Krav Maga

Why Krav Maga?

In 2001, 5.7 million rapes, robberies, assaults -- known as "violent personal crimes" -- were reported. Men accounted for over 54% of the total victims -- 3.1 million men versus 2.6 million women. Of the crimes against women, 32 percent were committed by strangers, while the remaining 68 percent were committed by family members, friends or acquaintances. DOJ Statistics

I came to Krav Maga, like many, after an incident that made me nervous. One early spring evening I was walking in the "U District," the area around the University of Washington here in Seattle, with my ex-wife and a number of female friends. A drunk guy wearing a loose army jacket staggered up and asked for money.

Panhandlers are common in this area. As usual, we politely refused to give him money; generally, this evokes a response like "Well, have a good day," or "God bless you," but not today. This guy got belligerent, foul mouthed and made threatening gestures. At once I found all the women on the other side of me and I was right up face to face with this knucklehead. I thought, "If this guy pulls a knife I am in trouble."

Fortunately a little verbal de-escalation worked and the shit bag moved on.

Seemed to me that a wise idea might be to get some training in self defense. I figured I'd check around for some sort of karate/judo/tai kwon doe/whatever training. Then, on Jim Hightower's radio program Jim discussed this martial art he heard about call Krav Maga ('krahv mu-'gah), developed by the Israelis. He seemed pretty hyped about it, and I figured that if the no-nonsense Israelis use it, I should check it out.

Some research brought me to the local instructor, Jay Pachl who runs Krav Maga Seattle.

Checking him out I discovered that he holds a black belt and has trained in Krav for over 20 years and has taught for about 18. He is certified through the Wingate Institute of Netanya, Israel and has studied with some of its most senior instructors. Jay is often asked to assist the chief trainers of the International Krav Maga Federation operating out of the Institute. He provides the only IKMF certified Krav Maga training available in the Puget Sound area.

That was about 8 years ago. Now I know what to do if a drunk guy pulls a knife - RUN! If that is not practical, there are other things to do, but you will have to take a class to learn that.

The links to the left will take you to some articles I have researched and written. I am not a lawyer, cop or anything else except a guy who reads a lot, knows how to do research and how to write. Nothing I write necessarily reflects the views, opinions or attitudes of The National Training Center or Krav Maga Seattle. Take everything you read with that caveat, particularly the section on "Preventing A Terrorist Attack." The caveat in the article is important. When in doubt, call the authorities, check with your lawyer, avoid trouble, get away, have character but don't be a character. You'll live a longer, happier and healthier life. Selah.

An occasional bloody knuckle shows good punching technique!

Situational Awareness

Books and References on Terrorism

Photo showing why we fight terrorists over there before they get here.

(New 8 week session
Thursday, 12 Sept.
Thursdays and Wednesdays [this is a change from the previous schedule])

Go to Krav Maga Seattle for information.

Updated Tuesday, August 7, 2007