This hand-to-hand combat style packs in a lot of punches, literally. But more than that, it is an exercise that teaches one how to be on the guard in dark alleys. It started as a lethal combat training for the Israeli Army and is now a craze the world over in its fitness, aka boot camp avatar.
Move over karate as Krav Maga is the new ‘get fit-cum-self-defence' fad in the town. And the list of takers is only going up, mainly, thanks to the chain-snatching and other incidents on the rise in different localities in the city.
Builds confidence
“I decided to join the classes after my bag was snatched outside a multiplex. My self-confidence levels plummeted and I wanted to get mentally strong. I came across Krav Maga in Delhi. It was a boon when the classes started in Hyderabad. A friend of mine had his laptop snatched in Gachibowli in broad daylight and he is learning Krav Maga too,” says Dhara, a lecturer.
A visit to Krav Maga instructor Ajit Nathaniel's class in Jubilee Hills on weekends showcases a cross section of people - students, IT professionals, businessmen and home makers - taking keen interest in the boxing regimen, sprints and the works which leaves them tired and confident the same time.
Burn 800 calories
“Self defence is an attitude. Krav Maga is been taken up largely by people who want to learn self-defence or threat response. One also burns 800 calories in one session of the high intensity class. It is a down-to-earth, no-frills regimen for people focussed on self-defence and fitness,” says Ajit. While all military professionals in Israel are given combat training with hand-guns and special tactics, Krav Maga bare hands training is chosen for civilians, he says. In India, his organisation Krav Maga India headquartered in New Delhi, founded by Vicky Kapoor, trains the Prime Minister's SPG, various law enforcement and special tactic groups such as Punjab Police SWAT team and more.
The significance of the combat training in present scenario is proven by the fact that Krav Maga found its way in the training programme for IPS probationers at Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel National Police Academy here.
“One should be able to defend oneself. I did have an orientation towards Judo and Karate and joined Krav Maga one month ago. I find myself more alert and in a better shape to tackle any situation. Krav Maga is helpful for civilians to know self defence. My work takes me abroad and such training is useful,” says Nayan Choudhary, a software professional working with an IT firm in the city.
Training under safety guidelines such as usage of shin guards and gloves makes Krav Maga stand apart. “We are accountable to an international organisation in Israel where we also undergo constant training as instructors and have our knowledge updated,” says Ajit as he is contemplating on opening a centre in Secunderabad as well soon
