My synagogue sent out notices that they would be bringing in a Krav Maga expert to teach a course in kicking some ass! Okay, not really, more like, getting out of a jam if someone tries to attack us! As I am a delicate flower and would likely freeze if such a thing happened, I thought it prudent to sign up. My mister signed up too, but I think that's just to be near me because heaven help anyone who tries to tangle with him! So, this morning we went to the first class. How did I like it, you may be asking. I hated it! Hated. Every. Minute. The whole class is so aggresive; punching each other (well, with pads) and pretending to choke each other and practicing getting out of chokeholds, and kicking each other and doing sit-ups and push-ups (excuse me? I doubt a bad guy will demand I do some sit-ups!) and well, you get the idea. Grrrr! I was not alone in hating the class. There was another diminutive lady there and we were commiserating about just how much we were hating the whole thing. In fact, we both were feeling nauseaus from it! My instinct is to say, 'Thanks, but no thanks.' But, that would be foolhardy. I will go back. Because I hate it, I will go back. Because the whole activity is so uncomfortable and unpleasant for me. I will go back so that if someday, G-d forbid, the unthinkable happens, I will be able to fight back not freeze. Wish me luck. And a strong stomach.
I've never heard of Krav Maga! What about women's self-defense classes? I haven't taken one, but they seem like a good idea. I've always doubted that I could reach for mace in time to prevent an assault.
Posted by: KS | Monday, January 26, 2009 at 07:26 AM
Krav Maga is not old like karate and Tae Kwon Do. I think it will be a very valuable training so I can fight to defend myself. I totally agree, there is likely no time to reach for mace if someone sneaks up on us!
Posted by: nora | Monday, January 26, 2009 at 12:20 PM
I respect a "delicate flower" who takes KM. Be careful, the training only gets more rigorous. Glad you liked the Ray Charles quotes :)
Posted by: JIDF | Monday, January 26, 2009 at 11:41 PM
My dear JIDF!
Thank you for the lovely Ray Charles photo and quotes. You are doing important work and I consider your (web) friendship, a great blessing.
Posted by: nora | Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 11:20 AM
Very interesting! I love your motivation, Nora, that you go because you hate it.
Do you happen to have any info so those of us interested can sign up for classes?
Posted by: Tinct | Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 08:06 PM
Hello Tinct,
Thank you for your comment. It encourages me. As for info, just do a search for Krav Maga in your city; there seem to be Krav Maga studios all over the place. Let me know if you start taking it and we'll compare notes!
Posted by: nora | Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 08:10 PM