Episode 48 – Amit Himelstein is the head instructor at International Kapap Federation-Israeli CQB

Posted: June 22, 2018 by urbantacticskravmaga in Warrior's Den
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Warriors Den Graphic I tunes

Amit Himelstein with the UTKM Instructor Crew.jpg“Amit has been part of the martial arts world since the age of 8. Started his journey in Karate, and progressed from there into the full contact world. As a teenager, Amit represented the Israeli National Team in competitions in Israel and around the world.  At the age of 18  he joined the IDF Special Forces and served as a Krav Maga instructor. The military experience gave him the best “training” ground for CQB.
After his army service, Amit moved to China and joined a training team of traditional Kung fu, Sanshou and Shuai jiao. He trained and compete there for 3 years.

After returned to Israel Amit opened the “Israel Sanshou academy ”, a martial arts academy for Sanshou, shuai jiao and tactical training. Chose Sanshou as the main focus. Sanshou is a fighting system that is used in the training program of the Chinese police and as the main combat sport in China. Sanshou combines striking and wrestling skills. The academy and Amit himself  keep computing in sanshou, grappling , traditional wrestling and MMA.

In addition, Amit is working with police and army units on kapap and CQB training.

The IKF- Israel Kapap Federation: In 2010 Amit  joined the federation. He added his experience in martial arts and Army CQB to the Kapap methods.

The IKF is working on a variety of projects and seminars around the world.  Special units, police, anti-bulling programs for teenagers and children and self defence programs for civilians.”

Source – http://www.ikf-cqb.com/about

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How I got “forced” (Encouraged) into taking the Assistant Instructor Course

Posted: June 19, 2018 by karisblog180560859 in Instructor Courses - Progression and Thoughts
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Karis After her orange Belt test. Also how we imagine she feels writing this post.

Did I say forced? I meant given this wonderful opportunity…

So first of all, to everyone who told Jon I should do the Assistant Instructor Course. Yeah. I’m doing it. Thanks. Peer pressure guys, clearly it works. Starting at the beginning though, I’ve been doing Krav Maga for close to three years now. Before that, I did ballet when I was younger and tried some other sports, but I didn’t really enjoy them due to being shy and not good at team sports. I chose to learn self defense because I thought it would help me get into the RCMP and also because my father wanted me to be able to protect myself. He recognized that as a female, my life going to be different from that of my brothers and I would face different threats. I also thought Krav was more of a solo sport, however, on that I was wrong. Anyone who’s been to one of the tests could tell you that at Urban Tactics everyone is very encouraging and we all want each other to succeed.

When I first tried a class at UTKM as a quiet, small fifteen-year-old, I definitely didn’t

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Karis During her orange belt test. Not so quiet now.

think I would ever get this far. I started just going to one or two classes a week and was surprised when I got told I could test for my yellow belt. Side note to anyone going for a belt test, pleeeeease prepare. DO IT. It will be a bit easier if you are physically ready and trust me, on your test day, you will be thankful. I struggled through that first test and while it was rewarding, it was harder than it would have been if I have been physically prepared. Anyways, I’ve come pretty far in the time I’ve been training. I currently have an orange belt in Krav and I’ve been training Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for six months now? I got a stripe for my white belt in BJJ recently! Explaining what that means to my family was interesting, as I’m not totalllllly sure what exactly that is. I was still really excited about it, though I’m not ‘suddenly’ better now like how someone told me would happen.

So, on top of all the training and oh yeah school too, I am now doing the assistant instructor course (help me). If you have ever met me, you will probably have noticed I am not exactly a loud person. Or someone good at stringing together explanations. But somehow people thought I could teach, I dunno what they saw. We’ll see if I can do it or not. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I also have a green belt test coming up, for anyone who wants to help, especially big, strong people taller than me, it’s in November. Yup. Show up for tests in November. Don’t worry about any tests before then (unless you’re small, then we need you). Otherwise, don’t come. Thanks anyways. See you in November. Don’t forget.

