MMA and Krav Maga. Similarity and difference.

MMA and Krav Maga. Similarity and difference.

As a trainer and fighter with experience in 

various forms of combat, I've come to appreciate the unique approach of Krav Maga.

There are a lot of similar points between MMA and Krav Maga, The level of training, the level of pressure required from the trainee and the level of mental flexibility, the mental strength.

In both Krav maga and MMA we will aim to control the different dimensions of the fight. Like MMA, Krav Maga requires good understanding and skills  to deal with the three dimensions of combat: standing, clinch, and ground. 

As teachers and fighters we will aim to produce enough technical repetition that will allow our students and us to enjoy a motor memory to be helpful  in a stressful situation - "Repetition is the mother of skill." - Tony Robbins

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 ‏Repetition is a crucial aspect of training, particularly when it comes to developing muscle memory. When a movement or exercise is repeated over and over again, the neural pathways in the brain that control that movement become stronger and more ingrained. This process is known as "motor learning."

Muscle memory, also known as motor memory, is the ability of the nervous system to remember and replicate a movement that has been performed multiple times. Once a movement has been mastered through repetition, it becomes automatic and requires less conscious effort to perform.

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At the same time as learning and controlling the different dimensions of the fight, and focus on our technical level the importance of mental training in both areas is critical. 

Mental training is a crucial aspect of preparing for and dealing with stressful situations. It can help individuals develop the necessary skills and mindset to manage stress, maintain focus, and perform at their best when under pressure. 

One study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that athletes who engaged in regular mental training had a greater ability to maintain their focus, regulate their emotions, and perform at their best under pressure. The study also found that mental training helped athletes develop a more resilient mindset, which allowed them to bounce back from setbacks and perform at their best in high-stress situations.

the importance of mental training in preparing for and dealing with stressful situations, not only for athletes, but for anyone who want to improve their abilities to handle pressure in any area of life.

 However, there are some key differences that set Krav Maga apart from MMA.

One major difference is the emphasis on changing terrain. In MMA, the fight takes place in an arena or cage on a fixed and flat mat. In Krav Maga, we train to deal with the unpredictable and varied terrain of real-world self-defense situations, such as small rooms, furniture, stairwells, and cars.

Another important difference is the potential for an opponent to have an advantage over us in terms of size, skill, or weaponry. In MMA, the opponent is usually a skilled and similarly-sized fighter. In Krav Maga, we must be prepared for any situation, including facing an opponent with a weapon or a group of attackers.

Lastly, the absence of a referee in Krav Maga changes the dynamic of the fight. In a real-world self-defense situation, there is no one to start and stop the fight, and we must be prepared to deal with the element of surprise, variable aggressiveness, and a different set of values.

Despite these differences, my experience has shown me that the proper training of a Krav Maga fighter should begin with learning the basics of MMA. This includes correct range reading, stable foot movement, and techniques from the world of wrestling striking and grappling. These fundamental skills provide a solid foundation for advancing in the world of Krav Maga and achieving a higher level of proficiency.

"Champions aren't made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them - a desire, a dream, a vision." - Muhammad Ali.

 A true construction of a correct training process on all its levels largely depends on the motivation of the student and the ability of the trainer. Repetition, mental training, reference to a changing environment and a changing threat is critical and important, according to my perception. Unfortunately, this concept is not common among many of the Krav Maga schools, and it's a shame!!!

The privilege and responsibility of being a teacher!

As the new year of 2023 begins, it is important for individuals in all professions to strive for precision in their work. However, for those in the teaching profession, this need for precision is especially crucial. As a teacher, one is not only responsible for imparting knowledge and skills to students, but also for being a role model and providing guidance. As Aristotle said, "The ultimate aim of the other arts is pleasure, but the ultimate aim of philosophy is the knowledge and contemplation of truth." Teaching is not just about sharing information but also about leading the student towards the truth and that is a great privilege.

To be a teacher is to give service, and this requires not only a deep understanding of the subject matter, but also the ability to test oneself and one's knowledge in order to give authenticity, example, and experience. This is particularly true for teachers who work with different fields, such as MMA athletes, wrestlers, and those in the military or law enforcement. The ability to make knowledge and training programs accessible to each individual project is vital for success in this role. As General George S. Patton said, "Experience taught me that in war the human factor cannot be disregarded." A teacher should be able to draw from their own experiences to provide a well-rounded education.

Experience, training, and persistence are key to being a successful teacher. Hours spent on the mat, teaching different subjects using different methods, and practicing oneself are all necessary to produce quality work. Relevant operational, competitive, and therapeutic experience cannot be bought. Degrees, certificates, are not a substitute for the real-world knowledge and experience that one can gain through hard work and dedication. As Confucius said, "Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." A teacher should be humble enough to recognize their own limitations and strive to improve their understanding.

