Self Defense Training: Identifying and Extending Your Limitations

Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.
Albert Einstein
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Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.
Albert Einstein
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/limits.html#BuKKeCbE4iQLKvfA.99

Once we accept our limits we go beyond them.  Albert Einstein


Self Defense training will highlight your abilities and limitations- physically, mentally, and emotionally. You will feel inspired as you learn life saving skills but frustrated when you struggle with certain techniques and exercises. Through these experiences you become more capable of protecting yourself. 

Here are some general examples of how Krav Maga training highlights your abilities and limitations.

Fitness. Training will improve your cardiovascular conditioning, strength, and flexibility. If you stay away from donuts and beer (or in moderation) you will also lose body fat.  In the process of training you will also meet your limits.  Even the fittest struggle through  Burpee jumps, chin-ups etc... 

Confidence.  Learning techniques is certainly confidence building. There will be times, however, when you struggle with a technique/exercise, or your test results are not what you hoped for. Unsettling?  Yes.  All students (and yes, instructors) will experience an ebb and flow in confidence.  It is part of your growth.

Comprehension. Krav Maga is a relatively simple self defense system but some techniques involve more detail.  When you have those epiphanies or “a-ha moments” it is encouraging.  There are times, however, when you will hit a mental roadblock.  For the longest time I couldn’t wrap my head around wrist releases.  Practice, practice, and ask questions. 

Decision-making:  Besides the challenge of learning specific techniques you learn when and how to use them.  Through various exercises you make better decisions in a shorter time.  Multiple attacker scenarios, for instance,  require quick and concise decisions and we all make mistakes.  The key is to practice and to minimize these mistakes as every correct decision can save your life. 

Focus on yourself.  There is always someone who is stronger, faster, younger, bigger, more experienced etc....  Focus on your abilities and limitations.  You will get frustrated but with consistent effort and informed guidance you will improve, enjoy your training, and learn life saving skills. 

Be safe, 

Christopher Gagne

Lead Instructor, International Krav Maga Federation, Toronto

torontokrav@rogers.com

416-657-1028
Ikmftoronto.com