Nice Words
About the Blog
Just wanted to say I really enjoyed reading about your journey and it has helped me keep positive about moving forward.
– Tyler P. (via Facebook)
I love your blog! Your weight loss is amazing, and I applaud you for getting your message out there. Krav Maga is an incredible defense system, and the workouts/drilling/training are intense! Although I’ve been focused on BJJ for the past 8-9 months, I can’t wait for the turn of the year when I can re-evaluate our gym’s calendar and work Krav back into my training regimen.
In the mean time, please keep up the great blog!!
– Kris
I’m trying to psyche myself up for krav class right now (I think this is my eighth class) and this post really helped, thanks! I figured as a hockey player for 15 years, I wouldn’t fear krav, but apparently with my goalie pads off, I’m a bit more timid than I thought.
Thank you for sharing your insights into your training, KMJ! I’m so enjoying revisiting memories of past training and comparing/contrasting my own lessons with the ones you are sharing. What I am most impressed with is your ability to see the “big picture” and not get sucked in to one mindset. That’s not an easy thing to do. It means staying conscious and aware constantly. You were born an excellent martial artist, your training is just bringing it out of you.
Keep up the great work!
A fellow student of the martial arts,
– Chris
I have read many things on your blog, these posts included. Thanks so much.
– dirtysteve (via Reddit)
Haha, I love your writing style! It’s slightly self-deprecating, but I can appreciate that. You write very entertaining.
– Kravlady
I stumbled onto your blog via Pinterest and am so pleased to find it! I am “new” to Krav Maga, even though I’ve been training for about three years. I joined a school affiliated with Krav Maga Worldwide and went to classes until I got scared (which was fairly early on.) But I couldn’t seem to stay away. I would go back, train for a several weeks, have a panic attack over one of the self defense techniques, and stop going…but I’d be drawn back, wanting to conquer my fears and hang ups from a traumatic and violent past. My instructors are amazing men who push me well beyond comfort, but who are patient as I work through the things that scare me. I finally buckled down stuck with it to earn my yellow belt in June of 2012. I suppose it’s a small victory in the grand scheme of things, but for me—hanging in, and passing the test was HUGE for me. I feel I’m a pretty average person—I’m a 36 year old, fluffy, stay at home mom. I’m one of the oldest people in my level 2 class, and it’s intimidating to go into class and try to keep up with the men (who are all naturally bigger and stronger) and the women (who are all a decade younger than me and hard-bodied fitness fanatics.) Some days I can’t even believe I do this. I look much more like Kung Fu Panda than Karate Kid.
But, Krav Maga has been absolutely LIFE CHANGING for me. It’s not just “a workout” or a martial arts class. It has literally changed how I view myself, the world, and my place and my right to be in it. I walk in peace as I train, because I know what I’m learning can save my life. I don’t ever want to give it up.
I have enjoyed reading your posts, especially the Snap Out of It! one and the Top 20 Things to Remember When Starting Out. I have re-read that a couple of times, because even though I’ve been doing this awhile, my fear and feelings of inadequacy will get the better of me and it’s tempting to go on hiatus again. The Snap Out of It! post reminds me to “keep my fierce” and stay in the fight. (Even when the fight is in my head over whether to go to class and face the demons.)
I suppose women experience Krav Maga a bit differently than men, but I love the sense of camaraderie I feel reading about your being an “average Joe” on your journey through Krav. I can relate to your early posts about realizing how out of shape you were, how crazy important stretching is—all of it! I wish I’d found your blog when you first started—but I’m loving reading the archives and catching up. Thank you for your blog, your posts, and your writing style—you’re relatable, easy to read, and it’s encouraging to read about your progress.
Best wishes as you continue in training,
Sincerely,
<Name withheld by request> (via email)
Great post, & great blog! Thanks!
– statesidepaddy (via Reddit)
Hey dude, just thought I say how much I like the blog. I just began Krav Maga about 2 weeks ago and I’m glad you were able to give me some pointers as a newbie. So far I love it and it’s a great way to get some cardio in between my weight lifting as well. I can’t wait to get to the point where I truly feel like a human weapon no matter what kind of situation I’m in. I’ve got a long way to go, but your stuff is great so far. Keep it up!
– Yossif (via email)
Love this post! It is a very challenging aspect of the martial journey. We train so diligently for events that we hope to never have happen. These concepts are so important to think about and keep perspective on yet I agree, many martial arts schools/training centers don’t challenge their students enough with critical questions, philosophies like you list above. Great article!
– Chris
Reblogged this on Krav Maga Magazine and commented: Great read and inspiration.
Great tips and post. All of them are true and very important in sparring.
Love this post I’ve been training in kempo, kickboxing, bjj, and Krav Maga for over a decade. I am familiar with everything on that list, not to mention splints for broken fingers, tape for sprained ankles, and the occasional rx’d muscle relaxor or opiate pain relievers. between combat sports and endurance sports i have even learned to take pain killers before big event like Long races or belt Tests.
About the book:
Very helpful book January 18, 2014
By Ldess
I’m a 44 year old woman and for personal reasons have been thinking very seriously about starting Krav Maga for more than a year. I have researched, watched videos, read articles and other books but in all these things I haven’t ever found anything that really gave me an idea of what I could really expect upon beginning. Fear has kept me from walking into one of the few schools here in the city to just sit and ask these type of questions and frankly some of these things addressed I don’t even know if I would have even thought of asking the instructor. After reading this book I was able to push through that fear and have now purchased some classes from a local school and will begin soon. Thank you to Craig De Ruisseau for taking time to write such a helpful and informative book. I’d highly recommend this to anyone who is considering making Krav Maga a part of their life – no matter what the reason.
Perfect way to start Krav January 26, 2014
By Rob
I’ve been a Krav Maga student and now instructor for about 8 years and this book is a perfect representation of what to expect from Krav classes. If you’re a current student or are thinking about starting you’ve gotta read this. Craig is honest and hits all the major points perfectly, well done!
Krav Maga Journey 