Krav Maga Offers Self-Defense and Fitness Training

by Phyllis Shaikun
June 27, 2003 - President Bush's "war on terror" has raised concerns about personal safety as well as national security, and classes in self-defense have proliferated as a result. One in particular, Krav Maga (pronounced "krahv muhGAH" - Hebrew for "contact combat"), the official self protection system developed by the Isareli military, counts celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Angelina Jolie among its enthusiastic fans.

You too can experience Krav Maga when classes begin at the Jewish Community Center on July 10 and run through August 28 from 7-8:30 p.m. Rolando Haddad, who received his certification at the Krav Maga National Training Center in Los Angeles, is head instructor. He believes anyone who takes this course - from accomplished martial artists and professional boxers to college-bound students and housewives - will leave safer, fitter and more aware.

You do not need special equipment or apparel to participate. In fact, a recent newspaper article described the hour-long classes as "T-shirt-soaking" since they also provide a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular fitness, strength and muscle tone.

My daughter, a recent transplant to New York City, took the course through the 92nd St. "Y" and declared it "empowering." The focus, she explained, is placed on developing awareness and skills effective against attacks in everyday situations. Steps are broken down into small enough segments that individuals of all ages and all fitness levels are able to accomplish them.

Since most women lack the physical power of men, Krav Maga teaches them to transfer strength from their entire body to one spot to help deliver a blow. Students learn to use their elbows, knees and even the tops of their feet and shins as contact surfaces. The idea is to quickly get free from your attacker and then disable him (or her) with kicks and jabs to the face or groin to get away.

Cost of the eight-week course is $100 for member, $140 for non-members. Contact Jeremy Ruoff, 459-0660, ext. 214 for more information or call the Health Services Desk, ext. 127, to register.