Okay, what else? Why am I doing this course? Because all of my reasons to NOT do it were shot down, and someone put time and effort into writing a response to my list (That someone was Lead Instructor Jon.) I would feel bad if they worked on that and I didn’t do the program. And that’s the only reason I’m doing this. No, I’m kidding. I love Krav, and I love UTKM. I think they have an amazing program and some pretty awesome people training there. My problem with becoming an instructor is…. PEOPLE. As an instructor you have to control a class, be able teach a technique well, think of creative drills/games, answer any random questions students have (that you may or may not know the answer to), keep everyone safe, oh and, everyone is watching you during all this. Heh. Heh. Help. You tell me to my face that all sounds fun/easy. I will laugh at you (politely). Hey, did you guys know I’m only going to be eighteen when I start teaching? Yay! Very excited to tell people two-three times (possibly four, I don’t know how active old people are) older then me what to do! No. That is not exciting. That is terrifying. Also, if you don’t understand sarcasm, I’m sorry. Can’t really help you with that though.

So, IF everything goes according to plan, I will finish the AIC sometime in December? AFTER eight unit tests, a midterm, a final, teaching 25 classes under supervision, and learning about to talk loudly. Not sure about the last one. Last thing, if you come to a class I teach, please be nice and don’t ask too many questions. Or don’t come at all. You don’t have to come. It is actually okay if you don’t. I will forgive you eventually. Probably. Please wish me luck. I have to go do homework for the course THAT NO ONE WARNED ME ABOUT. Heh.

-Karis

Karis Gets her Orange Belt.jpgEDITORS NOTE: Please come to class and be difficult students so Karis can be challenged and learn to be the awesome instructor we know she will be. She was asked by many people to do the course as she is one of the most dedicated students we have despite her age. Assuming she passes her green belt she will also be our first female green belt and we will be very proud of her. We know through practice and the AIC course she will overcome her quiet demeanour and become the person we know she can be so she has all the skills to get into the RCMP one day. Don’t let her age fool you she has some of the best cleanest techniques out of all our students and well gladly try to stab you when we do our knife stuff. Look forward to more sassy posts from karis in the future.

This week’s Krav Maga and BJJ curriculum: June 18th – 24th

Posted: June 18, 2018 by urbantacticskravmaga in Weekly Curriculum
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Simultanous Defend & Attack

Posted: June 12, 2018 by urbantacticskravmaga in Krav Maga Principles
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Andrew does 360

360 defense in action

Defending and attacking is not a concept to specific to Krav Maga but it is something that one should try to do when possible. The reason is simple. Efficiency.

The quicker you can overwhelm your opponent by off-balancing, causing pain and disrupting while applying Retzev and protecting yourself from the initial attack the more successful you will be.

Of course, it is not always possible to do both for if you were not paying attention and were in condition white it is likely you may only be able to defend initially until you can fully “activate” and enter into full Krav (“Fight”) Mode.

The concept of defending and attacking simultaneously is the ideal scenario and can often be seen in such techniques as the 360 defence where we try to both block, burst and strike as closely together as we can.

Whether you can or cannot totally depend on your readiness level, skill level and general physical response times. The more techniques you can apply simultaneously (or close to) defence and attack principles the more likely you are to survive a given situation.

It should be remembered, however, that if you are applying this concept you are at stage four self-defence, Reactive, meaning you failed or were unable to apply the previous stages.

Like many of the Krav concepts or principles this is a guideline and while it should be applied where possible you still must be able to adapt when circumstances change. At the end of the day what you do in a violent confrontation will be considered a success if you managed to make it to safety with minimal damage.

**Topics under any principle category (EX. Krav Maga Principles) may be updated from time to time so always check in every few months to see if the posts have been updated.

This week’s Krav Maga and BJJ curriculum: June 11th – 17th

Posted: June 11, 2018 by urbantacticskravmaga in Weekly Curriculum
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Hard on Soft, Soft on Hard

Posted: June 5, 2018 by urbantacticskravmaga in Krav Maga Principles
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Hard on soft, soft on hard is a simple concept in Krav Maga.

If you are going to hit a hard object or let’s say a hard part of the body then you should use a soft part of yours, contrary if you are going to hit a soft target or part of the body then you should use a hard part of your body.

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In the Street, of course, this would be bare-knuckle and would be hard on soft.

This, of course, is more of a guideline to help you avoid injury to another important aspect of Krav Maga.

Soft on Hard
Hard on Soft

The classic example is if you are going to hit someone in the face say to the nose you should hit them with a closed fist with the hard 2 large knuckles. However, if you notice they are tucking their chin to change the target to their hard forhead you should switch to a “soft” palm strike instead. Again the main goal is to avoid injury more than anything as if you were to punch with the knuckles to the crown of the head full force it is likely you will break your knuckles as the forehead is harder.

