at 30. My 30 year old self would have his ass completely handed to him by my 47 year old self.
A couple of months ago my wife started getting in to it too. It’s great. Last night she was throwing down with the best of them; 5’11” of Ukrainian fury.
If you’re in an area that has a martial arts studio that teaches Krav Maga, I definitely recommend giving it a try. I guarantee after the first half hour you will be asking yourself, “What in God’s name have I gotten myself in to?” But when it’s over you’ll be going, “Holy crap, this is fun.”
Another thing you can be sure of is that, the next day, you’ll be in pain. Don’t worry, it never really goes away, you just get used to it.