Training Tip #1 - Awareness

Before we talk about actual objects we can use as defensive weapons, we must train ourselves to increase our level of, what the military and law enforcement sometimes call, ‘situational awareness’. This simply means look and see in an active, engaged way. Obviously different situations require different levels of awareness. Entering a poorly lit car park or hallway at night requires a different level of awareness than say, sitting at home in an easy chair reading. Awareness is not about being fearful or paranoid. It is about being in your environment, not only physically, but also mentally. We all look but do we really see what is happening around us?

Here are few things you can practice everyday to increase your ability to observe, become more aware and avoid a possible threat. It is important that you make this training an habitual part of your daily routine.

1. Don’t walk or act like a victim. Walk confidently head up looking the world in the eye in non-threatening or confrontational way. REMEMBER: Predators prey on those they see as the weakest members of society.
2. Always trust your instincts. If a person or situation does not look or feel right, usually you will be correct. Immediately move away from that person or situation
3. Train yourself every day to, and make it a habit, check the backseat of your car before you enter the vehicle.
4. Don’t round corners blindly, take a few paces or steps out from the wall or building before you turn the corner. You will be in a better position to see a possible threat; this will also allow you more time to react.
5. Train yourself to be more aware of people around you. For example: Start with a simple observation drill. Next time you are at the mall, Identify to yourself how many people are wearing baseball caps, or how many people have long hair as opposed to short hair. Sounds simple, but by doing this you will be amazed at how quickly you will increase your general level of awareness.
6. Learn to deal effectively with distractions. For example: The next time someone comes up to you in the street and asks for the time or, directions, assist them if you can. However, learn to divide your attention, keep the appropriate distance and also be very aware of their actions, and the actions of anyone else in the immediate vicinity.

This training tip was provided by the Ultimate Krav Maga DVDs.  Click here to see & read more.

AWARENESS DRILL – Take the time to scatter some everyday objects on a  table or bench surface in a designated room/area for training.  Enter that same room and train yourself to quickly scan the objects at the table and then walk away. In a separate room review by yourself or with others what was on the table that you could have used as a defensive weapon if you were attacked in that situation. This will lead to more intense drills that can incorporating the same objects in the same environment but includ attackers and pressure. Safety first – use protective equipment when necessary.

Training Tip #2 – Shielding Objects

Let's now talk about the importance of using stationary shielding and barrier type objects such as walls, posts, columns, trees, fences etc. These can all be used to create a barrier between you and a threat. By their nature, in most cases we have to maneuver behind these objects. Most times, provided the attacker is not using a weapon that fires a projectile, distance and some type of barrier will defeat the attack. Here are some important considerations to help with your training:

1. Get use to book marking shielding objects as you move around in your daily life. Well-trained soldiers do this instinctively as the move around a battlefield, continually scanning for cover. We can do the same thing at a more relaxed and appropriate level.
2. Safely play out realistic scenarios with a partner such as, using a tree or a post or other fixed object, even a kitchen table, one partner tries to tag the other on the shoulder, whilst the other avoids the attack by moving around. Always keep the tree etc between you and the attacker.
3. Increase the level of your training by starting with a verbal threat and then work with more advanced attacks such as knives.
4. Incorporate pressure into the training by introducing a second attacker, low light or some form of distraction.
5. Training is everything. We must train our minds and bodies to identify the threat and respond instinctively. If you do not make this training apart of your everyday life you will not respond effectively.

This training tip was provided by the Ultimate Krav Maga DVDs.  Click here to see & read more.

Training Tip #3 – Common Objects

Common Objects exist all around us in almost any environment we work, live and move in. If you are in an outside/inside environment such as a bus stop, walking to your car, jogging in a park, eating at a restaurant or coffee shop you will almost always find sticks, rocks, sand or dirt, trees (for shielding) park benches (for shielding) trash cans, chairs and tables.  You must start identifying these types of objects, NOW. You must make it apart of your training when you leave your Krav Maga class or studio.

Common objects also exist on our person. Almost everyone wears a belt or carries keys. Almost everyone drinks some type of a beverage (coffee, tea, water and soda). It is important again to be aware of these objects but also to train mentally and physically on using these objects as defensive weapons. Become more aware of your environment by training yourself everyday in common and new environments.  Learn how to identify and scanning for threats and advantages. It is also extremely important to learn to scan for exits, doors, windows etc. so that you can instinctively choose an escape route away from danger.

This training tip was provided by the Ultimate Krav Maga DVDs.  Click here to see & read more.

COMMOM OBJECTS DRILL – We are going to modify the above Awareness Drill.  Take the time to scatter some everyday objects on a table or bench surface in a designated room/area for training.  Enter that same room/area and train yourself to quickly scan the objects at the table – Now, introduce an attacker to the equation. At this point you will need to deal with the imminent threat, this threat may or may not be wielding a weapon (depends on your skill level).  Use your common objects, shielding objects to aid you in your defense.  Repeat this drill with different objects, multiple attackers, increase intensity and change the orientation of the room ie. Change the table around forcing a different route.  It is important the you change the dynamics of this drill in order to prepare yourself for the multitude of variations that you may encounter in the real world. When you have neutralized the attacker remember to scan for additional attackers and move to your exit or designated safe area. Safety first – use protective equipment when necessary.