You could make the argument that this is similar to tai chi yielding concepts. You could also make the argument that you can simply toughen up your body using hardbody training techniques seen in classic Okinawan Karate or other similar styles, however, this takes far to long for the average Krav Maga practitioner. To properly do hard body training to kill the nerves on the surface and increase bone density it takes dedication and time often in the length of year and years to get the desired result. As Krav Maga is supposed to have a quick and easy learning curve most schools would not want to wish to take the time to do such things.

Again the Hard on soft, soft on Hard is a guideline more than a rule but it can save you to fight another day by preventing injury. For defending yourself for survival is great, but in the modern world breaking a hand in the process could become problematic for anyone who needs them to work.

This week’s Krav Maga and BJJ curriculum: June 04th – 10th

Posted: June 4, 2018 by urbantacticskravmaga in Weekly Curriculum
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My Journey To A Face Full of Punching – and my Orange Belt/Assistant Instructor Cert

Posted: May 29, 2018 by Andrew F in Instructor Courses - Progression and Thoughts, UTKM Testing Prep & Experience
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Well, first thing I’d like to say is that Warren (A UTKM Green Belt Student.) lied to me. “The orange belt is easier than the yellow belt!’ You know, for an older, pleasant-seeming fellow, Warren is probably quite, quite evil. It is to be expected, he is a Green belt.
UTKM only really has three belts. Yellow, Orange and Green. There are more above Green, but everyone who has tried, has died. Well, not died, but, you know, not made it yet. Perhaps one day, if they learn immortality.
Editors Note: No one has died at UTKM. This is Andrews dark sense of humour. also, we havent been open that long for anyone to train long enough to achieve the higher belts where we go past the basics of hand to hand combat and start to look into more specific applications like police and military. For most people, the orange or green belt is enough but for those serious about expanding their knowledge in the area of use of force then this is where it’s at. Additionally we currently only have 4 green belts, only warren is regularly still at the school.
Yellow, Orange and Green. I personally think Orange should be Red. Not just because it looks like stop-lights that way, but because the Orange belt test did that to my brain about twenty minutes in. Stopped it. It’s already red (ish) because, you know, brain.
Editors note: Possibly a reference to the awareness colour code? but we are never quite sure with Andrew.
 A Yellow belt test is about mental toughness and determination with basic technique. An Orange belt has you demonstrate the advanced technique, then takes it away from you and sees if you can make it. Then demands technique again. The Greenbelt test is a lovely combination of all this, while maintaining advanced technique at all times.  Good fun.
So the Orange belt is half-way through UTKMs punishing belt regime. After Green, it’s less about testing for physical and mental toughness and more refining and learning. You’ve proven you can take what is dished out and how.
Things like tough belt tests are an excellent motivator not to get in real-life fights.
Andrew does 360

Andrew during testing

Things like tough belt tests are an excellent motivator not to get in real-life fights. You are reminded that not all will go as planned. That training and technique can only go so far when you are winded and repeatedly being punched in the face. You’re wearing a head protector, but that head protector only does so much, as my black eye attested. Looked cool though.

The second reality is the first time it starts to get hard and you have to recommit to pushing through, realising that the only way out -is- through.
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Editors Note: If you have ever wondered why lead instructor Jonathan Fader is the way he is, it is because he takes this very krav approach to life.
Krav is about always learning and re-learning, and about giving up ideas for harsh reality. The harsh realities of a demanding test come in several, equally-delicious flavours. First, you take that first step and make it to the test. The precipice moment. Comes and goes quickly, but you must still psych yourself up in order to get to it. The second reality is the first time it starts to get hard and you have to recommit to pushing through, realising that the only way out -is- through. Finally, when and if you’ve run out of endurance and technique, is the pure guts part. Just keep marching or fighting, one step after another.
Real fighting also has a precipice moment – one we teach you to spot early in Krav and if you do decide to take the step, do it before the other guy does. Preferably you see it coming and turn aside, but if you have to do it, do it fast and commit.
After that commit point, a real-life, no-rules fight can go anywhere. It can be over in a punch or two or be a ten minute struggle for dominance. It can end with a fast stab and you can spend twenty minutes trying not to bleed to death. We can only train you so much for those moments, but what we -can- do is teach you that if you -do- learn to push through and fight on, your chance of success goes way, way up.
 UTKM belt tests are not only a test of your technique and perseverance, but a reminder of how punishing and unpredictable a real life fight can be. And why you should avoid them when possible – and destroy when not.
So that’s what Orange belt tests are like. Learn to succeed through toughness when technique fails. Can’t wait to see what Green belt is like – apparently, you have to have technique even when tall men are repeatedly kicking you around. Should be interesting.
Oh yes and I got my Assistant Instructors Certificate so now I may pois..polish young minds. And old minds. And any mind that doesn’t manage to escape my reach in time…
Editors note: The assistant instructor course takes 6 months-1 year in addition to regular Krav Maga training, Just like our belts our instructor’s course is not for factory instructors but those who are committed to both Krav Maga technique but also and mostly the knowledge that makes a good instructor.
After the test. Beauty and the beast. Andrew looks defeated but was quite succesful..but not perfect…never perfect.. so deeply flawed…
A proud day from Jedi to padiwon 😀 He didn’t quit on me. Don’t ever quit me bro!
Apparently he had the energy to put on chain mail after…I can’t figure this one out.

