THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Unlike many other martial arts that are strongly based on a culture or a ritual, Krav Maga is different. This Israeli self-defence technique is based on real-life situations and replicates a street fight. The person who is good in this martial art form can easily deal with any threatening situation in day-to-day life and this boosts your self-confidence.
For the same reason, Krav Maga is extremely popular. And, this is what former Air Force officer Sebastian believes as he imparts Krav Maga lessons to his 20-odd students, including women and children, in Thiruvananthapuram.
It was in January that Sebastian started teaching Krav Maga. The three-month course helps in training people to act when threatened.
He says, “It was 20 years back that I heard of Krav Maga, a hand-to-hand Israeli self-defence technique, but it was not that popular in India. In 2012, when I got posted at Pune Air Force Station, I started learning Krav Maga from Shivanand Poojari. I learned this martial art for three years but never thought of training people until now.”
After retiring from service, he trained under Vicky Kapoor, the Chief Instructor of International Ultimate Krav Maga Federation and Master Avshalom Dahan from Israel.In Thiruvananthapuram, Sebastian started Krav Maga training centres at Jimmy George Stadium, Toronto Art cafe, Pattoor, and Qfit Transformation Studio, Vellayambalam.
No rules
Unlike martial arts like karate which follows rules, there are no strict rules in Krav Maga. Sebastian says, “ This martial art is a self-defence technique which can be followed by anyone mostly in streets when a threatening situation arises. It is how to distract the attacker.”
Different techniques are used in Krav Maga such as the tactics to attack fast and in maximum speed in delicate areas such as eyes, neck. This trainer gives classes to the people not only to act immediately but also make them understand when they can fight. Due to adaptive and dynamic nature of the discipline of Krav Maga, practitioners have tremendously high metabolic rates and develop strength, endurance and speed over time. It is a great way to cope with stress and keep those endorphins flowing.
There is no age limit to learn this martial art. Sebastian has been training children from the age of 5 to 12 years. But, the defence techniques taught to children and adults vary. Sebastian has done a course to train children in Krav Maga.
The martial arts includes various drill and counter-attack sessions. For women, the training given is also different. Sebastian says, “Women are mentally strong but physically they may not be as strong as their male counterpart. So, I also give training sessions to women where they have to counter-attack the males counterpart.”Presently, Sebastian is working as a full-time Krav Maga Instructor training students, working professionals, police officers.