As a teacher, it is important to have a commitment to providing the most accurate solutions, and an ego that allows one to examine mistakes and adapt to different populations on the entire physical or objective spectrum. This is the real work of a teacher. Sun Tzu, the ancient Chinese military strategist and author of "The Art of War," said, "The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery." A good teacher should be able to guide their students towards their own understanding and not impose their own beliefs.

I despise ego in coaches or teachers, who entrench themselves in a position just to avoid real learning or research. This year, I wish to be precise and like a samurai, knowing how to give the best service from a place of modesty and a desire to teach. As Mahatma Gandhi said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Teaching is not just a job, it's a privilege and a duty to serve the future generation.

I have been asked many times about my worldview regarding Krav maga.

I have been asked many times about my worldview regarding Krav maga.

Krav Maga Similar to MMA requires dealing in multiple battle dimensions. Ability to fight standing, ability to wrestle and face the opponent on the ground.

  

Unlike MMA the Krav Maga requires an understanding of varying threat levels, requires an understanding of conflict management with and without physical intervention, requires an understanding of fighting in changing ground conditions and the ability to deal with weapons.

Krav Maga requires experience. The syllabus should be relevant to the local needs and threats, the age of the trainees, or their operational role. An operational combat instructor should come with real and relevant operational experience..

Krav Maga training requires massive practice of Striking , Wrestling and Grappling. sparing and rolling on a regular basis.and practicing stressful situations. To ensure that the trainee does not freeze as soon as he encounters a real threat.

Krav Maga training must be built according to protocols and not as a list of techniques. There must be a real understanding that a threat is something dynamic that can easily get complicated and become much more serious.

Practice must come first, in my personal perception different ranks, belts or degrees are irrelevant to the world of Krav Maga.

These are guidelines for my personal perception. According to this I shape the nature of learning in my organization.

Available for any question. Have a good day!

Training for fun or a way of life.

Training for fun or a way of life.

Whatever topic you choose to focus on in life and to push yourself into, it always requires time, effort and motivation. Life goals or even a hobby that you want to focus on will put you on a productive process of skill learning,  skill updating, mental journey of ups and downs, success as well as failures. 

Krav Maga or any tactical training  is no different.

Anyone who knows me knows that my professional life is divided into, SANSHOU and traditional wrestling on the one hand, tactical training and Krav Maga on the other hand.

These two do overlap with many things but they require attention in different areas. In both I get to meet different communities around the world. Within the professional combat sports community, in which each fighter takes on a project, builds a supportive and instructive training system, practices complementary strength and conditioning training, opens himself to new strategies and focuses on the fundamentals with endless repetition. On the other hand, the international Krav Maga community, where unfortunately it is rare to find a similar attitude. This community is made up of amateurs, security personnel, military operatives or people who have chosen tactical training and self defense as an essential part of their work or life often refer to technical training and knowledge without establishing the same work ethic and mindset as the professional combat sports community. Why shouldn't the Krav Maga community not strive to build a training system to optimize their skills sets in becoming more professional just like an elite athlete?

It is clear to me that after this paragraph many trainers from different organizations will claim differently, or will try to glorify themselves and their form of training. But honestly ..., I have been travelling around the world doing hundreds of seminars in the past 10 years, I've trained units in Israel and around the world, instructed security and CPOs teams at the highest levels and unfortunately I can count on one hand the "elite athlete" mindset fighters I have met over the years. 

The decision or choice for me to focus on Krav Maga or any tactical self defense training is an important, it is different than any other professional sports because here it is not a hobby or a competitive environment but a survivalist mindset that comes to build me physically and mentally for any threat that may arise on the street, it is not preparation for a MMA fight or a wrestling  Championship, it is a daily preparation for a reality where I can move around safer and more secure.

Just like anything focusing on Krav Maga requires professional physical and mental preparation. It requires an understanding and mindset that will maximize my body as well as my skills and I will never settle for the knowledge I have already acquired, never compromise and feel satisfied, never chasing rank or titles for my progress, but rather keep constantly seeking new goals and challenges. 

Putting politics aside, avoiding all nonsense I rather focus on a community that will empower me and teach me to not engage in anything that will stand in the way of my self-improvement and the sense of security of my immediate environment.

Here is my suggestion....for all of you that want to achieve and embrace this mindset . I am available to help where we can learn and develop together. Now is the time for tactical training to get out of the "compromising majority" and start bringing in more efficient and serious professionals ...because choosing the knowledge that will save me in real life situations is like taking the blue pill in the matrix . Once you've chosen it's time to sink, learn and develop.

Osu

Seminar instructor versus coach / mentor

Seminar instructor versus coach / mentor. Two roles I know very well and find myself juggling between them on a regular basis. On the surface these roles may seem to be the same but to truly understand them we need to look at the essence of each role.I recently came across a slogan of a teacher who calls himself a "coach on the road" (in a slightly different version, but because of my respect, I exchanged one of the words slogan).This person has not led a group of students in years overseeing their growth but rather working as an instructor in seminars.