This week’s Krav Maga and BJJ curriculum: May 28th – June 3rd

Posted: May 28, 2018 by urbantacticskravmaga in Weekly Curriculum
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Why do we fall? So we Can learn to pick ourselves up again: Failure was not an option

Posted: May 22, 2018 by petrabfoerster in Instructor Courses - Progression and Thoughts, Testing
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Here we go, my orange belt test.

To begin with – I was incredibly nervous, I did not want to fail. Everybody was sharing their stories about how hard and horrible the test was which did not help my anxiety. I tried to train for it, Jon helped me to get my conditioning up but then I got injured, I strained a muscle in my hip. Very annoying location for that. So I rested but after a week or so I picked up training again. I tried to train more days to make up for what I missed but that wasn’t the greatest idea either. I felt really bummed out that I struggled so hard physically. Yes, I’m not in my twenties anymore but still, come on you old corpse! Well, yelling at myself also didn’t work.

I also did some trial runs in the gym to familiarize myself with the “circle of death“. Let’s face it – I sucked at it!

Editors Note: The “the circle of death” as some affectionately call it is a component of both the Orange and Green Belt tests and is common in Krav Maga testing. 

With all these things on mind, the days before the test were hard on me. I doubted myself, I didn’t want to fail and I spiralled down into the black hole that so far I was able to avoid.

Andrew (Fellow Assistant Instructor Candidate) helped me a lot during those days, we trained together, worked our way through the curriculum for white and yellow, and talked. What would be the worst case scenario?

I could fail. Working on becoming an assistant instructor failure was not an option for me. I didn’t want to lose students’ respect. I also didn’t want to disappoint people  – Jon, Andrew, Karch, myself …

Petra Success

Petra Post-test Exhausted but victorious

At the end – I made it, and I was incredibly relieved and I felt I really earned that orange belt!

 

During the last part of the test, the sparring – whenever I hit my opponent and people cheered – that was a first for me and I enjoyed it a lot. So thank you to all of you who were there that day!

For people who are going for their yellow or orange belt – make sure you know the curriculum (I know, it is mostly about pushing through and not to give up, but knowing the curriculum helped me a lot, at least one section of the test I felt confident), read the UTKM blog and work on your conditioning. For the test itself, energy control is crucial. Know yourself and your body, know your limits. But also understand that your body is telling you to give up way before your energy reserves are empty. That is the mental part – telling yourself to keep going, to not give up. It always sounds so easy when people say that but in reality, it is hard. It is a roadblock in your head and fighting your own brain is tough. And it is ok to fail – we (including myself) tend to forget that. Sometimes the way how you deal with failure says a lot more than winning. And it is ok to ask for help. If you are unsure about a technique or just want to go over it again – ask the person you feel most comfortable with.

In Judo we always say there is no shame in falling, only if you don’t get up again.

Why DO we Fall BruceEditors Note: When It comes to testing sometimes we really aren’t sure with who will struggle and who will make it look easy, often we are quite surprised as to who does what on both ends of the spectrum. Leading up to the test we can assure you Petra was having a hard time both physically and mentally and it was definitely a low point for Petra (“A fall”). But when it came test day her performance was almost flawless. It was clearly difficult for her but in true Krav Maga and warrior fashion she sucked it up for the duration of the test. Petra is an inspiration to not just women but all Krav Maga practitioners. Difficult, does not mean impossible. And falling either mentally or physically should always be a learning experience. For those who do not get up again are doomed to fail, but those who brush themselves off and keep going to learn and grow will always continue to succeed.

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