intersting alignment of worlds

[saffronhare]

Every once in a while, somebody will ask me what form or martial arts and close-quarters combat I learned through the military...embarrassingly enough, I don't know how to answer the question. It was sort of like a lot of different styles, but I couldn't put a name to it. (They never taught us the name. Just the execution, so to speak.)

Well, I think I've figured it out. Over lunchtime, I'll often wander around LJ-land and explore other people's friends lists. A lovely and interesting person called jenarael had a lively discussion going about ballistics and intend to harm and self-defense and stuff, when somebody mentioned a style called Krav Maga. http://www.kravmaga.com/krav01.html

I followed the link, watched a few demonstration clips, and -- wonder of wonders -- that's it! Or at least the closest thing to it that I've ever seen. They've even got a few centers in the KC area, one of which is located just a few miles from my house. I've been looking for some sort of fitnessy thing as a reward for myself (when a certain decrease of financial stress and body weight have been achieved).

Huh, I say. Huh.

Comments

[chronarchy.livejournal.com]

jenarael is one of my favourite journals. She has such intersting people on it, but really, it's her writing style that captivates me.

[diermuid.livejournal.com]

That sounded like what you had described, I believe the current baron and a few other local SCA fighters have done the same thing.

It's somewhat common with people who take their self-defence (and offense) seriously. Karate, Tae-bo, etc. are good for fitness and self-esteem, but not the best thing to save your life with. 8-)

[saffronhare.livejournal.com]

Yes, it does require a certain commitment...not only to inflicting harm, but to doing it quickly and forcefully enough that your opponent is incapacitated with utmost efficiency.

Good times.

[saffronhare.livejournal.com]

A few reasons:

1. It's very motivational as a reward.
2. Having reached a certain weight loss goal (not the whole goal, just a respectable chunk of it) will mean that I've done a good job of setting aside regular time for exercise, so I'd be more likely to follow through on a commitment to training.
3. I don't move as well when I'm overweight, so I fear I'd be risking injury.

For what it may be worth

[zylch.livejournal.com]

In an even odder coincidence, Sifu Scott was talking about the OP Krav Maga program last night. It's one of the styles he has studied in the past, and he was not particularly impressed with the quality of instruction at the local center. It may well work for your fitness goals, especially since you've already had training in it (or a similar style). But it's probably worth checking it out pretty thoroughly -- at least observing a class -- before signing up for it.

I watched the videos on the website. The front-choke counter looks very similar to one I've learned, so you might also check out kung fu schools near you (and make sure they offer the tiger form).

Re: For what it may be worth

[saffronhare.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the info about the local training. Good to know. Yes, I'd be certain to observe a class first. (Of course, this will be the first time I've ever actualy *had* a choice in trainers for this stuff...)

[gamera-spinning.livejournal.com]

Oddly enough I first heard about Krav Maga when the last Terminator movie came out because the actress that portrayed the T-X, Kristanna Loken, was taught to use Krav Maga for her part. Apparently it was created and adapted by the Isreali Defense Force.

[saffronhare.livejournal.com]

You're right -- it's not very sporting at all. :) Which is why it's difficult for me to "play rough" with most folks. Muscle memory is a very powerful thing.

[triadruid.livejournal.com]

I think it's one of those causality loops....Israeli military/Spec. Forces are trained by the U.S. somewhat, then create Krav Maga, which comes back to the U.S., wherein you see it...

From what I understand, general U.S. military hand-to-hand combat is a less elegant version of "make-'em-dead-now", but that's all second hand, as I never was military, just related to a bunch of them, and sometimes read their materials for fun.

[saffronhare.livejournal.com]

As Eddie Izzard would say, there's very little art to it. It's just martial.

Also, I'm unclear about whether there are levels of proficiency to be achieved if one is learning Krav Maga in civilian life. If it's taught primarily as self-defense, then it's really pass/fail. Die, or don't die. Visiting and observing will be very important.

If I'm going to get back to studying some sort of martial art, I'd want to go with something that takes a life-long learning and discipline approach. If not Krav Maga, then Aikido and TKD have impressed me, so we'll see.