<p>Hurting ‘em is about Krav Maga, the Israeli self-defence technique developed in the late 1930s when Imre ‘Imi’ Lichtenfeld, an Israeli martial artist organised Europe’s Jews to defend themselves against the Nazis. Krav, which was a rage in the America of the 80s, is now increasingly becoming a cult in Bangalore. No less than 300 young men and women, especially in the info-tech sector, have signed up to train themselves in one of the most effective, no-frills fighting methods — Krav Maga in Hebrew means close or contact combat — which teaches moves to prevent, deal with and overcome bodily violence and attacks. Krav Maga classes in Richmond Town are populated by folks ranging in age from early 20s to mid 50s, college kids, IT professionals and housewives.<br /> <br />It started in Bangalore in December 2008 when the first few batches had an average of seven to 12 keen to take lessons in Krav. Apart from Bangalore, there are four other Krav training centres countrywide — Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi and Kolkata. The chief instructor is Vicky Kapoor who was trained in the art in Israel. “The body responds to all kinds of external attack, and it’s in our subconscious mind. The right utilisation of your reflexes can save you from a lot of danger,” explains Frank J, a Krav instructor. <br /><br />Only for women<br />In the entire repertoire of Krav moves, there are special techniques, like Project Athena, which have been developed especially for women who might be faced with difficult situations on the streets. Krav employs an economy of movement which combine with the body’s hardest parts (fists, elbows, shins) against an opponent’s softest (eyes, stomach, private parts).<br /><br />According to psychologist Ottilie Anban Kumar, who is also a practitioner, “Krav deals with real-life situations and makes us aware of them. Training in Krav techiques is important for women who have to deal with issues almost on a day-to-day basis”. As a woman and a psychologist, Ottilie believes Krav “not just equips us to face increasing crimes against women, especially domestic violence, rape and sexual abuse, but also enhances self-esteem and confidence which help us maintain a better work-life balance”.<br /><br />Krav is not all about brawn and how you might put it to good or bad use. It also helps improve different aspects of the body and the mind. The warm-up session alone is a solid cardio workout which can burn up to 800 calories an hour. A great stress buster, it helps practitioners deal with ugly situations like road rage, robberies, attempted rapes or any other moment of unpreparedness.<br /><br />As one practitioner, Swanand Lele, told Deccan Herald: “I have been practising Krav Maga for nearly two years and it has exponentially improved my self-confidence. <br />So, even if you are scrawny but are prepared to bruise if provoked and get bruised, then you can train yourself to a level when you can put an elbow against your attacker’s jaw with something approaching glee.<br />DH News Service<br /><br />The cult in City<br />*Personal safety and security<br />*Building confidence and self esteem<br />*Stress buster<br />*Enhance fitness levels<br />*Constructive expression of pent up emotions<br />*Anger management <br />*Attain a proper work-life balance</p>
<p>Hurting ‘em is about Krav Maga, the Israeli self-defence technique developed in the late 1930s when Imre ‘Imi’ Lichtenfeld, an Israeli martial artist organised Europe’s Jews to defend themselves against the Nazis. Krav, which was a rage in the America of the 80s, is now increasingly becoming a cult in Bangalore. No less than 300 young men and women, especially in the info-tech sector, have signed up to train themselves in one of the most effective, no-frills fighting methods — Krav Maga in Hebrew means close or contact combat — which teaches moves to prevent, deal with and overcome bodily violence and attacks. Krav Maga classes in Richmond Town are populated by folks ranging in age from early 20s to mid 50s, college kids, IT professionals and housewives.<br /> <br />It started in Bangalore in December 2008 when the first few batches had an average of seven to 12 keen to take lessons in Krav. Apart from Bangalore, there are four other Krav training centres countrywide — Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi and Kolkata. The chief instructor is Vicky Kapoor who was trained in the art in Israel. “The body responds to all kinds of external attack, and it’s in our subconscious mind. The right utilisation of your reflexes can save you from a lot of danger,” explains Frank J, a Krav instructor. <br /><br />Only for women<br />In the entire repertoire of Krav moves, there are special techniques, like Project Athena, which have been developed especially for women who might be faced with difficult situations on the streets. Krav employs an economy of movement which combine with the body’s hardest parts (fists, elbows, shins) against an opponent’s softest (eyes, stomach, private parts).<br /><br />According to psychologist Ottilie Anban Kumar, who is also a practitioner, “Krav deals with real-life situations and makes us aware of them. Training in Krav techiques is important for women who have to deal with issues almost on a day-to-day basis”. As a woman and a psychologist, Ottilie believes Krav “not just equips us to face increasing crimes against women, especially domestic violence, rape and sexual abuse, but also enhances self-esteem and confidence which help us maintain a better work-life balance”.<br /><br />Krav is not all about brawn and how you might put it to good or bad use. It also helps improve different aspects of the body and the mind. The warm-up session alone is a solid cardio workout which can burn up to 800 calories an hour. A great stress buster, it helps practitioners deal with ugly situations like road rage, robberies, attempted rapes or any other moment of unpreparedness.<br /><br />As one practitioner, Swanand Lele, told Deccan Herald: “I have been practising Krav Maga for nearly two years and it has exponentially improved my self-confidence. <br />So, even if you are scrawny but are prepared to bruise if provoked and get bruised, then you can train yourself to a level when you can put an elbow against your attacker’s jaw with something approaching glee.<br />DH News Service<br /><br />The cult in City<br />*Personal safety and security<br />*Building confidence and self esteem<br />*Stress buster<br />*Enhance fitness levels<br />*Constructive expression of pent up emotions<br />*Anger management <br />*Attain a proper work-life balance</p>