To be a coach or mentor you have to be present in the students life where you need to have a deep understanding of their physical and emotional needs. You also have to make sure to conserve the group's energy even during your own personal trials and tribulations. We should also ensure that the group of students is able to feed and lift itself from the inside during hardships. The journey of the coach is accompany their students through the years where they will experience physical, mental as well as personal changes. As a coach we need to accept and understand when a student is busy and that they may not always be as focused, however a bridge should always be available with a open door making them feel welcome. Due to the coaches relationship with each student he will set a central goals and build sub-goals which will advance the team at the right pace rather than frustrating and stunting their progression.

The above is not reflected through my work as an instructor in seminars.During seminars you need to maintain a high work rate, you must understand that your job is to present a perception through work and hopefully this will be continued through quality training. You must maintain high energy, be very alert that you stop and help individual students but on the other hand do not let that disturb the rest of the seminar .... You need to understand that you are in front of people that only came to learn, experience and examine your professionalism.

In seminars you performing, you presenting your world and your professionalism as an expert instructor, you are not there as a coach / mentor, you are probably not their Sensei.  Even if I've met those students over the years, know their personal lives, been in their homes,  I'm not their Sensei, I'm not their coach. I can serve as a figure of inspiration, I can outline within my organization the basics of how and what is expected behaviour of a coach and a team leader, but you must not think that both roles are the same they don't mix.

OSU.

Ranks and belts in the tactical training and Krav maga world

Shabbat shalom to all... Just some thoughts for the weekend -

Ranks and belts in the tactical training and Krav maga world

Many times I come across a question about the existence of belts or levels in the IKF organization. And many times I have to explain that the world of belts in Krav Maga as I see it is fundamentally wrong. I understand the need for certain clubs or organizations to create a goal structure that will give trainees some kind of ambition during training. But here, in contrast to Jiu Jitsu, Shuai Jiao, Sanshou or any  traditional art , rank has no relevance.

For many years i found many organisations ranking people and eventhough its great to receive recognition from your instructors showing your progression, also feel that rankings can give people a false sense of security because it doesn't translate how you will react to a real life situation. Remember all techniques are in a controlled environment with very few variables. 

The training structure may not be linked to a particular syllabus; threats are something that varies from country to country and from culture to culture. In Israel for example defence against a knife threat, teaching of  environmental awareness and audience behavior , is completely different from the knife threat profile that can be found in Germany or England. The basics and fundamental are of course the same but the perception or nature of the attack varies and is very unique to each culture.

Just as ridiculous to me as a Krav Maga instructor who has never fought or coped with operational stress and changing terrain conditions will come and guide an operational unit, so too will the quest to advance in belts when you are stuck  to an organization's syllabus rather than training and learning  the reality that surrounds you and is relevant to your daily life.

I teach seminars and security units all over the world, and I am honored to teach  a large number of operative units in Israel, for each unit, for each country, a different seminar is built, as I said the same basis, but the reference point for issuing the protocol will be different. It is important to me to see the soldiers, security guards and civilians  understanding their relevant threats, and carrying out the protocols that are right for their role in life.

I don't see any need for belts in the Krav Maga world, and unfortunately I came across quite a few "experts" who showed poor coping ability when I put them into pressure practice.

Tactical training, self-defense is not a class, it is not a hobby, it is a mind set , an understanding that I must acquire for myself skills and tools for survival.  A black belt, a pink belt, a gold belt, or an "expert" rank do not really belong here.

osu!

#megamasters spam

I do not go into politics, I also try not to criticize colleagues. But the amount of nonsense on social networks and private messages in recent weeks has completely gone out of control.
People label themselves as military Krav maga instructors, demonstrating inventions under the guise of IDF protocols.

People put ranks of "expert", "master" and all kinds of nonsense that is irrelevant to the world of combative and tactical training . #idfkravmaga and all sorts of unclear forms that attempt to legitimize unreasonable technique without any point of understanding of the operational reality or the attacker profile on a self defense situations.

It is important to understand that the community of tactical instructors and lead Krav Maga instructors in Israel is not too big. And most of us know each other. Any kind of name-drop or uploading videos of a student or 2 with uniforms does not make an organization legitimate or relevant as part of that community.

All sorts of military hero slogans or stories do not make an organization a tactical knowledge sources with a real understanding of the changing daily environment.

Be real! Check your organization background and experience.choose to focus on what matters, with up-to-date knowledge, with quality guidance. What can you do with The "Expert" Degree Or with a rainbow color Belt On your Waist when The Knowledge You Have not come from a real update involving knowledge source.

Keep it safe
We are the IKF!