Motivation, persistence, big goals and sub-goals as milestones in the process.

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill

Motivation is a crucial factor that drives behavior and action, pushing us towards our goals and aspirations. Persistence, on the other hand, refers to the unwavering determination and steadfastness to stick to a course of action, despite any obstacles or challenges that may arise.

When setting out to achieve our goals, it is important to identify both our primary goals, which serve as the overarching motivation for our actions, and our secondary goals, which create a path of perseverance. These smaller goals serve as milestones, helping us to make steady progress towards our ultimate objectives.

Michael Jordan, once said, "Conquering small goals on the way to a significant goal is like chipping away at a block of marble until you've carved a masterpiece." This quote underscores the importance of breaking down large objectives into smaller, more manageable tasks, which help to build momentum and sustain motivation over time.

In the world of self-defense, entering with the motivation to live with a safer feeling is a strong driving force. Once you've entered this world, you cannot escape the understanding that there is a threat, and you must learn to defend yourself. This one-way path fosters perseverance, leading to progress and a deeper understanding of your physical limits and technical abilities.

Aristotle, once said, "In the face of difficulty, it is essential to mobilize our mental resources to overcome the obstacle." This quote highlights the importance of developing mental toughness and resilience, which are critical for persevering through setbacks and challenges.

Mental difficulty can come in different forms when pursuing our goals. It can stem from changes in the environment or external support, a mismatch between our perception of goal completion timeline and the actual time it takes, monotony from a long and repetitive process, or a diversion from other alluring goals. These difficulties are not uncommon for athletes and anyone in a prolonged learning journey. To surmount these obstacles, it's crucial to keep the main objective in sight and remain motivated.

"Motivation" acts as a driving force for pursuing a major goal, providing the necessary fuel for persevering through the sub-goals along the way. When faced with a mental difficulty, "persistence" serves as a reminder to look back to the initial "motivation" for strength and determination to continue moving forward. Thus, "motivation" and "persistence" work hand in hand to help us achieve our objectives.

Definitions are secondary and not central to the overall development as a trainee. As a teacher, I seek out trainees who are able to overcome mental difficulties, gathering new forces to progress and move from an enthusiastic starting point to a place where they must summon additional mental fortitude to succeed.

Learning process

Humans are a social species, and we thrive in communities where we can learn from and be inspired by those around us. We often look to alpha figures for guidance and seek to establish our own status within our community. However, one aspect of our learning process that has been lost over time is the importance of early survival skills. In our modern society, we often prioritize teaching children how to play sports or other leisure activities before teaching them how to protect themselves and navigate dangerous situations.

This is a mistake, as many animals in the wild, such as lion cubs, gorilla infants, and dog puppies, begin learning how to fight and survive at a very early age. "The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence." - Confucius

The development of proficiency in mobility skills or martial arts is a multi-faceted process that involves the interplay of learning, practice, and application. It can be conceptualized as a basic triangle, with each element supporting and reinforcing the others. Additionally, the process can also be broken down further into the specific components of technique, practice, and fight, highlighting the importance of mastering the mechanics of the skill and applying them in real-world scenarios. Proper learning begins with curiosity and frustration; the desire to find a solution to a problem one knows or fears. In the world of Krav Maga, for example, this may manifest in the form of a threat or attacker. Through experimentation and adaptation, one can overcome physical or cognitive limitations and improve their skills.

Frustration is a natural and essential component of the learning process, evident from the earliest stages of development. This is exemplified in the way a baby learns to reach out, stand up, walk, and talk in order to access objects or communicate their needs. Similarly, in the realm of martial arts, the experience of frustration during practice, sparring, and other structured training exercises can serve as a powerful catalyst for personal growth and development. Through facing and overcoming structural failures, individuals can develop greater accuracy and proficiency in their skills.

However, martial arts that are not tested in stressful, real-world situations will not create the same level of frustration and understanding of failure, and thus will not lead to the same level of improvement and personalization for each student. As developmental psychologist Carol Dweck once said, "In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, 'Oh, I'm going to reveal my weaknesses,' they say, 'Wow, here's a chance to grow.'"

In order to be truly effective, the learning process must be organized and structured, building a patterned memory that allows for quick and accurate retrieval of solutions in high-pressure situations. It is essential to remember that learning self-defense and survival skills is not only about physical ability, but also about developing mental toughness and the ability to adapt to any situation.

"A true test of character is not how much we know how to do, but how we behave when we don't know what to do."

-John C. Maxwell

The ability to learn and recognize patterns is a crucial skill that enables individuals to identify and adapt to changing circumstances. In the context of the IKF organization, a focus on training based on protocols allows for a systematic approach to problem-solving. The protocol, as an understandable technical series, creates a framework for navigating the process of failure and solution, ultimately leading to the development of effective strategies for handling stressful situations even when initial attempts are not successful.

The learning process requires a willingness to embrace both the challenges and the opportunities that it presents. It is crucial not to shy away from learning, even in the face of failure or frustration.

Yesterday in the lecture I gave to high school students in Herzliya I talked about my learning process as a fighter and instructor, I found myself talking more about the fights I lost than the victories. Moments where frustration with myself or the system forced me to build a learning system that would prevent a repeat of the failure.

Learn, enjoy the process and don't compromise on self-criticism and frustration.

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.